DabWise

Supporting Responsible Dabbing

Dabbing Demystified

Whether you’re a curious consumer or concerned parent, you’ve probably heard about dabbing. But up-to-date, factual information that’s easy to understand can be hard to come by.

DabWise is dedicated to educating the community about cannabis extract consumption. This website is your resource for relevant and updated information about the products, methods and best practices for safe, responsible consumption of cannabis extracts, or dabs.

Read on for answers to some of the most important topics and commonly asked questions about dabbing and cannabis extracts. 

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What is Dabbing?

Dabbing is a method of consuming cannabis extracts through vaporization and inhalation.
Extracts, or dabs, are a form of essential oils derived from the cannabis plant.
Extracts are made by separating the terpene and cannabinoid-rich resins from a plant’s flowers, leaf tissue and stalks.
To dab, consumers heat extracts to activate a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes. Once heated, the activated compounds form a vapor that is inhaled.
Humans have been separating resin from cannabis plants for thousands of years. Modern, sophisticated extraction methods have increased their safety and purity in recent years.

Did You Know?

The earliest known form of hash, called Charas, is known to have been produced in India since 9000 BCE.

Adults only! Extracts should always be enjoyed out of reach and sight of children.

Concentrate sales made up 39% of all Colorado recreational cannabis sales in 2020.

Why We Dab

Dabs are enjoyed by connoisseurs and medical patients alike for their vivid flavors, efficacy and quick onset.
Dabs offer cannabis consumers the chance to experience cannabis oil in a pure and vibrant format while avoiding smoking, or combusting, flower.
While some assume dabbers are drawn only to the “high,” dabbing offers the controls needed to dial in the experience through Temperature and Dosage.
Adult consumers can expect a rapid onset of effects that can offer relief and enjoyment.
Enhance your experience: Dabbing pairs perfectly with dining, outdoor adventures, creative endeavors, music and more.

Did you Know?

More than 150 different terpenes and 100 unique cannabinoids have been identified in the resin of cannabis plants.

Dabbing Tips

With any cannabis experience, mindfulness is a best practice. Being present and prepared will help you enjoy the vivid flavors and effects of dabbing.

Start with a crumb-sized dab (dosage) and a low temperature between 400°-
550° Fahrenheit (temperature) to deliver the most therapeutic effects. Higher temperatures deliver less flavor and a stronger “high” effect.

Immediately after dabbing, you will taste, smell and feel the terpenes’ aromatherapeutic effects. Cannabinoids take 5-10 minutes to set in. Wait at least 15 minutes between dabs to experience the full effects.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, especially at altitude. Dehydration can result in unpleasant effects ranging from dry mouth to dizziness.

Nourish: Food is the tastiest way to enjoy or bring down your high so always have healthy snacks on hand.

Don’t Mix: The effects of extracts can be unpredictable when consumed with other mind- or mood-altering substances like alcohol.

Don’t Dab and Drive: Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. If you dab, find a designated driver.

Temperature

The correct temperature ensures that you get the best of the dabbing experience. Lower temperature dabs provide more flavor than effect, activating terpenes and cannabinoid compounds without harsh smoke. Higher temperature dabs are not recommended.

Did you Know?

An infrared thermometer designed for dabbing, like the TempTech, makes it easy to know the exact temperature of your dab.

Dosage & Dose Size

Dab dosage refers to the size, number, and frequency of dabs you consume.

Size of 1 gram

.05g dose size

Moderation is key.

Start with small portions, take one dab at a time and give yourself plenty of time between dabs.

A Little Bit Goes a Long Way.

Start with a dab the size of a crumb or the head of a ballpoint pen to ensure a positive experience.

New to Dabbing?

Expect to get about 20 dabs out of each gram of dabbing extracts.

Baby Steps:

Consumers can gradually increase their serving size over time, observing the effects of each dab to identify their tolerance and ideal dose.

Portion Control:

Some kinds of extracts are easier to portion than others. Uniform textures like Live Badder and Live Rosin offer greater control over dab size.

Potency

The potency of a dab is much higher than the potency of unprocessed cannabis because the flower’s combustible material has been removed, leaving only a concentrated form of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes.

Determining Dab Potency

Did you Know?

Hot dabs are NOT recommended – they ruin the flavor and provide an unpredictable high. Low temp dabs are flavorful with a balanced effect. Low temp dabs waste some of the dab, which remains as residue in the nail after the dab.

Storage

Store dabs and tools locked and secured in a locked container, cabinet, safe or closet, away from children, pets and anyone under 21 years of age.

If traveling by car, cannabis products should be packaged and sealed during transport and stored out of reach, ideally in the trunk.

Like fine wines and spirits, extracts should be sealed and stored in a cool, dark, dry place with stable temperature and humidity to preserve quality over time. Terpenes degrade with exposure to oxygen and extreme heat and cold.

Some extracts may require refrigeration.

Did you Know?

Companies like Colorado’s Stashlogix make affordable cases to securely store and lock away cannabis products including dabs.

Dab Vocab

Extract
A cannabis product that contains concentrated amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. Extracts are produced by extracting, or separating, a plant’s cannabinoid and terpene-rich resins from its flowers, leaf tissue and stalks.
Cannabinoid

The chemical compound produced by a cannabis plant. Cannabinoids interact with the human body to produce the euphoric “high” and other effects including physical relief and relaxation associated with cannabis consumption.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The main naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. THC produces the “high” sensation associated with consuming cannabis.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

The cannabis plant’s second most prevalent cannabinoid. CBD does not impart a “high” and is associated with therapeutic benefits.

Terpenes

Aromatic compounds that give cannabis its complex bouquet of flavors and aromas.

Solvent

A substance used to separate a plant from its resins.

Dab Tools

Nail

A shallow dish that slides into a dab rig’s downstem. The nail is heated using a butane torch before extract is applied to the nail’s inner surface.

Dab Rig

A glass water pipe with a quartz nail. The nail is heated to the desired temp, and a crumb-sized dab is dropped onto the nail. After the vapor passes through the water in the rig, it is inhaled as a vaporized extract, or dab.

Dab Tool

A small, long-handled tool that makes it easy to scoop a crumb-sized portion of extract onto the nail, made out of heat-resistant material such as stainless steel.

Butane Torch

Dabbers use this tool, similar to a crème brûlée torch, to heat the nail. Torches are available at most smoke shops and can be refilled with butane.

Infrared Thermometer

The ultimate accessory for true temperature accuracy, hands-free infrared thermometers like the Temp Tech are specifically calibrated for quartz nails.

Timer

Consumers can use a timer to gauge the temperature of the nail. Heating times will vary depending on the age and condition of the nail.

Maintenance Kit

Cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol are used to wipe the nail and clean between uses. Change your water and clean your rig out every 20 uses.

Carb Cap

A quartz or glass lid used to cover the heated and loaded nail, it traps heat and provides directional, adjustable airflow.