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Dabs, Explained: What They Are, and How to Smoke Them

January 29, 2025 | 3 min read
Dabs, Explained: What They Are, and How to Smoke Them

If you’re interested in cannabis, there’s a chance you’ve heard of dabs before. This method of consumption is popular due to its intensity and efficiency. However, it can feel a little mysterious to the new cannabis user.

What are dabs, and why should you try them? Explore this guide to learn all about weed dabs and discover how to smoke dabs.

What Are Dabs?

Dabs are a type of concentrated cannabis. This form of cannabis goes by many names including butane hash oil, wax, shatter, and butter. The main characteristic of a dab is the fact that it has a THC level of around 80% or higher.

Consuming this material, which is usually called “dabbing” or “doing a dab,” is a little different from smoking a standard joint. You need high heat to extract all the psychoactive THC from a dab fully. 

How to Do Dabs

Is it hard to do a dab? Not necessarily. Though the process is slightly different from smoking a pipe or a joint, it’s still pretty straightforward.

Tools You’ll Need for Dabs

The exact tools you’ll need for dabs depend on the method you choose to use. Here are some common items people get when they want to do dabs:

  • Concentrated cannabis
  • A dab tool or small spoon to handle the dab
  • A device to hold your dab while it’s heated
  • A butane torch or other heating device
  • Cotton swabs and alcohol to clean your device

Methods for Smoking Dabs

There are many techniques that let you enjoy the flavor and strength of a dab:

  • Dab rig: This usually looks similar to a bong. It’s a water pipe with a metal or ceramic “nail” that holds the dab while you heat it.
  • Dab straw: A dab straw is a more portable version of a dab rig. It’s usually a narrow tube with a mouthpiece.
  • Dab pen: What are dab pens? These look similar to a vaporizer but use a high-heat oven that can vaporize dabs.
  • Joints and pipes: You won’t get maximum THC consumption with a joint or pipe, but it’s still possible to do a dab with standard devices. You’ll just need to break your dab into small pieces and roll it up with your crushed marijuana.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Dab Rig

While a dab rig has a few extra steps compared to a dab pen, it provides the perfect blend of potency and flavor. Here’s how you use a standard dab rig:

  1. Place your dab rig on a secure table and ensure there’s water in the chamber
  1. Heat the nail with your torch until it glows.
  1. Let the nail cool for roughly twice as long as you heated it.
  1. Use your dab tool to scoop up a small amount of dab and place it on the nail.
  1. Cover your dab with a carb cap and inhale slowly from the mouthpiece.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, doing a dab can be a great way to explore the world of high THC. Thanks to modern weed technology, you don’t even need any complicated tools. Dab pens and electronic dab rigs make it quick and easy to dab.

Interested in learning more about fun ways to consume cannabis? Explore Doobie for more details.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Please consume cannabis responsibly and follow all local laws and regulations.

Photo by Cambridge Jenkins IV on Unsplash

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