Education

Yeah, A Dab Will Do: How to Use Cannabis Concentrates (Part 2)

05 April, 2021

In part one of this series, we explained what cannabis concentrates are and the differences between each of the variations. Now it’s time to get to the fun part: how to use them!

The idea of using concentrates rather than flower might seem intimidating or complicated to the traditional cannabis consumer. Remember, even when you use a vape pen, you are consuming extracted cannabis oil in a prepackaged form. However, this guide will explain how to consume the various other forms of cannabis concentrates, such as shatter, budder, wax, and so on.

Like vaping cannabis concentrate cartridges, you only need small dosage to feel an intense effect of the plant’s THC content. Because this is literally the extracted cannabinoid content, much of the excess plant material has been disposed of, so it sends that THC straight to your brain much faster than traditional flower. In short, a small dose provides maximum impact, so take it easy.

What You’ll Need:

Dab Rig: Basically a “bong for concentrates.” Available at your local dispensary or headshop.
Nail: This would be your “bowl” where the concentrate is placed. Best to purchase this alongside your dab rig to ensure that it is the same size and will fit inside the dab rig.
Dabber: This is a metal tool that is used to scoop the concentrate onto the nail.
Carb Cap: An optional tool that will help regulate airflow during the dabbing ritual.
Torch: Your average culinary butane torch will do fine. But you won’t be cooking crème brulee tonight...

Concentrates: Shatter, budder, wax, crumble, beach sand, etc

Dosing: A Little Dab’ll Do Ya

Much like edibles, we always remember the Beastie Boys’ License to Ill lyric “Let it flow / let yourself go / Slow and low / that is the tempo...” The same concept applies here. Remember, this isn’t flower and there isn’t all that plant material to get in the way, so you only need a small dosage - no larger than a crumb - to get started. If you find that this doesn’t impact you the way you expected, then you can gradually increase the dosage. But don’t overdo it.

How to Dab

Forget Cam Newton for the next couple of minutes as we rewrite the rules on how to dab.

Time to fire up that torch and heat up the nail. Position the flame so that it hits the nail, heating it until it is red hot. BE CAREFUL. You don’t want to burn yourself. It will hurt, badly.

Turn the torch off and let it cool for about a minute.

Grab your dabber tool and scoop your preferred concentrate onto the nail. Inhale the smoke slowly and prepare for an immediate impact to the brain. Be sure to get apply all excess concentrate material from the dabber and into the nail.

If you have a carb cap, place it onto the nail. This will trap the heat, regulate the airflow, and maximize the potential of the hit. While this step is optional, it’s highly recommended that you cap your dabs. Well, not highly, but you know what we mean ...

That’s it, you’re done. Seriously, look at you. You’re passed out on the couch.

Play “Look at My Dab” by Migos on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, or similar service. (Optional)

Not as complicated or intimidating as it sounds, right? Now that you are equipped with the knowledge on how to dab, head on over to your nearest Bloc Dispensary [in Utah, Bloc Pharmacy] and get started!