The Ultimate Guide to Weed Dabs: 5 Things You Need To Know

Smoking used to be the most popular way to consume cannabis extracts. But with the rising cases of smoking-related health concerns, there was a need to introduce safer marijuana delivery methods.  

Today, you can find weed supplements in a variety of formulations besides traditional cigarettes. One such product is dabs.  

In this post, we provide the ultimate guide to weed dabs by highlighting the five primary things you need to know about these products. 

1. Weed Dabs Are Incredibly Potent 

Potency, also known as strength or concentration, is one of the key factors when selecting cannabis supplements. The higher the concentration of cannabinoids (therapeutically useful compounds) in a marijuana product, the more effective it is.  

High-potent products also offer better value for money. That’s because you’ll require considerably smaller doses to achieve the same effects as taking higher doses of less-concentrated cannabinoids.  

Now, weed dabs are among the most potent types of cannabis goods. The term refers to small amounts of highly concentrated marijuana compounds. These products are also known as concentrates, which speak to their high amount of cannabinoids.  

It’s important to note that marijuana contains over 100 cannabinoids. However, most studies have focused on two of these compounds - cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with THC receiving even more attention. That explains why the phrase “weed dabs” is commonly used with respect to small cannabis extracts that are significantly high in THC.  

Cannabis dabs typically contain 40 - 90% tetrahydrocannabinol by total mass. That’s in comparison to most cannabis-infused products that usually contain 20% THC by total mass.  

Both tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol provide numerous health benefits. However, the compounds differ considerably in their psychoactive properties. THC is both psychoactive and potentially intoxicating, whereas CBD is not. The latter is administered almost exclusively for its medicinal properties.  

2. Weed Dabs Are a Type of Vape Products 

Dab rigs, also known as dab pens or electronic rigs (e-rigs), look a lot like traditional bongs, except that the anatomy of dab rigs features a nail in the place of a flower bowl for bongs.   

3. Weed Dabs Boast Numerous Health Benefits 

Weed dabs, as with any cannabis formulation, can help manage several medical problems. Common ones include; 

Pain  

Pain relief is arguably marijuana’s most common therapeutic application. The various cannabinoids in weed dabs treat pain in slightly different ways.  

Dabs that are high in tetrahydrocannabinol relieve pain by desensitizing the pathways in the central nervous system (CNS), along which pain signals travel to the brain. On the other hand, weed dabs that contain significant amounts of cannabidiol combat pain by inhibiting certain pain-signaling receptors in the endocannabinoid system, such as the vanilloid receptor.  

Inflammation 

Weed dabs are also effective at alleviating inflammation.  

The active compounds in dabs soothe inflammation by blocking the production of proteins that act as the body’s inflammatory messengers, including cytokines and chemokines.  

Fatigue 

You should also consider taking marijuana dabs if you’re struggling with fatigue. Remember that dabs are typically high in tetrahydrocannabinol.  

THC is marijuana’s most stimulating chemical. The compound can provide you with the energy bursts you need to accomplish the tasks at hand. What makes THC such an effective energizer is that it fights both physical and mental fatigue.  

Anxiety 

Stress and anxiety relief are yet other medical benefits of cannabis dabs. And as you may have guessed, the anxiolytic properties of weed dabs tie back to the high THC levels as well as moderate amounts of CBD in these products.  

Studies have shown that both THC and CBD may relieve anxiety by stimulating the secretion of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for its soothing effects.  There’s a long list of other medical conditions that you may treat using weed dabs. They include erectile dysfunction (ED), bipolar disorder (BD), insomnia, etc. 

4. Weed Dabs Require Higher Temperatures to Consume Than Regular Vape Materials 

Another exciting thing about weed dabs is that they require higher temperatures to consume than standard vaporizers.  

Most dab rigs work best at a temperature range between 400 and 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Comparatively, regular vapes perform optimally at temperatures around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  

To use a dab rig, you’ll need to heat the nail using a torch and then let the nail cool down to the ideal temperature. Next, drop your concentrates into the nail, allow them to vaporize, and then inhale through the mouthpiece.  

However, it’s important to note that what’s considered “the ideal temperature” may vary considerably from one dabber to another. As a new user, your best bet is to start with lower temperatures and then build momentum slowly.  

Dabbing at very high temperatures can deliver a burnt hit. That’s the same feeling as inhaling a large amount of foul-smelling smoke. 

5. Weed Dabs Come In Different Formulations 

Dabs come in different shapes and sizes. These products vary primarily in their preparation methods and consistency.  

The most popular types of buds include; 

Dab Oil 

Also known as butane hash oil (BHO) or honey oil, dab oil is an oil-based weed extract that’s typically amber in color and is sold in vials.  

Dab Wax 

Dab wax is a yellowish dab that, like dab oil, is prepared using butane gas. It differs from dab oil primarily in its semi-solid consistency. 

Budder/Badder/Batter 

Budder is a smooth type of dab with butter-like consistency. It’s usually golden and comes in small jars or wax paper.  

Shatter 

Shatter resembles glass in appearance and brittleness, which explains its name. It can take on various shades of yellow, including amber and honey. 

Live Resin 

Live resin is a viscous honey-colored dab with a remarkable taste. The inviting aroma is due to its high concentration of terpenes. 

Summary 

Dabs are one of the most potent cannabis products. But while that’s a selling point in terms of getting value for your money, it can also be a drawback for new users who’re yet to