How To Make Dabs?

Curious about making your cannabis concentrates? Learning how to make dabs is a creative and fun way to explore the world of cannabis, kind of like arts and crafts, but for cannabis.  Welcome to the cool kid’s club of cannabis culture, where concentrates like wax, shatter, and live resin reign supreme. This guide covers everything you need to know about cannabis dabs, from identifying their various types to making them yourself (safely, of course), regardless of whether you are new to the scene or brushing up on your knowledge. Although we prefer to leave the dab-making to the experts, this is the place to go if you are just interested in learning more about the process. Let’s jump into this terpene-filled adventure that even your TikTok-obsessed friends would give a thumbs-up to.

1. What Are Dabs?: Dabs are cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, and live resin, known for their potency and variety.
   
   
2. DIY Rosin Method: You can make dabs at home using a hair straightener, parchment paper, and cannabis, though yields are small.
   
   
3. Store and Tools Matter: Use airtight jars or silicone containers for freshness and quality tools for the best experience.
   
   
4. Shop the Best: Buy premium, COA-verified concentrates from trusted brands like The Hemp Collect for quality you can trust.

Consider dabs, which are the modern take on classic flowers. They’re concentrates of cannabis that contain a ton of cannabinoids and terpenes, and they’re very potent for users. They’re both functional and beautiful; the Swiss Army knife of cannabis products comes in a range of textures, from wax to shatter to butane hash oil (BHO), budder, and live resin.

Choosing the proper cannabis concentrate is like picking your favorite ice cream flavor—there’s no wrong answer, but each option has its unique appeal. Here are the top contenders:

• Wax: Soft and easy to handle, it’s like the stress-relieving slime of your childhood.
  
  
• Shatter: Crisp and glass-like; perfect for those who enjoy a clean break (literally).
  
  
• Live Resin: Made from freshly frozen cannabis flower to preserve terpenes—perfect for people who want the essence of cannabis.
  
  
• Crumble: A dry, crumbly texture that’s perfect for easy sprinkling or handling.
  
  
• Rosin: Solventless and made with heat and pressure, rosin is a favorite among DIYers.

Each type of concentrate has its vibe, so explore what fits your style and preferences.

Dabbing is celebrated for its concentrated delivery and sensory experience. While we can’t make health claims (thanks, FDA!), we can confirm that dabbing offers an efficient and flavorful way to enjoy the unique qualities of cannabis concentrates.

If you’re ready to join the dabbing league, gear up with the essentials:

• Dab Rig: The main setup is to think of it as the gaming console for dabbing.
  
  
• Nail: The heated area where your dab is applied; titanium, ceramic, or quartz are your options.
  
  
• Torch: A butane torch for heating the nail to the right temperature.
  
  
• Dabber Tool: A small tool for handling concentrates without making a sticky mess.

Investing in high-quality tools is a non-negotiable for a smooth dabbing experience. Here’s what to consider:

• Material: Opt for durable borosilicate glass or sturdy titanium nails.
  
  
• Design: Look for rigs that match your aesthetic because, let’s be real, you want to show it off to your buddies.
  
  
• Functionality: Percolators and splash guards add a touch of luxury for a cleaner experience.

Now for the DIYers: making dabs at home is an option if you have the right tools and patience. Here’s a simplified approach:

The first part of making dabs is preparing your cannabis material. Start by grinding your chosen flower strain into a fine consistency. A finer grind increases the surface area, which allows the solvent to work more effectively during extraction. Once ground, pack the cannabis into your extraction tube. It’s important to pack it firmly, ensuring even distribution, but avoid over-packing, as this could restrict the solvent's flow and impact the process.

Extraction is where the magic happens. Choose your method and solvent—options include butane, CO₂, or heat if you’re using a rosin press for a solventless approach. For solvent-based methods, carefully pass the solvent through the packed cannabis in the extraction tube. The solvent dissolves the resin glands, which house cannabinoids like THC, as well as terpenes.

Always prioritize safety during this step. Work in a well-ventilated area, and follow all necessary precautions to minimize risks when handling volatile substances like butane. If you opt for a rosin press, use heat and pressure to pull out the resin without introducing solvents.

The last step is purging, which removes any residual solvent from the concentrate. This is typically done with a vacuum oven, which applies heat and negative pressure to evaporate solvents without degrading the cannabinoids and terpenes. Purging may take several hours, but patience is key—it ensures your concentration is as pure and safe as possible.

After the purging process, inspect the final product to make sure it’s clean and free from contaminants. Properly prepared dabs should be clear, stable, and ready for safe handling or storage.

