Consumption methods for cannabis have been evolving over the years, as legal use regulations continue to be debated in courts. Though many still enjoy smoking a joint, not many companies have CBD hash for sale. This is in part because cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrates are now available in many more convenient forms.
Various cannabis and CBD concentrates have made vaping and dabbing viable options for cannabis consumers, whether they want the full cannabis experience or just the benefits of CBD without the psychoactivity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In this post, we'll discuss what exactly “dabbing” is, popular substances that can be dabbed, and help you choose what you’ll need to get started.
What is Dabbing?
Dabbing is a way to consume CBD without smoking. Unlike with vaporizers that have users inhaling warm vaporized cannabis or CBD infused e-liquid, dab rigs offer a cooler, more potent hit.
Dabbing requires you to heat your concentrate of choice on a pan, banger, or nail with a torch until it begins to vaporize. The heated vapor is then pulled through the rig and cooled and cleaned by water before finally reaching the mouthpiece as you inhale. Dab rigs are a great option for individuals with easily irritated throats, or who are nervous about dealing with calibrating vaporizer temperatures.
How Many Substances Can Be Dabbed?
There are many forms of cannabis concentrate and CBD isolate that can be used with a dab rig. Below, we’ll go over four of the most popular forms among dabbers.
CBD/Cannabis Crumble Wax doesn’t spoil like raw cannabis ingredients would, which makes it viable for long-term storage. It’s a slightly oily, dark-colored substance that has the consistency of honeycomb.
CBD Oil is an isolated form of CBD that won’t have any of the intoxicating effects of cannabis concentrates due to its lack of THC. Dabbing with CBD oil is a great way to get the benefits of the cannabis plant without having to smoke it, and heating it up takes very little time.
Rosin is the result of a whole cannabis flower being squeezed under extreme pressure and heat. It’s essentially a super compressed bud that’s easy to store.
Badder or Budder is a concentrate that has been whipped during the heating process. The result is something with a dense batter-like consistency.
Dabbing Gear: The Basics
Dabbing requires a bit more hardware than vaping or smoking, albeit easier to use for new cannabinoid consumers.Finding the right dab rig for your lifestyle is just as important as choosing a concentrate. Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of three beginner friendly rig types:
Glass Rigs
Glass rigs are the “traditional model”. They range in height between 6-12 inches. These are extremely beginner friendly because of their versatility. They’re simple to use and easy to add accessories to.
Glass dab rigs are durable, and allow you to work with a wide range of temperatures. These are great starter rigs for those not quite sure where to begin. Glass rigs are great value for money as long as you don’t mind having to deal with regular cleanings.
Mini Rigs
Mini Rigs are usually under 7 inches tall. These are a good option if you want to keep your dabbing more discreet while still enjoying a quality experience.
Though mini dab rigs are more cost-effective than the traditional glass rig, they still have a good number of accessories available and will provide users with a smooth dab experience. However, their portability does come at a slight cost – cleaning the tiny pieces is a bit more complicated than regular sized rigs.
Silicone Rig
Silicone rigs are a godsend for the accident-prone dabber, and a great option for those with pets or young children. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but one thing they all have in common is that it will take a lot to break one.
If silicone rigs have one downside, it’s a slight loss of flavor. Because it’s made of a soft material, some of the flavor gets absorbed on its way up to the mouthpiece. Many on-the-go consumers find this a fair tradeoff for an extremely portable dab rig that’s machine-washable and durable.
Which Is Best: Quartz Banger or Titanium Nail?
There are two main forms of dabbing: using either a quartz banger or titanium nail. Both are good options, but let’s go into some of the differences so you can decide which is a better fit for you.
A quartz banger is a good choice if flavor is your top priority. They are easy to heat and can safely handle temperatures as high as 1472°F (800°C) without any risk of warping or melting for up to three minutes. Quartz bangers heat quickly (in about 5-10 seconds) but don’t retain heat very well. These are also sensitive to bumps and drops, so they’re not the best choice for dabbing on the go.
A titanium nail is the more durable option, but gets edged out by quartz bangers in the flavor department. Even though titanium will oxidize only after reaching temperatures of 1472°F (800°C) or higher, many users report a slight metallic taste with their first few dabs. To minimize this effect, simply season the titanium tip by heating the metal for two minutes, then dropping it into ice water immediately after. Titanium tips are great at retaining heat, but this also means that the risk of accidental burns is slightly higher, so exercise caution when using them.
