Dabbing is the act of inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrates through a device such as a
dab rig, e-rig, or vaporizer. This is a popular form of consumption for both medical and
recreational consumers because of the lack of combustion require to inhale it, along with a
much richer terpene experience. Dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis that come in a
variety of textures, while it can be overwhelming, we will cover the different forms of
concentrates to help you better understand and assist in your shopping and consumption
experience.
The oldest, original type of dabs is called hash. While some brands make hash today, there is
not much of it on the market and is better know by cannabis connoisseurs as a higher quality
product. Hash is considered a solventless extraction – A solvent based extraction uses
butane, propane, alcohol, or CO2 to separate the essential oils in the cannabis plant. Solvent
based extractions make many different concentrate consistencies depending on how the
material is treated, two great examples of this are sugar and budder. Concentrates with a
gooey and saucy consistency tend to have the highest amount of terpenes; however, if it is
too runny, it can be difficult to smoke.
Diving into different types of concentrates, how they’re made, and their consistency that
gives them their names, one that is most known but maybe not realized to be a form of
concentrate, is kief. This is the loose cannabis trichomes that collect at the bottom of your
grinder after grinding cannabis flower. It is best known as a powdery green form. Bringing it
back to hash for a moment, Hash is kief that has been formed into a brick and pressed. It can
also be cured and pressed into a ball, called Temple Balls, typically used to top bowls of
flower or rolled into joints.
Moving along the line, rosin is another solventless concentrate. It is created by applying heat
and pressure to cannabis flower material, then left to cure at low temperatures, and finally,
whipped to create its smooth and creamy consistency, which then maintains a slightly
different, sap-like consistency when it is dabbed.
Wax concentrates have a sticky, waxy consistency and are usually denser and more golden in
color. Aside from texture, they are best known for their intense aroma and robust flavors
which, of course, vary by cultivar used to create the concentrate. Wax is usually extracted
using butane to blast the plant material and extract all the cannabinoids and terpenes,
making it a solvent based extract concentrate.
Shatter is a type of concentrate that confuses most. It is thin, hard, and looks like glass – Top
quality shatter is nearly transparent with an amber color to it. The typical extraction process
for shatter also involves butane; but differs from wax extraction by using more heat and
mixing the extract less aggressively for its final texture. Due to the glassy texture, shatter can
be more difficult to work with, but it is more stable and has a longer shelf life.
Budder, badder, and batter are essentially the same type of concentrates. Budder has a
smooth, whipped consistency like butter, whereas badder and batter are sometimes more
saucy, loose, or bumpy. The production method used preserves the plants terpenes, making
budder one of the most aromatic and flavorful on dispensary shelves, behind live resin. The
extraction process often uses butane and CO2 to pull the terpenes and cannabinoids from
the flower material; Then, the concentrate is aggressively stirred, encouraging the
cannabinoids to crystallize while keeping out any air bubbles. The agitation process is what
gives the budder its thick, creamy consistency.
Sugar and crumble are flavorful products with a richer terpene profile than shatter or budder,
however, they do not match the aroma superiority of live resin. The color can vary from a pale
yellow to a deep amber. Crumble looks like sugar clumps and is the driest form of cannabis
concentrates, while sugar and crumble follow the same extraction process as other
concentrates, lower heat for an extended period creates the dry consistency. The texture
makes it easy to handle and ideal for sprinkling on a rolled joint, if you prefer!
Sauce is a unique combination of crystals, the higher levels of terpenes give it a dense, oil
consistency similar to marmalade. While the extraction process is roughly the same as that of
other solvent based extracts, the first step normally involves flash-freezing the buds to retain
a high potency of terpenes. The process also takes a few weeks longer than other extractions
– During this time the THCA crystals form.
Live resin products generally have a sticky consistency, similar to taffy. This can be
manipulated for the final texture to be more saucy, sugary, or buttery depending on the
processing method. Live resin is usually dark yellow but may vary from light yellow to white.
Live resin is a craft solvent-based extract created from flash-frozen cannabis material. This
process helps to preserve the plants natural terpenes and cannabinoids to ensure that the
final product retains the strongest aromas, flavors, and whole plant benefits, compared to
other concentrates. As a result, Live Resin is praised by connoisseurs as the top-quality
concentrate.
When beginning your dabbing journey, always start with a small amount, especially if you
have a low tolerance. Always use a clean rig for a better tasting dab experience. If the banger
is too hot, allow it to cool down before taking your dab. Too hot of a banger can produce
harsh vapor and degrade your concentrates flavor and potency. You should always heat the
nail or banger until it is glowing slightly red, then let it cool for 20-60 seconds before taking
your dab. Then, inhale slowly to fully enjoy the flavor but also minimize the risk of coughing.
Like all things, there are pros and cons to dabbing cannabis concentrates. They are much
more potent than consuming flower, so if your tolerance is high, dabbing is a great way to
consume; it provides almost immediate effects because your lungs rapidly absorb the
vaporized cannabinoids into your bloodstream. Cannabis concentrates preserve and enhance
the terpenes responsible for flavor and aroma of the plant. Dabbing can produce fewer
combustion byproducts than smoking which creates a cleaner experience. It can also be less noticeable when it comes to odor, making it a more discreet option, especially if you are
concerned about the smell that is associated with the use of cannabis.
The drawbacks to concentrate consumption include the necessity for tools and accessories,
along with the curve of learning the ideal temperature for vaporization – Since the
temperature you take your dab at will affect the flavor and ability to clean your device. There
is a risk when overheating terpenes, to turn toxic. A study from Portland State University
explains that temperatures above 600 F may provide toxicants methacrolein and benzene,
two pulmonary irritants. Be aware that there is always potential to over consume, especially
with concentrates, which can cause a rapid heartbeat, paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Dabbing involves heating concentrates and tools to high temperatures, because of this
always follow safety precautions and use appropriate tools and equipment to avoid the risk
of burning oneself.
When you dab concentrates, be sure to let the nail or banger cool down so you don’t scorch
the dab. The amount of time you need to wait depends on the thickness and the material of
your nail or banger. Your target temperature usually falls between 300-450 F, which will vary
depending on the equipment used. Devices like the DabRite are great to use as you learn the
art of cannabis concentrates consumption.
If you have taken anything from this, let it be:
Always start with a small amount, you can always take more, not less.
Use a clean rig and tools to ensure a better tasting dab and help avoid any residue build
up, which can affect the flavor and potency of your concentrates.
Do not dab if the banger is too hot, this can produce harsh vapor and degrade your
concentrates flavor and potency.
Start with inhaling slowly and steadily to fully enjoy the flavor and minimize the risk of
coughing or discomfort.