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What is dabbing?

Anya Overmann

Dabbing is the flash vaporization of dabs at high temperatures. Dabs are cannabis concentrates or extracts in various forms and textures. They are named for the process used to consume them – they are very sticky and messy to work with, and you must literally scoop, scrape, or pull dabs of the substance using a metal tool. The vapor from the dabs can be inhaled using a dab rig, e-rig (electronic rig), or dab pen. 

Dabs require much hotter temperatures than flower. Dabs boil in the range of 400-600°F (200-315°C), whereas flower combusts at around 350°F (176°C). Because such high temperatures are necessary, dab rigs are usually heated using a torch since lighters cannot get hot enough.

Quick Tips about Dabs:

  • Take it slow – Dabbing involves more of a learning curve than other forms of cannabis consumption. 

  • A little goes a long way – Dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis with 60-90% THC, while flower typically has 15-25% THC. You can always add, but you can never take away. 

  • Temperature is key – If the nail is too hot, you will burn away too much of the good stuff and probably cough a lot.

  • Do not touch hot nails – Again, dabs require much hotter temperatures than flower, so you will burn yourself if you touch a hot metal nail. Be careful.

What is a dab rig? 

A dab rig is a water pipe used to inhale dabs. It looks similar to a bong, but instead of a bowl for flower, the dab rig has a nail for concentrates and some other components.

Nail

Like a bong, a nail fits into a dab rig where a bowl would fit. There are many different types of nails; the most common are quartz or borosilicate. Nails must withstand temperatures between 400 and 600°F (200 and 315°C). E-nails (electronic nails) can be attached to dab rigs to eliminate the need for a torch.

Torch

Many people use a crème brûlée torch or another kind of kitchen torch for heating nails, but these typically won’t get the material hot enough. Torches designed for dabbing, like Blazers, are more suitable and will get to the appropriate heat. Unless you use an e-nail or e-rig, you will have to stock up on cans of butane to keep your torch fueled. 

Note: Temperature is everything – If you get the nail too hot, you can scorch the dabs, the nail, and your throat. We strongly encourage you to keep temperatures low – 430 to 440°F. Some people use thermometers to test temperature before dropping in the dab.

Carb cap

A carb cap is a little piece placed on top of a hot nail after the dab has been dropped in to help regulate the airflow as you inhale. A carb cap serves a similar purpose to the hole on the side of a bong bowl (also usually called a “carb”)  that helps regulate airflow. 

Dab tool/dabber

Because dabs are sticky and you never want to make direct contact with the hot nail, a dabber tool helps safely facilitate dabbing. Dab tools can be made of metal, glass, or ceramic and shaped like scoops, spatulas, picks, shovels, blades, and more. These different shapes help accommodate the consistency of the dabs you work with. 

Ready to try some dabs?

If you’re ready to try dabs, Clearly California has several concentrates for you to choose from including: