What are Dabs?
Dabs has become the catchall term for most concentrated THC products (These products contain a THC level over 40% though most are between 60-90%). Though concentrated THC products date back to the 9th century with Hashish, the practice of dabbing has evolved rapidly over the last 30 years or so and gained massive popularity amongst the most hardcore cannabis consumers. The concentrate market is poised to grow by over 50% in the next 6 years. Dabs are referred to as such because early extractors would place them in a small blob or “dab” on wax paper, a practice still used by some. In this article, I will cover the different types of dabs, the different methods of intake, the perceived benefits and short falls of dabbing, and the amazing concentrated THC products we offer at RiverBluff. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff.
So Many Types of Dabs, So Little Time!
There are far too many concentrated THC products to cover them all, but I will do my best to cover the most popular forms and explain the subtle differences. Here is the list.
Badder/Budder– Has a whipped consistency, soft and spreadable, hence the name and belongs to the subgenre Live Resin
Crumble- Looks like dry crumbs and belongs to the subgenre of Live Resin.
Diamonds– Are a crystalline concentrated form of THC that is like the gem they are named for. Diamonds belong to the subgenre of Rosins.
Hash- Is a genre onto itself. The mother of all concentrates. It is sand in nature and generally pressed into blocks or balls.
Sauce- Sauce or Jam has a sticky jelly like consistency and belongs to the Rosin subgenre.
Shatter- Is a solid brittle sticky concentrate. It belongs to the Live Resin subgenre.
Wax- Is the most solid. It often comes in cubes like candle wax. It belongs to the Live Resin Subgenre.
I know I’ve missed many. I know some people consider carts “Dabs”. These were just the most prevalent and easy forms to convey.
How Do You Consume These Mystical Concoctions?
There are countless ways people consume concentrated THC products. Look no further than YouTube to see the most brilliant and foolish ways people have tried, but I am just going to cover the four most popular ways people go about it.
- A Nectar Collector or Straw- This is as easy as it sounds. You hit up the tip with a torch. Place the tip in the concentrate and start to draw from the other end. This is the most common form of intake for new users as some of the others seem more like a science project.
- The Dab Rig- A dab rig is any water bong fitted with attachments to consume concentrates. You heat up the piece known as a nail or banger with a torch, use a dab tool to place your concentrates on the nail, and then rip it like you would a bong. Dab Rigs can get very elaborate and look like a failed lab experiment of some sort very quickly. A rule of thumb to building a rig is if you don’t know how or why it functions you don’t need it on your rig.
- Electronics- This covers a lot of products. Most notably are E-rigs, Vaporizers, and Torchless Nectar collectors. These are the safest means of dabbing. There is no way taking a torch out of the equation doesn’t improve safety. Some of these products can get very complicated to use so always watch a review someone has done on the product before jumping in yourself.
- The Old-Fashioned Way- As any good stoner knows, you can always roll it up and smoke it. Now, I am not saying roll concentrate up alone and smoke it. You will need to add it to weed. The dryer concentrates work best for this, but any can be managed. Remember, a little goes a long way with concentrates.
Benefits and Downsides to Dabbing
One of the biggest benefits to dabbing is its high potency. For many long-term smokers, dabbing is a way to get them to where they want in a timelier fashion. With its fast on-set time and high potency, you go from 0-100 like you’ve never done before. Dabbing always is a little more discreet as it is less pungent than flower. One of the biggest downsides to dabbing is its high potency. Most newcomers aren’t prepared for how fast you get high dabbing. It can reach into your lungs and take your breath away while leaving you in a cold sweat on the floor (Totally not talking from experience here). The other big downside is the risk of burns. Unless you are using electronics, you will be wielding a torch at some point. Chances are slim you’ve wielded a torch in the past and even slimer that you did so while high or attempting to get high. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL!
What RiverBuff Offers
Most of what we offer is only available in store currently, but here is what we have got to offer for concentrated THC products.
- 3.5g THC-A Badder ($80)- We carry three strains of badder, all of which are top notch: Northern Lights for those looking for a classic earthy indica. Blueberry Kush for those looking for a sweeter indica, and Gape Stomper for those looking for something sativa. Grape Stomper is sweet and tastes like a grape tootsie pop.
- 1g Live Resin ($45)- This live resin looks like a mix of crumble and sauce. We offer Granddaddy Purp and Wedding Cake. Both are indica for those looking to get truly couch locked.
- 3.5g Delta 8 THC Dabs ($45)- These are more of a sauce than anything. We currently offer a handful of strains to choose from. These are a great way to dip your toe into dabbing.
- 3.5g Blended Dabs ($45)- These are also a sauce consistency. They are a blend of Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC and HHC. A more balanced high than that of the concentrated Delta 8 products. We currently offer a few strains to choose from.
Final Suggestions
If you are considering dabbing for the first time, don’t run out and buy all the accessories to do so. It Will be expensive, and it may not be for you. Instead, if possible, dab with someone who has considerably more experience than you. If that is not possible, start with safer ways of consuming such as vaporizers. Most stoners are friendly and if you ask for help and advice they will give it to you. Dabbing isn’t for everyone and certainly not for beginners. Proceed with caution, have fun, and be safe.
Cannabis Dabbing 101 – All You Need To Know About Dabs – RQS Blog (royalqueenseeds.com)
What is Dabbing? A Comprehensive Guide | Weedmaps
Cannabis Concentrate Market By Share, Size and Growth 2030 (credenceresearch.com)