Imagine being able to consume an entire joint in one puff. That’s about what a dab of cannabis concentrate is like.
Concentrates, or “dabs,” are a product that is create by extracting THC, CBD. And other cannabinoids from raw plant material. And creating a variety of consistencies that can be vaporize using a dab rig. A water pipe design specifically for concentrate consumption.
What is a dab rig?
A dab rig is a device, typically glass, designed for cannabis concentrates, as opposed to cannabis flower. There are a variety of styles of dab rigs, ranging from simple “dab straws” (a tube of glass or quartz, heated at one end to smoke concentrates with) to electronic dab rigs. Most dab rigs have a main “rig” and an attachment known as a “nail.”
Essential dab vocabulary
To use a dab, you’ll need the following materials. Here are the required materials for using a dab rig, with definitions:
Dab rig: A pipe or device used for consuming cannabis concentrates. Dab rigs are readily available at local head shops, smoke shops, and dispensaries, including all Eaglebongs locations. Prices generally range from $30 on the low end to $740 on the high end, but can be as high as $100k. High end dab rigs are referr to as “heady glass.”
Nail: A heating element attached to a dab rig that consists of glass, quartz, titanium, or ceramic. Nails can be heat to extreme temperatures as high as 800 ℉. Some nails, also referred to as “bangers,” are include or attach when you buy a dab rig. Arguably, quartz nails provide the best dab experience when used properly because they don’t crack under heat (or thermal pressure) the way glass does, and they provide better flavor for most concentrates. Titanium nails are recommend for optimal use for hash or solvent less products.
Electronic Nail: A heating element powered by electric current that serves as an alternative to traditional torched nails. Electronic nails consist of a controller box that drives the flow of electricity to a coil, which heats the nail. These nails offer butane-free heating with precise temperature control, but generally cost more than traditional nails.
Dabber: The tool you’ll use to “serve” your dab. These often look like small shovels or are reminiscent of woodcarving or dentistry tools. The idea is that the tool will take your dab from its container to the heated nail without you having to burn your fingers. Dabbers are generally make of stainless steel or glass.
Dab: A dose of cannabis concentrate about the size of half a grain of rice. These are usually marked as live resin, cure sugar, shatter, rosin, or similar names. A dab can be waxy, sticky, or brittle in consistency. Talk with your bud tender about what options may be best for your needs and preferences.
Carb Cap: A carb cap is use to cover your dab while it vaporizes. This is like the lid of a skillet on the stove; the lid heats the overall temperature, allowing more of your material to vaporize without losing those vapors to the surrounding air.
Q-Tips: These common medicine chest tools are excellent for removing any leftover concentrates from your nail when you finish dabbing, keeping it clean with isopropyl alcohol for future use.
Torch: If you are using a traditional nail, a blowtorch or heat gun of some kind will be needed to heat your nail to the desired temperature. Lighters are insufficient for this purpose because they don’t get hot enough to properly heat the nail, and you need to keep the flame on the nail continuously for 30 seconds to a minute to bring it to the right temperature.
If you are using an electronic nail, this will need to be properly connected to the rig and turned on for use.
