Cannabis concentrate, often called “dab wax,” is a highly potent form of cannabis extract that has been processed to remove excess plant material, leaving behind a substance rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. This concentrated material, which can take on textures like shatter, budder, or wax, is significantly stronger than traditional dried cannabis flower. While cannabis flower typically contains between 15% and 30% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), concentrates can range from 60% to over 90% THC.
The high potency of these extracts is the primary reason consumers seek out specialized consumption methods like dabbing, which involves vaporization rather than combustion. Vaporizing the concentrate at precise temperatures offers a rapid onset of effects, often within minutes, providing a more intense experience compared to smoking flower. The goal of dabbing is to heat the concentrate just enough to release the active compounds as vapor, which preserves the flavor and potency.
Essential Equipment for Dabbing
The traditional method for consuming dab wax requires a dedicated assembly known as a dab rig, which functions similarly to a water pipe but is optimized for concentrates. The rig is a glass water pipe that cools and filters the vapor before inhalation. Instead of a bowl for dried herbs, the rig uses a nail or banger, which is the surface where the concentrate is vaporized.
The banger is typically made from quartz, favored for its clean flavor profile and ability to handle rapid temperature changes, though titanium and ceramic options are also available. Because concentrates require high heat to vaporize, a butane torch is necessary to heat the banger to the required temperature, usually until it briefly glows red. A dab tool is used to safely handle the sticky concentrate and apply it to the hot surface.
A carb cap is an accessory placed over the banger immediately after the concentrate is applied. This cap restricts airflow and creates a convection-like environment, allowing the concentrate to vaporize more efficiently at lower temperatures. Using a carb cap helps trap the heat and vapor, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful hit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Dab Rig
Before beginning, ensure the dab rig’s water chamber is filled just enough to cover the percolator or downstem without splashing water up the mouthpiece. Next, use the dab tool to scoop up a small, manageable amount of wax, aiming for a portion no larger than a grain of rice for a starting dose. Prepare the concentrate on the tool so it is ready for immediate application once the banger is heated.
Using the butane torch, heat the outside and bottom of the quartz banger until it achieves a faint reddish glow, which typically takes about 20 to 45 seconds. Once the banger is glowing, turn off the torch and place it safely aside, immediately starting a cool-down timer. This waiting period is crucial for dropping the temperature from over 800°F down to the ideal dabbing range.
For a standard quartz banger, allow it to cool for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to reach the optimal vaporization temperature of around 350°F to 550°F. Once the cool-down is complete, gently touch the concentrate held on the dab tool to the inside surface of the banger. As the concentrate begins to bubble and vaporize, start inhaling slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece.
While inhaling, place the carb cap over the banger’s opening to restrict the airflow and maximize vapor production. Continue to inhale until the vapor clears from the rig, simultaneously rotating the dab tool against the hot surface to ensure all the concentrate is vaporized. After exhaling, use a cotton swab to wipe out any residue, known as reclaim, from the banger while it is still warm.
Vaporizers and Other Alternative Consumption Methods
Consumers seeking an experience without a torch and glass rig often turn to electronic devices. Electronic nails, or E-nails, use an electric heating coil that wraps around the banger, allowing the user to set a precise and consistent temperature digitally. This eliminates the guesswork and cool-down period associated with a butane torch, providing a controlled dabbing session.
Portable electronic vaporizers, commonly known as dab pens or wax pens, are a discreet and simple alternative for on-the-go use. These battery-powered devices have a heating chamber or atomizer where a small amount of wax is loaded directly onto a coil or ceramic plate. The user presses a button to heat the concentrate and inhales the resulting vapor, offering a less intense and more convenient experience than a full rig.
A third, low-barrier option is to combine the concentrate with traditional cannabis flower, a practice often called “twaxing.” This involves placing a small piece of wax, such as a crumble or a thin snake of shatter, on top of ground flower in a pipe bowl or inside a rolled joint. The flower acts as a wick, allowing the concentrate to vaporize rather than being directly exposed to the lighter’s flame, enhancing the potency without specialized equipment.
Safe Dosing and Temperature Management
Because of the high concentration of THC in dab wax, safe dosing is paramount, especially for new users. The recommended starting amount is incredibly small, approximately the size of a grain of rice or less, sufficient to produce noticeable effects. Always start with a minimal dose and wait at least 10 to 15 minutes to fully assess the effects before considering a second dose.
Temperature management directly influences the experience, with lower temperatures considered more desirable for flavor and smoothness. Dabbing between 315°F and 450°F is known as low-temperature dabbing, which preserves delicate terpenes and results in a smoother, less harsh vapor. Higher temperatures, typically above 600°F, maximize the intensity of the psychoactive effects but can destroy terpenes and result in a harsher, less flavorful hit.
A lower temperature helps retain the plant’s unique flavor profile, as terpenes vaporize at lower points than cannabinoids like THC. Conversely, dabbing at temperatures that are too high risks thermal degradation of the compounds and can lead to the production of harsh byproducts. Maintaining the rig through regular cleaning, such as swabbing the banger after each use, prevents the buildup of residue that can contaminate the flavor of subsequent dabs.