Lets Talk Dabbing

If you’ve ever looked at a dab rig and thought, Okay, but what exactly am I supposed to do with this thing? — fair question.

Dabbing is a little different from smoking flower. Instead of lighting the bud directly, you’re vaporizing concentrated cannabis extract on a heated surface, usually a quartz banger or nail. The result is a potent, flavorful hit that can feel considerably different from your usual bowl.

Once you understand the basics, though, it’s pretty simple.

The real trick is taking your time.

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather a few basics:

• A dab rig (There’s so many to choose from, do your research and pick one that fits your lifestyle)
• A quartz banger or nail made for your rig
• Cannabis concentrate
• A dab tool
• A carb cap (If your setup calls for one)
• A torch (Unless you have a self heating rig)
• Cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning (Y’all know we’re really big on clean pieces, and you should be too)

Think of your rig as the centerpiece of the whole thing. Keep it clean, handle it with a little care, and it’ll treat you well in return.

Start Small

This is probably the most important part.

Concentrates can contain significantly more THC than flower, so if you’re new to dabbing, start with a small amount. You can always have more later. You cannot go backward in time and make the giant dab you just took smaller.

Give yourself a minute or two to see how you feel before deciding you need another.

There’s no prize for finishing your hit as quickly as possible. Unless you and your friends have come up with a really fun game that’s bound to end in a nap.

Heat Your Banger

If you’re using a traditional quartz banger, heat it with an appropriate torch and allow it to cool to the temperature recommended for your setup.

Lower temperatures can help preserve flavor and create a smoother experience, while higher temperatures can produce a harsher hit and may burn away some of the terpenes you actually wanted to taste.

If you’re using an electronic rig or e-nail, follow the instructions for your specific device.

The goal isn’t to see how hot you can get the thing. It’s to find the temperature that works for your setup and your preferences.

Let It Rip

Once your banger has reached the appropriate temperature, use your dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate onto the heated surface.

Inhale slowly through the rig while using your carb cap as intended for your particular setup. The concentrate will vaporize as you inhale, creating the vapor you’re after.

And then?

Take a second.

Dabbing can really hit differently than flower, especially when you’re getting familiar with concentrates. Let the experience catch up with you before deciding whether you want another.

Your afternoon isn't going anywhere.

Keep Your Piece Clean

A good session starts with a clean piece.

After your banger has cooled, wipe away any leftover concentrate with a cotton swab. For deeper cleaning, isopropyl alcohol can help remove buildup from the glass. Always make sure your piece is completely cool before cleaning it, and follow any care instructions specific to your setup.

If you’re using our new piece, The Drop, the included Cleaning Caps make the cleaning process a little less of a production. Pop them on when you’re cleaning your piece to help keep water and cleaning solution where they belong.

It’s a small thing, but keeping your piece clean means better-tasting sessions and less time dealing with buildup later.

Basically, clean it before it becomes a project.

Take Care of Your Glass

Glass is glass. Even well-made glass can break if it’s knocked over, dropped, or exposed to sudden temperature changes.

Give your piece a little room to exist. Keep it somewhere stable when you’re not using it, avoid extreme temperature changes, and don’t put hot glass directly onto cold or wet surfaces.

And maybe don't do what I have done and balance it precariously on the edge of your coffee table because you think you’ll remember it’s there.

You won’t. I promise.

A Few Things Worth Remembering

Dabbing can be a fun yet intense experience, particularly if you’re new to concentrates. Start with less than you think you need, take your time, and give yourself a chance to see how the effects feel before having more.

Beyond that, there’s really no need to overcomplicate it.

Find a concentrate you like. Get your piece ready. Put on something good to listen to. Enjoy the ride.

Maybe you’re having one small dab and getting back to your day. Maybe you’re settling in for the afternoon with nowhere to be. Hell, maybe you’re enjoying a dab and some coffee. Maybe the whole point is doing absolutely nothing for a while.

Whatever your version of a session looks like, there’s no need to rush it.

Light the rig, cue up something good, and see where it takes you.