Crafting the Perfect Dab: A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Concentrates

Took a few weeks off this to get a better handle on some personal things. But I’m ready to rock and roll now. In today’s HIGHlights of my thoughts, I want to talk about the differences we all have when it comes to preferred methods of consumption! This blog has been in the drafts for a while, but this year we are killing our imposter-syndrome!

With that being said, we all know our industry is booming right now. And that has introduced me to so many new friends lately, all with different opinions when it comes to weed, but especially dabbing!

When I was leading at a dispensary, I had many employees try to trade or just give up concentrate samples all together when I would ring them out! They worked at a dispensary and did not want a free product because they did not know how to use it or were under the impression there was only one way to use it. I immediately asked “how do you smoke usually?” And with that response, I would guide them in different ways to use it. In blunts, on bowls, outside joints! And some even decided to buy some inexpensive devices to go straight to the source. I was so proud!

The debate between smoking a joint or using a bong, and the choice between high or low-temperature vaporization for dabs, really shows the diversity in our preferences. And let’s not even get started on concentrates themselves! The cannabis world becomes even more intricate there, with distinctions like cured vs. live, various dabbing techniques, and choices between solventless concentrates or not.

It’s a world full of variables, and just like the effects of cannabis itself, everyone’s preferences are unique.

Being a “connoisseur” of concentrates has introduced me to a  wide range of opinions on what constitutes the ‘best’. (We’ve all had that customer, demanding we give them the best) From the consistency of the product to the ideal temperature for consumption, and even more variables to alter this world of dabbing seems like too much. How do these preferences reflect in the choices available to us in a dispensary, especially when we’re scanning through a menu, and let me just remind you my last post spoke about the consumers not having the ability to always ask questions at some. Here is my take on the basics of concentrates and dabbing.

What is Live and what is Cured?

You might have come across the term ‘live’ when delving into the world of cannabis concentrates. But what does it really mean? Simply put, ‘live’ refers to the process where the cannabis plant is immediately flash-frozen after harvest. This method is all about preserving the trichomes and terpenes, which are crucial for that authentic taste and effect, mirroring the fresh plant as closely as possible. After freezing, the plant undergoes an extraction process that ensures all those flavors and effects are captured in full. The extraction process determines the outcome of the consistency.

On the other hand, we have cured concentrates. Here, the process starts only after the cannabis flower has been harvested, dried, and cured. (This is the same step by step process to be able to smoke it.)

These method involves extracting from the cured (or live) plant, often using solvents like CO2, Butane, Propane, or even alcohol. The end products vary from shatter and sugar to resin and budder.

And then there’s a whole different category: solventless concentrates. Intrigued? Stay tuned, as we’ll dive deeper into this topic a little later.

“Dang Xavi, you just said some stuff that wouldn’t normally cross my mind when I bring up weed. Like butane and all that. Is it safe to smoke?”

Fear not my doodes, when it comes to concentrates sold in Illinois, safety is a top priority. This is evident in the rigorous testing for PPM (parts per million) before products hit the shelves. PPM is a measure of the concentration of solvents present, ensuring that the level is within a safe range for consumption. Despite these safety measures, some enthusiasts, prefer to stick exclusively to solventless products. They say that it’s the purest form of consumption. This includes items like Live Rosin or Ice Water Hash Rosin, which are highly sought after for dabbing or even infusing the flower already on hand.

Solventless concentrates, however, are more ubiquitous than you might think. Ever noticed the keif accumulating at the bottom of your grinder? Or perhaps you’ve come across pressed hash, bubble hash, temple ball hash, or moroccan melt hash. Most of these are popularly used as ‘flower toppers’. Imagine packing a bowl and sprinkling some keif on top for an enhanced experience. Or, if you’re rolling a joint or blunt and want an extra kick, mixing in some bubble hash can be a game-changer.

But it’s important to note that not all solventless concentrates are suitable for dabbing – only a few are considered ‘full melt’. This exclusivity is part of what makes Live Rosin or Live Hash Rosin such a prized item. The process behind these concentrates is both an art and a science. Imagine using several grams of herb, applying pressure and heat, to produce just 1g of Rosin. Similarly, to create ice water hash, the flower is first washed with water and ice to create the hashish itself. Then it is subjected to pressure and heat. It’ll ooze out the Rosin of the flower and boy is this one of my favorites! It is a fun and long process to be making these extracts yourself and can be a fascinating experience, though it’s worth noting that substantial yields typically require a considerable amount of starting material

To recap, we’ve discovered what Live and Cured concentrates are and weather or not the product used a solvent or not. Some consistencies you’ll see listed on menus are: *NOT LIMITED TO

Shatter

• Texture: Hard, brittle, glass-like.
• Features: Known for its translucent appearance and tendency to break or “shatter” easily.

Wax

• Texture: Soft, malleable, often resembling candle wax or dried Play Doh
• Features: Comes in varieties like budder, crumble, and honeycomb, based on its consistency and moisture.

Oils – Full Spectrum Hash Oil, RSO etc.

