A Comprehensive Guide

Dabbing Dos and Don'ts: A Guide For Beginners

Puffco

Our Key Takeaway: Learn How to Dab with Us

Dabbing is an exciting way to experience cannabis. Compared to traditional smoking, dabbing requires a smaller quantity of cannabinoids to achieve the desired effects. However, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the equipment required and the appropriate dosages to avoid any potential risks.

E-rigs are typically the easiest option for new users and enthusiasts because they don't require a torch. Instead, you can load your rig, click a button, and inhale to enjoy your favorite dabs.

Learn more about dabbing dos and don’ts so you can conquer your first dabbing experience like a pro.

Dabbing Dos and Don'ts: A Guide For Beginners

Dabbing concentrates are available in various textures, flavors, potencies, and consistencies, and they all have different names ranging from wax to crumble and hash. However, they're all consumed the same way — via a dab rig, e-rig, or another type of vaporizer.

Dabbing allows you to enjoy a stronger flavor and have an overall better experience because concentrates contain high amounts of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and terpenes.

With dabbing, you feel the effects faster and need much less product. But what is dabbing exactly, and is it right for you?

If you're wondering how to start dabbing to experience cannabis differently than how you're used to, keep reading this guide to learn more about dabbing, how to do it, and what to avoid.

What is dabbing, and are dabs safe?

Dabbing is the process of vaporizing cannabis concentrates using a dab rig, e-rig, or vaporizer.

But what is a dab? A dab is a concentrated dose of cannabis extract that you inhale and is absorbed through the lungs. There are several types of dabs, such as shatter, wax, rosin, sauce, etc. The different types are typically categorized based on the extraction method and overall consistency.

What do you need to start dabbing?

Dabbing typically requires more tools than any other method of consuming cannabis. Traditionally, dab equipment requires a dab rig, nail, dabber, torch, and timer.

A rig is similar to a bong but uses a nail instead of a bowl. Dabs are heated to high temperatures and inhaled through a dab rig, also known as an oil or vapor rig. The concentrate is placed on the rig's nail, and a blow torch or another heat source is used to heat the wax and produce a vapor.

However, with advancements in technology, dabbing no longer requires a torch. Puffco's products are considered e-rigs that eliminate the need for a torch by properly heating your bowl to the desired temperature.

To start dabbing with an E-rig, you'll need a dab rig, chamber, loading tool, and carb cap.

Instead of a torch, here are the tools you need to use an e-rig dabbing kit:

  • A dab rig: To dab, you need the proper equipment. The dab rig is a type of pipe designed for concentrates.
  • Chamber: Your e-rig device will come with all the needed parts, including the nail – or chamber – where you'll add your concentrates. However, instead of using a torch, you'll wait for it to heat up and melt the concentrate around the sides.
  • Loading tool: A loading tool, also called a dabber, is a tool that helps you load your vapor rig. Also known as a hot knife, it makes loading the concentrates clean and effective.
  • Carb cap: The carb cap – or ball cap — helps control airflow for even heating and maximum vapor production for a more consistent and vapor-filled hit.

Instead of a dab rig, you can also use a vaporizer or vape pen, which are more portable and compact.

Dos of Dabbing: How to Use a Dab Rig

Once you have all the necessary tools, you can try dabbing for the first time. Dabbing does require a bit of know-how to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Understanding dabbing best practices can help you get the most out of your experience.

From starting small and using lower temperatures to inhaling and exhaling properly and maintaining your equipment, these tips will help you enjoy the full benefits of dabbing while avoiding potential hazards. With these guidelines in mind, you can approach dabbing concentrates with confidence and fully appreciate the unique effects they have to offer.

Follow these dabbing tips: start small, use lower temps, inhale easily, exhale naturally, and clean your rig regularly for a safe experience.

Start small

A little dab will do. Always start small with a rice-sized scoop of concentrate. Remember, you can always dab more but never less. You should feel the effects of dabs within a few minutes, so it's always best to wait until taking your next one.

Lower temps are better

Lower temps — below 500F — are recommended to preserve flavor and reduce harshness, especially for new users. If you're using an e-rig, monitoring your temperature should be fairly easy.

