How To Smoke Dabs? - A Complete Guide for Cannabis Enthusiasts

If you’re new to cannabis concentrates or thinking about trying them, knowing how to smoke dabs may be the difference that takes your experience to the next level. For weed-lovers in the know, dabbing is a go-to method for explosive potency. The concentrates that conjure up visions of smoking dabs are crazy potent, thanks to their generous serving of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is found in the resin secreted by cannabis plants. Dabs can come by a few names – wax, shatter, budder, and a handful of other puns – but they all have the exact origin. To be called a dab, this sticky, potent oil has to be created by pressing a solvent like butane or CO2 on dried cannabis flowers.

But don’t get excited: whatever your level of smoking experience, we’ll explain it all right here, from dabbing and rigs to bong-boating and blazing, from where to get good dabs, to how they make you feel. What more could you ask for?  Rig or not, we’ll take you through the how-tos of dabbing, from the traditional cannabis concentrate smoking tool to more creative ways for getting high without cutting-edge equipment. Next, we’ll sum up the methods and tools for ‘bong-boating'—you know, dabbing, except with a bong– and other major routes into the world of concentrated marijuana. Third, we’ll cover the special side effects and potential negatives accompanying this awesome concentrate. And last, we’ll do you one better and tell you where you can get your hands on some of the most satisfying concentrates out there.

• Dab rigs are the most commonly used dabbing tool, providing smooth hits when used correctly. Glass rigs are preferred, but electric rigs offer precision with no torch required.
  
  
• Dabs with other options other than smoking dabs (T-waxing in a joint, vaping, etc.) that are accessible anywhere and have an easier path for the unequipped. 
  
  
• Different types of concentrates (budder, shatter, distillate, and so on) have different textures and potencies, and each one has a different handle and side effects. 

• Clean your dab rig with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for long-lasting, great dabbing that is as clean as your favorite pair of sneakers.

For pot smokers, the conventional means for using dabs happens to be a dab rig, that ‘Netflix and chill’ of concentrate accessories. It’s a glass water pipe connected to a nail or banger (the part that gets heated), on which your concentrate melts away and turns into bubbly vapor. When it comes to work, it’s that one tool perfect for the job—as when a Netflix and snack combo can transform your entire night.

When it comes to smoking Dabs, the standard dab rig reigns supreme. You might find some showy set-ups, but most rigs stick to this formula: a water chamber to cool your dab, a mouthpiece for drawing in your hit, a nail to heat it, and a carb cap to release air behind the nail for vaporization.

Here’s how you get the most out of it: Start by removing the carb cap and heating the nail until it is hot. Then, plop the carb cap back on, place your dab on the nail with a dab tool, and inhale the smoke from the mouthpiece. The carb cap is meant to help regulate air flow and keep heat where needed so you get more of a smooth, flavorful dab than you would normally.

An electric dab rig functions similarly to a standard dab rig, with one key difference: it heats the nail using electricity, eliminating the need for a torch. The biggest perk? Precise temperature control. 

With an e-rig, you can dial in the temp, which is especially important with THC oils and waxes because it ensures those subtle terpenes stay in the mix. So, the next time you buy a more delicate concentrate, like live resin or terp sauce, you’ll be glad you have that e-rig handy.

Not everyone has a dab rig available, but that does not mean you are out of options. There are plenty of ways to smoke dabs using everyday methods. Whether you’re rolling up a joint or trying the DIY route, here are some alternative techniques for enjoying your concentrates without a rig.

If you’ve got some quality bud and a solid concentrate, T-waxing is an easy option. All you have to do is roll your joint as usual but add some of your concentrate into the mix. This works best with thicker concentrates like budder or sugar wax. Thinner stuff, like RSO, can get messy and might not burn evenly, so stick with something a bit sturdier for this method.

Vaping is another go-to method for smoking dabs on the go, especially if you’ve got a proper vape setup. You’ll need a vaping device with a separate atomizer and battery. Just pop your dab on the atomizer (aka the heating coil) and vape away. The key here is getting the temperature just right, so a vape with temperature control is essential. If you’re not into cartridges and prefer concentrates, specialized cannabis vaporizers made for dabs are also an excellent option.

A healthstone is a clever little tool that fits into your bong or pipe. It’s a porous stone designed to hold your dab while it vaporizes. Just place it in the bowl, heat it up, drop your concentrate on it, and inhale through the pipe or bong as you would with regular flowers. It’s simple, clean, and much easier than other makeshift methods.

The old-fashioned hot-knife method is to be used only when you have nothing else, and we actually don’t recommend this method at all. It’s pretty much the original dabbing experience. Get a butter knife on a stove or just a torch and heat it up, put your dab on and then use a straw or tube to inhale the vapor. It's not the most efficient way to go about it. You must be careful with the heat (omg, watch those fingers!), but it gets the job done if you need it.

If you’re new to dabs, the plethora of different types of concentrates can be confusing: where should you start? The key is each has a different vibe, and once you start getting dialed in, you can simply go with what feels right to you. So, here’s a run-down of some of the most popular cannabis concentrates and what distinguishes them.

As the name implies, budder is soft and creamy, with the consistency of butter, and it’s also incredibly beginner-friendly. You can handle the budder easily and mold it with your fingers. During its extraction process, budder is whipped for a shorter time than wax, which is whipped longer to achieve a dryer texture.