• Texture: Viscous, liquid.
• Features: Highly potent, often used in vape cartridges or syringes for easy application.
• Consumption: Used for infusion, dabbing and even eating straight.

Live Rosin

• Texture: Sticky, sappy.
• Features: Solventless extract, made using heat and pressure to squeeze the resin from the plant material.

Live Resin

• Texture: Varies from waxy to more liquid-like.
• Features: Made from fresh, frozen plants to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids, offering a more flavorful experience.

Crystalline

• Texture: Solid, crystal-like.
• Features: The purest form of cannabinoids, often CBD or THCA, without terpenes or other plant compounds.

Distillate

• Texture: Thick, transparent oil.
• Features: Highly refined oil rich in a specific cannabinoid, usually THC or CBD, devoid of other compounds.
• Consumption: Commonly used in edibles, topicals, and vape cartridges for its potency and versatility.

Each consistency offers a unique way to experience the nuances of cannabis, catering to different preferences and purposes. Whether you seek the pure potency of crystalline or the rich, full-spectrum experience, there’s a concentrate form tailored to every consumer’s needs.

OK, now we know about different consistencies. How can I use them?

Electronic Rigs (E-Rigs):

A few of my favorite brands in the e-rig category include Puffco, FocusV, and Lookah. These devices usually come equipped with a heating element, a carb cap, and dab tools. What’s fantastic about e-rigs is their precision in temperature control. You simply preload your dab, cover it with the provided carb cap, and turn the device on. It heats up to your pre-set temperature and signals the start of your session. E-Rigs are incredibly convenient for traveling or for parties where you might not want to use a blow torch.

Manual Dabbing with a Rig and Torch:

Despite the convenience of e-rigs, I personally have a preference for the traditional rig and blow torch method. If you’re leaning towards this method, here’s what you’ll need:

• A Dab Rig: While any bong can technically be used as a rig, I recommend using a separate one for dabs. Keeping herb and dabs separate ensures a purer taste. Opt for a smaller rig – the less air space, the fewer terpenes you lose to the glass.
• A Banger: Think of this as a bowl for your dabs, shaped like a bucket to hold them in.
• Dab Tool: This is essential to avoid sticky fingers and messes.
• Carb Cap: This is used to cover the banger.
• A Torch: The quintessential heat source for manual dabbing.

HINT on preferred temperatures listed below 

***There is a cool accessory called a Terpometer you can get or even a Dab Right which would allow you to visualize your temperature so when you put the dab in, you dont hurt your lungs!

1. Step-by-Step Guide to DabbingStep 1: Prepare Your Rig and Banger
   • Before you start, make sure your rig is set up and filled with water. Heat the banger evenly for about 30 seconds. Remember, even heating is key to a good dabbing experience.

   Step 2: Cool Down and Choose Your Dab

   • Set the torch aside and select a dab of your preferred size with the dab tool. Wait for 15-30 seconds, depending on your desired temperature. Tip: Higher temperatures work well for diamonds and sauce, while lower temperatures are ideal for rosin or budder.

   Step 3: Apply the Dab

   • Once the banger reaches your desired temperature, gently place the dab inside using the dab tool. Let it melt off completely.

   Step 4: Cap the Banger

   • Immediately cap the banger. This helps to trap the heat and control airflow, allowing you to move the liquidized dab around for even heating. This process ensures more efficient vaporization.

   Step 5: Clean Up

   • After finishing your dab, remove the carb cap. Clean the banger with a Q-tip (I recommend using Glob Mops) to remove any residual oil. Using alcohol with the Q-tip can prevent residue buildup and maintain the clarity and flavor for each dab. *dont be that guy with a blacked and chazzed banger.

   Safety Tips:

   • Always handle the rig, torch, and banger with care, as they can get extremely hot.
   • Ensure your dabbing area is well-ventilated and free from any flammable materials.
   • Never leave a hot banger unattended and let it cool down before handling or cleaning.

RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURES 

400°F — it is a very flavorful experience with a milder effect than dabs at higher temperatures. Dabbing at this temperature is an excellent way to truly taste the flavor profile of a strain, producing a thin vapor accompanied by a gradual, soft high.

450°F — Begins to elicit more vapor while retaining many of the terpenes. The flavor is very pronounced, most extracts taste good at this temperature, and the psychoactive effect is more noticeable.

500°F — The sweet spot for many seasoned dabbers. This range produces more vapor than low-temperature dabbing, as the oil is more fully vaporized, resulting in more vapor to inhale. Psychoactive effects are also well-rounded, with a more rapid onset and longer duration.

550°F — This heat level begins to degrade a larger amount of cannabinoids and terpenes. While it offers a thicker smoke than the lower end of the mid range, more terpenes degrade when they touch

There’s also a way to do what is called a cold start dab on a banger if you do not think you’ll be able to gage the cool down time. I like this method as well but it is not good if you plan on taking more than 1 dab. Let me know if you want to learn more about that.

Tell us what your preferred dabbing tools and methods are in the comments!

I hope this blog was able to provide some information to those that are newer or seeking more information in the dab world. CHEERS DOODES