However, if you're using a regular nail, let it cool down before taking your dab. Lower temperatures are less harsh on your lungs, produce a fuller flavor, and reduce the risk of burning your concentrates.

Once you're comfortable with lower temperatures, you can increase your temperature and determine whether you prefer higher-temperature dabs. However, higher temperatures are more likely to destroy volatile beneficial compounds like THC, CBD, and terpenes. Additionally, they can hurt your lungs.

Inhale easily and exhale naturally

There's no need to strain or hold in your vapor because the active ingredients are quickly absorbed into your lungs. Holding the vapor in your lungs will likely only make you cough or cause difficulty breathing, and it's not necessary for a better or stronger experience. Instead, inhale and exhale naturally, similar to siping through a straw.

Cleaning and maintenance are key

Regardless of the type of rig you use, cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring a good dabbing experience. Residual extracts, known as reclaim, are sticky and can get messy. Additionally, the residue can affect the flavor of your next hit. You can use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol for the dabber, electronics, glass, and to dissolve reclaim.

Don'ts of Dabbing: Dab Safety

Once you get the hang of it, dabbing will become second nature. However, as a first-timer, there are several things to avoid, such as:

  • Using dirty equipment: Dirty equipment can affect the taste and aroma of your next dab. Additionally, since rigs can collect dust when not in use, it's always a good idea to clean equipment before and after using it. Cleaner rigs are more efficient, and using isopropyl alcohol can eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria.
  • Using low-quality concentrates: Low-quality concentrates may be made by unlicensed vendors or those that make concentrates that aren't fully purged of butane during extraction. Always purchase concentrates from a brand and vendor you trust.
  • Taking too large of a dab: Dabbing is stronger than smoking flower in a bowl. Taking too large of a dab can result in a less-than-desirable experience for new users and lead to increased tolerance, meaning you'll need more concentration to experience the same effects.
  • Overheating the nail: High temperatures are wasteful because they destroy terpenes responsible for the taste and aroma of cannabis. Additionally, excessive heat will cause the concentrates to burn up, which can cause a burning sensation in your throat or lungs when inhaling.
  • Holding in the vapor for too long: There's no reason to hold the vapor in for more than a second because that's how long it takes to absorb into your lungs. Instead, holding in the vapor can cause lung irritation.

Enjoy dabbing safely and responsibly

Dabbing with an e-rig is technically safer than using a traditional rig because it doesn't require a torch with an open flame. However, you should still take the proper precautions to enjoy a safe and responsible dabbing session. Here are a few tips to help:

  • Safe handling of equipment: If you're using a torch, it's crucial to turn it off as soon as you're done heating the nail. Additionally, you should never directly touch the nail after heat is applied. Instead, always use a dabber tool to load your dab rig safely to avoid getting burned.
  • Not dabbing alone until you know how it will affect you: If you've never dabbed before, you should consider having a friend with you. Dabbing is much stronger than smoking, so it may help to have someone there to support you.
  • Knowing your limits: The main reason to always start slow is to ensure you can learn your limits. If you're new to dabbing or using cannabis in general, starting slow and low will ensure you can control your experience to learn your limits.
  • Avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery after dabbing: It's illegal in every state in the US to drive under the influence of cannabis. It's never safe to get behind the wheel or operate heavy machinery after consuming cannabis because it can impair your judgment and reaction time.
  • Proper storage of concentrates: It's crucial to store your concentrates and any other cannabis products away from pets and children. Additionally, you should store them properly to preserve them for longer. If you're storing them short-term, a silicone container is best, but you can also use parchment paper and an airtight container if you’re storing them for long periods of time.

How to Dab: Final Notes

Dabbing is a quick and effective way to consume cannabis, as it requires very small amounts of cannabinoids and you feel the effects much quicker. But it’s crucial to have a good understanding of the essential dos and don’ts of dabbing so you can always have a positive experience.

To get started with dabbing, there are few essential tools and equipment you need. Fortunately, Puffco sells everything you need to start dabbing, including high-quality rigs, vaporizers, and accessories to enhance your experience. Shop our collection today and take your dabbing experience to the next level.