For those ready to take it up a notch, advanced methods like butane extraction require professional-grade equipment and expertise. Safety first, always! We highly recommend that you leave this to the professionals.

Nobody likes rookie moves. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using low-quality cannabis material.
  
  
• Overheating your nail—high temps destroy terpenes.
  
  
• Neglecting to clean your rig regularly.

If we want our dabs to be fresh and good, we should select the right container for storing them. The materials and shape of the bottle can also impact the freshness, consistency, and shelf life of your concentrates. 

• Glass Jars: Glass jars are a great long-term storage solution. They keep your dabs in place, resist static electricity, and shield your dabs from external forces such as temperature change and moisture.
  
  
• Silicone Casings: Silicone caddies are a no-brainer if you need them only temporarily or for short-term storage of sticky concentrates. They are non-stick, so gooey dabs can easily be handled without spilling any product.
  
  
• Parchment Paper: Perfect for quick access, parchment paper keeps concentrates organized and manageable. But only if you’re using it with a stronger container for extra security. 

It is up to you which type of storage you want, but keeping your dabs cool, dark, and steady will always help ensure they are potent and healthy.

Dabbing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Experiment with different techniques to find what works for you:

• Low Temp Dabbing: This is for terpene enthusiasts who prioritize flavor.
  
  
• High Temp Dabbing: For those chasing larger clouds (but prepare to sacrifice some aroma).

Dabbing gear has come a long way from traditional rigs. Here are your options:

• E-Rigs: Precision temperature control for the tech-savvy.
  
  
• Dab Pens: Discreet and portable—perfect for on-the-go vibes.
  
  
• Classic Rigs: Tried-and-true glass setups for a traditional experience.

Learn More About How To Use A Dab Rig?

The basics of dabbing in a few simple steps:

1. With a torch, heat the nail until it glows red.
   
   
2. Let it cool slightly to avoid burning your concentrate.
   
   
3. Apply your dab to the nail with a dabber tool.
   
   
4. Use a carb cap to control airflow and puff through the rig’s mouthpiece.

Try rosin pressing with heat and pressure for a solventless and beginner-friendly option. It’s a cleaner process that retains terpenes, perfect for those who want to avoid dealing with solvents. We at The Hemp Collect suggest you save yourself the trouble and shop with us for all the Concentrates and Dabs you need.

Always prioritize safety first when making or handling dabs. Use heat-resistant gloves, work in a well-ventilated area, and store your concentrates properly to ensure a quality experience.

The legal status of cannabis concentrates (dabs included) is crucial to know. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) did not approve cannabis derivatives like dabs for consumption in food, supplements, or drugs. That means products such as marijuana concentrates are not FDA-approved as medical or therapeutic. 

We don’t yet know how they will be regulated, as research and policy efforts focus on ensuring these products are safe, effective, and appropriate. Companies like us at The Hemp Collect follow all regulations and don’t sell you anything you don’t understand. It’s about being transparent and educated, so we try to sell COA-verified products, so you know exactly what you’re getting. 

As dabs aren’t FDA-approved, there are no federally consistent rules about producing, labeling, and using them. Be wary, be educated, and only buy from trusted brands that value quality and transparency. 

We here at The Hemp Collect want to be a high-quality company that provides accurate legal advice. Even as the FDA’s position changes, we are for allowing consumers to decide for themselves what they want from cannabis concentrates. Don’t always be afraid to do your research and only buy products from reputable companies. 

Are you ready to start dabbing with premium products? Quality, transparency, and trust are what we’re about at The Hemp Collect. Each of our concentrates is COA-certified, which means you know exactly what you are receiving, and we keep products on the very high end of purity and potency. Shop with us to find products that are the benchmark for superior. 

We take pride in being able to give you all the information you need on our concentrates, so you don’t have to worry about which one is best for you. Whether you seek the best products or knowledgeable support, we’re here. Get a taste of working with a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously and prioritizes the customer. 

Rosin Technique: The Rosin Technique is one of the easiest and safest homemade dabs. It’s also reasonably priced, and all you need are a hair straightener, parchment paper, and cannabis flower.

Place your dried cannabis between two pieces of parchment paper, folding over the paper to keep the flower in place. Then, iron the parchment in the heated straightener for about 3 to 7 seconds. There will probably be a little sizzle, which means that the heat is pulling out resin from the weed and trapping it on the parchment paper.

After this, let the parchment cool, and then gently rub the rosin you just made. Remember that it’s a very easy method to learn, but it will always produce less concentrate than other advanced techniques.

Have more questions about dabs?  Visit our blog, contact us on our Contact Us page, or give us a call at 503-438-6783. So, let’s get you sorted out in the concentrates game like an expert!