You want to consume cannabis, but not as buds in a joint or bong, but as a concentrate, essentially the "essence" of the plant. This is where cannabis dabbing comes in. When dabbing, you vaporize a highly concentrated cannabis extract on a hot surface and inhale the vapor. No classic smoking, no flower, just a tiny drop of concentrate that hits you pretty quickly and strongly.
Many compare dabbing to an espresso shot compared to regular coffee. Same effect, but much more concentrated and not equally relaxing for everyone.
What exactly are dabs?
When people talk about "dabs," they simply mean cannabis concentrates. These are extracts in which the exciting parts of the plant, especially cannabinoids such as THC or CBD and the terpenes for flavor and aroma, are extracted from the plant material and highly concentrated. In the end, there is no "weed" left, but rather a small, very potent package of active ingredients.
What are dabs made of?
Most of the active ingredients in the flowers are found in the trichomes (tiny resin glands). Dabs concentrate precisely these ingredients. That's why even a tiny amount is often enough to feel an effect that is difficult to compare with normal flowers. The taste is similar: less "plant," more pure aroma.
What types of dabs are there?
Depending on how the extract is produced and what material is used, different consistencies are achieved. Wax, budder, and crumble tend to be soft to crumbly. A bit like wax, butter, or creamy honey. Shatter is the opposite: hard, glassy, and breaks like a thin sheet of sugar.
Then there is rosin, hash rosin, and live rosin. These are pressed without solvents, using only heat and pressure. Many people celebrate this because it is considered particularly "clean" and close to the natural terpene profile. BHO (butane hash oil), on the other hand, is produced using butane as a solvent. This can be extremely potent, but it is only a good idea if it has been produced in a truly clean and professional manner. Otherwise, you don't want the possible residues in your lungs.
And at the very top of the "purity shelf," you'll find THC-A crystals or very clear oils. This is practically cannabis in its purest form: hardly any plant residue, hardly any fiber, just the active ingredient.
Why are dabs so different from buds?
Because they are concentrated. When you inhale flowers, you always inhale plant material as well and get the active ingredients "with dispersion." With dabs, you get almost exclusively what you are consuming in the first place. This makes them more intense in taste, faster in effect, and significantly stronger per puff. That's exactly why dabs are more for people who know what they're doing—or at least take it slowly instead of trying to be a hero right away.
How does dabbing work in principle?
It's quite simple: you heat up part of your device, usually called the "nail" or "banger," to a really high temperature. Then you put a small amount of concentrate on it. It melts immediately, vaporizes instantly, and you inhale the vapor.
The whole thing happens pretty quickly. You don't have to put anything on, let it burn, or take endless puffs. One dab is often one puff and you're done. The effect is almost immediate.
What is a dab rig?
A dab rig is basically the concentrate version of a bong. It often looks similar, but it is designed to vaporize dabs as efficiently as possible. That's why rigs are usually a little smaller and more compact than classic bongs: when dabbing, you don't want your precious concentrate to stick to a large glass surface, you want it to go straight into your lungs. Like a hookah, the rig has a small water chamber, a mouthpiece for inhaling, and the actual connection for the "bowl," except that this bowl is not a herb bowl.
How is a dab rig constructed?
The core of a dab rig is the glass device itself, i.e., the base with water and mouthpiece. The nail or banger is then placed on the side or top. This is the hot surface on which you place your concentrate. Depending on the setup, the nail is made of quartz glass, titanium, or ceramic. Titanium withstands heat very well and is practically indestructible, quartz is tasteless and popular for its "clean" flavor, and ceramic lies somewhere in between.
In order to measure out and place the tiny, sticky dabs cleanly, you need a dabber. This is a small tool, usually made of metal, sometimes glass or ceramic. Without a dabber, the whole thing would be a pretty messy business, because concentrates stick everywhere except where you want them to.
Many also use a carb cap. This is a small cap that you place on the banger after applying the concentrate. The carb cap regulates the airflow and ensures that the concentrate vaporizes more evenly at slightly lower temperatures. The result is more vapor, better flavor, and less risk of immediately burning off the terpenes.
Classic or electric?
Traditionally, a rig is heated with a butane torch. You heat up the nail, wait briefly until it is no longer completely overheated, and then dab. If you prefer a more relaxed and consistent experience, go for an e-nail or an electric setup. You simply set the temperature as you would with a vaporizer, don't have to fiddle with the burner, and get very reproducible results. Especially if you dab frequently or care about flavor, this is the more convenient solution for many.
Why do people dab in the first place?
Dabbing is popular because:
- The effect is very strong and very fast. Concentrates contain much more THC or CBD than flowers. That's why even a tiny amount is enough.
- Aroma and terpenes can really pop. Especially with things like live rosin, the taste is often super intense. It's like experiencing the strain in HD.
- You need less material. One dab can have as much effect as several puffs on a joint.
- It's kind of a ritual in itself. Gear, setup, temperatures, different consistencies: for many, it's a nerdy thing, but in a positive sense.
What does a dab feel like?
That depends greatly on the concentrate, but a few things are typical:
- The effect is very quick. You often notice it after just a few seconds.
- The peak is steeper. Many people experience more of a "boom" high when dabbing than a slow build-up.
- Can be very intense. Physically too. Some people love it, others find it too much.
If you're only used to small amounts of THC, a dab can really knock you out. That's why it's better to start with too little than too much. You can always add more, but a dab that's too strong can completely ruin the next two hours.
Are there any risks associated with dabbing?
Dabbing is not automatically dangerous, but it does carry a higher risk than buds. Simply because of the potency and because extracts are not always clean.
Overdosing happens quickly
A dab looks like nothing, but it can transport you to a completely different galaxy. Beginners in particular tend to underestimate this massively.
Excessive temperatures = harsh steam
If you dab too hot, it tastes harsh, terpenes burn, and the vapor can irritate your lungs. Then you cough your lungs out and wonder why you're doing this to yourself.
The quality of concentrates is important
If concentrates are poorly manufactured or contaminated (residues, pesticides, anything diluted), they quickly become unpleasant and potentially unhealthy. That's why tested products are so important.
High THC potency isn't cool for everyone
People who are prone to anxiety, are psychologically sensitive, or rarely consume cannabis may experience negative trips when dabbing. And yes, very frequent consumption generally increases the risk of addiction and psychological problems.
It doesn't mean "never dab," but dabbing is more like the big leagues, not beginner training.
Who is dabbing suitable for—and who is it not suitable for?
Dabbing may be an option for you if you:
- already have experience with cannabis
- can assess potency well
- Fancy an intense flavor?
- Access to clean, tested concentrates
It is not ideal if you:
- You are a beginner
- You don't tolerate THC well
- Anxiety/paranoia when using strong strains
- you only get dubious extracts from unknown sources
A vaporizer with flowers or a mild joint is often the better choice.