One caveat: the softness of the budder also means it's a little less stable, so it won’t keep as long in storage. Use it up soon to enjoy it at its best.

Among recreational users and connoisseurs, shatter is known as a heavy hitter. THC concentrations can reach up to 70 percent, and Shatter is one of the most potent cannabis concentrates on the market. Users are usually drawn to shatter for its affordability, as it can be as cheap as wax (which costs between $30 and $50 per gram). Shatter is easily distinguishable on the black market due to its glass-like structure, often transparent and golden colored, and its hard texture, resembling honey when cooled.

A pro tip is that if the shatter looks dark or cloudy, that’s a sign you’re dealing with sub-par stuff. Formed into the most crystalline-looking candy, this concentrate packs a serious smoking punch. It’s great for the ultimate toker.

Distillate is the heavyweight champ of ‘bang for your buck’. The cannabinoid content can be as high as 98 percent, which makes it the most powerful. It comes in a liquid form that sometimes takes a while to get used to working with – especially if you add it to a dab rig.

It’s typically more expensive than the other concentrates, but justified by its strength, those seeking the highest possible potency will rarely look beyond it.

Also called crumble wax, this concentrate lives up to its name with a dry, crumbly texture. It’s made by combining heat, pressure, and solvents, resulting in an extract that can easily break apart. Because of this texture, crumble can be tricky to handle, even for seasoned dabbers. But once you’ve mastered it, the payoff in flavor and potency is well worth the effort.

For those who prefer a more natural option, rosin is a handmade concentrate that skips the solvents and chemicals. Created using only heat and pressure to extract the product from cannabis flower or hash, rosin offers a cleaner, more flavorful experience. The general rule here is: that the lighter the rosin, the better the quality.

Your dab rig is like the MVP of your setup, and just like your favorite kicks, it deserves the spotlight. It acts like a mini-bong but without the large amount of water at the bottom of a bong. If you’re on a budget and part of the thrifty dabbers, you can use a silicone rig which we believe is the dabbing equivalent of knockoff Yeezys but for pure, clean smoothness, you want to hit it out of glass. Glass rigs are the standard of dabbers everywhere.

Remember, rigs are for concentrates only, and you cannot go back and forth like a bong. So do yourself a favor: pick your lane. One second, you’re using your rig and the next, it’s feeling more and more like a bong, which is a hard no, my friend. Remember, you don’t treat your favorite sneakers like trash; your rig is no different. Although rigs can be a bit expensive if you take care of them, your rig can serve you for a lifetime.

Your dabber is the Swiss army knife of your set-up. You can get them in all shapes and sizes, like glass and metal. A dabber can come in many shapes. It depends on the consistency of your concentration. You’ll probably use a scoop-style dabber if you have some waxy stuff. We’re not going to use a fork to eat soup. Why would you put a fork to some dab?

And at the end of the day, that’s all that matters the dabber that helps you land your concentrate on the nail and control it seamlessly for the dabbest hit.

The nail, also known as the banger, is the stage where all the action goes down. Here is where your concentrate is subjected to heat and turns into that delectable smoke. There are numerous types of nails, made from materials such as glass, ceramic and quartz, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

And then there’s the e-nail the tech-bro level up. Think Tesla of dab rigs, where you don’t need the torch just plug it in. Sure, it costs more, but your heat is more consistent and this means fewer trips to the gas station for butane.

Your rig without a torch is like trying to play Call of Duty with a dead controller pointless. The torch heats up the nail to the perfect temp so that your concentrate can vaporize. Torches come in a variety of sizes, but a small handheld torch is ideal for ease of use and storage. You can use either butane or propane, depending on what is available, but make sure it is dependable and gets the job done.

The mouthpiece is where you’ll be taking those smooth, awesome hits. A good mouthpiece should come with a filter to keep any unwanted gunk out because, let’s be real, nobody wants to inhale anything sketchy. Clean, filtered hits are where it’s at.

No carb cap is necessary, but it sure makes a difference. Placing the nail of your mouthpiece in a heat dome-shape on your dab holds the vapor, calming the hit a bit and delivering it gently for a more enjoyable experience with less concentrate on or in your body. You want to be efficient, waste not want not.

Also, carb caps minimize reclaim in the nail, so you’re unlikely to spend an afternoon on your back, brushing your dome. It’s what God wants.

Pro Tip: Do not be the person who lets your rig become a sticky mess. A quick soak in isopropyl alcohol and a wipe-down with cotton swabs will keep your rig and nails spotless. It’s like giving your rig a fresh pair of sneakers after a long day necessary if you want it to stay looking and perform its best for the next sesh.

Terpenes matter. And from dab to dab, quality matters. Right now, The Hemp Collect has everything you need. Our laboratory-tested concentrates of rosin, shatter, and budder are purer and more potent – and they’re guaranteed by a Certificate of Analysis.

So, ready to elevate your dabbing game? Check out our Dabs collection - Delta 8 Dabs, Live Resin Dabs, and CBD Dabs for the perfect concentrate for your next sesh. Got questions? Head to our Contact Us page or give us a call at 503-438-6783. We’re always here to help you find the best way to smoke dabs.

Looking to learn more about dabs or need advice on smoking techniques? Visit our blog section, and let us guide you through every step of the dabbing process.