If you're looking for the most effective way to consume CBD, dabbing might be perfect for you. CBD dabs contain up to 99% CBD, making them the most potent type of CBD extract on the market.
You may have heard of dabbing as a way to consume THC, but dabs can also be made by extracting just CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. If you want to balance your THC use with CBD, or simply wish to reap the benefits of CBD without the high of recreational marijuana, dabbing is a great way to do so.
Whether you've just begun using CBD, or you're a seasoned cannabis user, dabbing can be intimidating. Read on to learn all about the different types of dab accessories and how they can help you consume CBD easily and with less waste.
Dab Rigs
In order to smoke CBD concentrates, you'll need a dab rig. If you've ever used a bong, a dab rig won't be too unfamiliar to you! These are essentially modified bongs.
Rigs are glass pipes or bubblers, but they are designed to incorporate a ‘nail’ or ‘banger’ attachment instead of the bowl attachments used in bongs. This is important because in order vaporize the concentrate, you'll need to heat it to a higher temperature than you would flower. These banger/nail attachments are heated to a high temperature, allowed to cool for about a minute, and then a dab tool is used to apply a ‘dab’ of CBD concentrate inside the banger or nail attachment.
Dab Accessories
The necessities for dabbing don't stop at the rig, however. There are a few essential accessories, and a few that just make the experience better! We'll go through all of them and what to look for to ensure you get the best dab accessories.
Quartz Bangers (or Dab Nails)
The terms "banger" and "nail" are used interchangeably to describe the removable piece that fits into the downstem. It's where you place the concentrate and apply heat. This is analogous to the bowls used with bongs you may be familiar with.
These are made of various materials, the most popular being quartz and titanium. Nails must be made of extremely durable materials like these since they'll be heated to quite high temperatures. They also differ from traditional bowls in that they attach at a 45-degree angle in most cases which allows the concentrate to collect at the bottom of the banger for thorough vaporization.
Quartz bangers need not be seasoned, and thus are by far the most popular choice. What's seasoning? If you have a nail made of a different material, you'll have to heat it with a thin coating of concentrate to "season" the nail before use.
Titanium can be more difficult to clean, but there is zero risk of breakage. If you're a bit clumsy, this may be the better choice for you. Furthermore, titanium usually retains heat a bit better than quartz.
Much of the decision comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose a quartz or titanium banger (or a hybrid model!), having the right dab nail can make a huge difference in your smoking experience.
Torches
Unlike a bong or pipe, with which you can simply use a lighter to heat your flower, you'll need stronger heat to vaporize concentrates. This is why it's much more efficient to use a dab torch to heat your nail. After all, your concentrate must reach at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and some even require temperatures of up to 800 degrees.
Furthermore, the ability to control the temperature of your nail ensures that you waste as little concentrate as possible.
Most torches use butane, so you'll want to make sure that you're being safe. Do so by checking that the plug and nozzle fit snugly to avoid leaks. You'll also want to look for quality torches that don't require frequent fluid refills.
Dabbers or Dab Tools
Like nails, dab tools come in a variety of materials, including quartz, titanium, stainless steel, and even glass.
Quartz is a popular choice as it heats up well and has good durability, but it does lose heat quickly. Titanium and stainless steel are other durable choices. Glass is a beautiful choice, but by far the most fragile. If you're feeling creative (and trust your dexterity), this might be a good choice for you.
There are three common tips on dab tools: the paddle, the scoop, and the pick. The paddle is best suited for versatility. If you plan on using many different types of concentrate, a paddle-tipped tool may be right for you.
The scoop is best for oils, since it makes it easy to gather the substances and transfer them to the nail. The pick, on the other hand, is best used with wax and shatters (or sticky concentrates), since it allows you to easily break them up.
Carb Caps
It's a shame to waste your concentrate, and luckily, you don't have to waste a bit. Carb caps can help you get the most out of your wax, shatter, or other CBD concentrates. Another perk is that they do a great job of helping to keep your rig clean, meaning less work for you later on.
They're also extremely easy to use. After you've taken your first hit, place the carb cap over your banger and swirl it around. This will create suction that will ultimately prevent any leftover concentrate from evaporating into the air.
Although carb caps aren't absolutely essential for dabbing, they help ensure you get the most out of your experience. If you're looking to save money in the long run, a carb cap may be well worth the investment!
Learn More About CBD Concentrates
There are many benefits to dabbing, including but definitely not limited to its exciting novelty! Those who deal with chronic pain report that CBD dabbing is one of the best ways to get immediate relief.
Now that you've learned how to use a dab rig and dab accessories, it's time to explore concentrates for dabbing. CBD wax is one of the most popular types of concentrates, but many others exist. As a CBD and cannabis enthusiast, you'll want to explore our CBD concentrate collection.
