To Dab or Not to Dab?
Everyday we have patients asking us if they should start dabbing. “My friend told me dabs work really well and I should try it.” We hear it all the time. With almost every dispensary offering concentrates (dabs) the options seem endless. But is it right for everyone? Dabs come with pros and cons. From tolerance to cost, we’ll cover some things to consider before dabbling into the world of concentrates.
WHAT ARE DABS?
Dabs themselves are a form of concentrated cannabis available in a variety of textures and consistencies based on their extraction & processing method. They will be listed in the “concentrates” section of dispensary menus. Dabbing is simply the verb used to describe ingesting these concentrates. The most common concentrates available to dab in Florida are shatter, wax, crumble, budder, rosin, diamonds, and live rosin or resin.
More information regarding the different types of cannabis concentrates available in Florida can be found here: https://www.kristinarisola.com/blog/an-overview-of-florida-medical-cannabis-concentrates
how to dab
Concentrates are intended to be vaporized and inhaled. There are different devices that can be used for dabbing, ranging from simple nectar collectors to electronic pens, to high-end electronic rigs and e-nails. Traditional rigs and nectar collectors require using a torch to heat glass or metal, while other setups utilize an electronic heating element. Whichever method you choose should be specific to your needs as well as your level of comfort.
Some of our team’s favorite tools:
Focus V Carta 2
Puffco Peak Pro
GPen Connect
Utillian 5 V3
Glass nectar collector
Crumble
is dabbing cost-effective?
Man dabs via an electronic nectar collecter .
For experienced users with a tolerance, dabbing can be both a cost-effective and efficient way to consume your medical cannabis. Dabbing delivers a large punch of THC quickly, without much loss of product. The phrase “a little dab’ll do ya” runs true to this method of consumption. We always caution new users to start low and go slow.
While dabbing can be cost-effective, there is some upfront investment needed to purchase needed tools. A glass dab rig is probably the most common piece of equipment. Though it looks similar to a bong, it will contain a bucket, or “nail”, to heat (with a torch) and drop your concentrate into as you inhale through the mouthpiece. While this is the most popular method, many prefer using an electronic device like a Puffco or Carta for more precise temperature control, which allows for optimal taste and less product waste. E-rigs can also feel safer as you aren’t required to heat glass with a butane torch.
A great way to try dabbing without breaking the bank is a nectar collector or honey straw. This is a straw or tube that can be made of glass, quartz or titanium, and silicone, in which one end is heated via torch and touched to the concentrate to vaporize it while you inhale the product through the other end. They can be found for under $50 at most smoke shops or online.
While rolling papers and pipes can typically be purchased more economically, dabbing devices are usually a bit steeper, price-wise. This is due in part to the number of accessories required to complete the process. In addition to a rig, which may range from $50 to hundreds of dollars, users will also need a blow torch (and can of butane to refill as needed) to heat the nails and a dab tool (to safely transfer the concentrate.. Furthermore, to optimize the experience, a ‘carb cap’ for the banger is recommended to improve the heat flow and direction of airflow for a better intake. Some users also use tiny glass pearls to aid in mixing the concentrate to vaporize the product evenly.
In Florida, concentrates range from $35-120/gram and usually have between 60-90% potency. Price is usually reflective of the extraction method and processing - solventless is often the most expensive. On a product-for-product basis, concentrates may seem more costly than flower. However, the majority of THC is destroyed when smoking, while dabbing is much more efficient.
Solventless extraction via a rosin press
are the effects different?
There can be a bit of a learning curve with dabbing, but once settled in on a method, users will notice a cleaner, stronger effect than that of a bong, joint, or vape.
Because it is being inhaled, effects can be felt almost immediately, versus having to wait up to several hours sometimes for edibles or oral products to take effect. Dabbing may be effective to curtail certain acute symptoms, such as anxiety or pain, due to its quick delivery. As with vaping cannabis, dabbing does not usually result in a strong skunky smell, as smoking flower would.
Dabbing delivers a large dose of cannabis extremely quickly and efficiently. This means it is very easy to overdo it, and even easier to raise tolerance quickly. Remember always to start low and go slow and exercise personal caution when dabbing your concentrates.