You’ve smoked the joints. You’ve eaten the edibles. But now, you’re looking to get a little more extreme with your marijuana use: you’re looking to start dabbing.
The only problem is: you don’t know how to dab. That’s where this article comes in. Below, we’re going to get into the specifics of dabbing, ensuring that you have all the tools and materials you need and that you know exactly how to use them.
Let’s go!
What Tools and Materials are Needed for Dabbing?
In order for you to start dabbing, you’ll need a few tools and materials. These tools and materials can generally be found in dispensaries, in head shops, and on online retail sites. They are as follows.
Wax
First and foremost, you’ll need wax. And we’re not talking about ear or candle wax. In this instance, wax refers to a form of cannabis concentrate.
Sometimes referred to as shatter, budder, or butane hash oil, wax is a sticky substance with a yellowish-brown color. It packs a wallop as far as THC content goes, which is what allows dabbing to produce such and quick and extreme high.
Wax can be found in most marijuana dispensaries throughout the country. In fact, even medical marijuana dispensaries are starting to sell it.
Dab Rig
Next, you’ll need a dab rig. The dab rig is the pipe through which the wax is smoked. Dab rigs are made out of glass and can be purchased at most dispensaries and head shops.
You’ll find dab rigs of all sizes. Generally, the smaller the better, as small rigs allow for greater potency. This selection of rigs should give you an idea as to what’s available out there.
Nail
You’ll also need a nail (and not the kind that you hammer into a piece of wood). In the context of dabbing, a nail is a small piece of metal, ceramic, or quartz which is attached to the dab rig. Dabbing nails can be bought at most dispensaries and headshops, both online and in-person.
Dome
If you’re just getting started, you’re advised to utilize a dome as well. This is a small piece of glass or metal which is placed over the dabbing nail. Its job is to contain vapor so that it can’t easily escape.
Torch
In order to get a dab rig hot enough, you need to apply a hot flame to its nail. For this reason, you will need a torch of some kind.
Essentially any type of torch will do, but it’s best to stick to a specially-made dabbing torch. These torches are handheld and make use of butane gas. They’re available for around $20.
Dab Tool
Last but certainly not least, you’ll need a dab tool. This is essentially a rod which is used to hold the wax as it’s being placed against the nail.
While you could technically make a dab tool out of any long, narrow piece of metal or glass, you’re advised to buy one from a dispensary or head shop. The ones sold at dispensaries and head shops are the safest to use and will only set you back a few bucks.
How to Dab
Dabbing is a fairly extreme form of marijuana absorption. It produces a quick and heavy high which can overwhelm you if you’re not careful. For this reason, you must be careful to dab in the right way.
Add Water to the Rig
Start by adding water to your dab rig. Specifically, pour water into the dab rig’s chamber, filling it enough so that the water can bubble when the dab rig is blown into, but not so much that it hits your mouth while blowing.
Heat the Nail
Now that you have the dab rig filled with water, you can activate its heating mechanism, the nail. To do this, fire up your torch and use its flame to encompass the nail entirely. Hold it there for 30 to 45 seconds, trying your best to keep the nail from turning red.
When done heating, allow the nail to sit for around 45 seconds. This cooling-off period is vital to the safety of dabbing.
Place the Dome
If you’re a beginner, you should be using a dome on your dab rig. As soon as you’ve removed the flame from the dab rig’s nail, place the dome on top of the nail. This will trap heat and maximize vapor usage.
Cover the Dab Tool With Wax
Now it’s time to get busy. Grab your dab tool and dip it into your wax, encompassing the entire end of the dab tool with said wax.
You don’t need a lot of wax in order to produce a high. Even the smallest amount will do, especially for beginners.
Place Wax Against Heated Nail
Now, while the nail is still hot and while the end of your dab tool is covered in wax, put your lips on the dab rig’s mouthpiece. As you’re doing this, take the covered dab tool and press it up against the nail. This will burn the wax, creating a vapor that will go through the rig and arrive at the mouthpiece.
While this is happening, start inhaling. However, don’t stop touching the dab tool to the nail. In fact, rotate it so that fresh wax can continually be burned and turned into vapor.
Inhale until all of the wax is burnt away and you’ll have done it: you’ll have completed your first dab. Note, you need to inhale slowly the first few times you do this. As we’ve stated, dabs are exceedingly potent and can have seismic effects on those who have never done them before.
Get More Familiar With Cannabis
Now that you know how to dab, you might be looking for more marijuana-related information. If so, you can find it right here at our site. We cover everything from marijuana-related products to marijuana tips and more.
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