As a THC enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of dabbing but might not have tried it.  Dabs are highly concentrated forms of THC extracted from cannabis through various methods. They can be incredibly potent, containing between 60% to 90% THC strength. If you’re seeking fast-acting THC effects, dabs are worth considering.

With all the terminology, hype, and required equipment, dabbing has raised the standard for all experienced users.

Compared to using regular THC flowers, dabbing can seem more challenging to get into. Simply put, the process isn’t as complicated as it sounds. So, read ahead to learn the five steps to perfect dab hit.

1. Prepare Your Dab and Rig

Before you partake in the dabbing process, ensure you do it in a safe environment. The dabbing procedure starts with setting up the weed dabs and rig. Double-check to ensure that the instrument contains unused and clean water. After setting up the equipment, use the dabber, a glass or metal stick, to collect some concentrate and set it aside while you carry on with the steps below.

2. Heat the Nail

Once you have set the instrument, place the titanium or quartz nail in its position and light up a butane torch. Start heating the nail carefully by pointing directly at the nail, ensuring the flame touches it. Move the torch around the nail to heat it evenly. Once the nail turns red-hot, turn off the torch. Give the nail some time to cool down, around 20-40 seconds.

This cooling period lets you adjust the temperature precisely, which is an appealing characteristic of this technique. It allows you to release a lot of terpenes with weed dabs. The temperature you use determines whether you’re inhaling smoke or vapor. However, you’ll be lucky if you use an electric rig, as it’ll enable you to control the temperature automatically.

Here’s a clear explanation of the two kinds of temperature adjustments you could try with a manual setup:

Hot & Heavy Dabs

When you heat the nail and consume your concentrate at high temperatures, you’ll get a denser, thicker, and more intense dab. This kind of dab often makes you cough and gives you a stronger, more intense sensation, which you call «hot & heavy» dabs.

Usually, «hot & heavy» dabs are achieved at temperatures above 600 degrees Fahrenheit but below 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Some terpenes, especially the sweeter ones, may scorch within this temperature range, leading to a harsher hit as smoke is generated.

 Low Temp Dabs

On the other hand, if you heat and consume your dab at a lower temperature, known as «low-temp dabs,» you’ll get a tastier, more flavorful experience that’s gentler on your lungs. Low-temp dabs are typically done at temperatures ranging from 315 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A balanced approach falls between 450 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a mix of vapor and smoke, delivering a hybrid experience.

3. Vaporize the Dab

Using your dab tool, scoop up the amount of concentrate you want to use. Usually, it’s best to keep the amount smaller than a pea to prevent it from falling off the nail. Moreover, beginners must always start small until they become a pro.

So, put your concentrate on the nail and start stirring it clockwise, allowing it to vaporize. Dabbing ensures that you are only inhaling vapors rather than smoke and, hence, is considered a safer alternative.

4. Inhale the Vapor

Similar to how you would use a bong, position your mouth over the mouthpiece and start inhaling slowly. At this point, the concentrate is just beginning to turn into vapor. As you see the concentrate disappearing, place your dab tool down, cover your dome, and start breathing in.

Go easy on it at first to get used to the process. Unlike smoking cannabis buds, it’s recommended not to hold the vapor inside your lungs because it can expand. Instead, exhale it.

It’s a good idea to take a few gentle pulls, moving your dome back and forth to let in extra air in a controlled way. Lastly, remove the dome completely to breathe in the remaining vapor. Remember that the nail may still be very hot, and extra vapor could come out of the banger.

5. Clean Your Equipment

Last but not least, make sure to keep your dabbing tools clean to prevent sticky stuff from building up.

To clean the dab tool, heat it with the torch for a second, then wipe it off using a cloth or an alcohol wipe. For the dab nail, you can clean it by heating it until all the residue is gone. Alternatively, if you’re dabbing at lower temperatures, use a cotton swab after dipping it in isopropyl alcohol to clean the inside of the banger. Then, quickly wipe it dry with the other end of the swab.

Final Words

Dabbing cannabis concentrates has some benefits compared to other ways of using weed. Firstly, it doesn’t involve smoking, so you don’t breathe in the harmful stuff from cannabis smoke that can harm your lungs.

Also, unlike smoking, it doesn’t make your surroundings smell like weed. Dabbing has become popular among smokers and cannabis fans because it has strong concentrates and quickly makes you feel good and happy.