• • Dabbing is the process of vaporizing concentrated cannabis, like wax, shatter, or oil, for a potent and fast-acting high.

• • Compared to smoking flower, dabbing is much stronger and hits faster due to higher THC levels.

• • Choosing a dab rig depends on your experience: traditional rigs offer more control, e-rigs are more convenient, and dab pens are great for beginners.

• • Using a dab rig requires heating a nail, applying the concentrate, and inhaling the vapor—start small to avoid overdoing it.

If you’ve been curious about dabbing, you’re not alone. Dabbing has become increasingly popular in the cannabis community, and for good reason. It offers a more concentrated, powerful experience than smoking flower, but, as with anything new, it comes with its own set of challenges and things to learn.

For those stepping into the world of dabs for the first time, it can feel a little overwhelming—terms like “rigs,” “nails,” and “concentrates” might sound like they belong in a chemistry lab rather than your next smoke session. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from what a dab actually is to how to pick the perfect rig for your first dab experience. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to dab like a pro without any confusion.

Let’s start with the basics: What exactly is a dab, and why should you try it?

 

What is a Dab?

A dab is a concentrated form of cannabis created by extracting the plant’s essential oils. These concentrates, like wax, shatter, or oil, contain the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for cannabis’s effects but in a much more potent form.

Dabbing is the process of vaporizing these concentrates using a dab rig. Unlike smoking a joint or using a bong, dabbing requires a rig and a torch to heat the concentrate until it vaporizes, delivering a fast and strong effect.

What makes dabbing popular is its potency. Even a small dab can produce intense effects because concentrates have much higher THC levels than flower. This potency makes dabbing a more efficient method for those seeking a stronger experience—but with that intensity, it’s important to start slow if you’re new to it.

 

How Does Smoking Dabs Compare to Flower?

“With great potency comes the need for a little extra caution, especially if you’re new to dabbing.” – John Lynch, Kush.com CEO

If you’re wondering how dabbing measures up to smoking flower, you’re not alone. Even experienced cannabis enthusiasts, like Kush.com CEO John Lynch and MC Nutraceuticals CEO Bret Worley, have had their moments figuring it out. As Worley humorously put it: “I didn’t think it worked, so I did like a gram, bent down, and burned my beard on the dab nail!” It’s safe to say dabs hit harder than a typical joint.

So, what’s the difference? Smoking flower gives you a slower, more gradual onset of effects, while dabs deliver a fast, intense high due to their higher THC content. A single dab can feel as strong as several hits of flower, making dabbing a quicker way to reach potent effects.

That said, with great potency comes the need for caution. While dabbing is efficient, it’s easy to overdo it if you’re used to smoking flower. Start small, gauge your tolerance, and ease into it.

Dab Devices and Rigs: How to Choose the Right One

Choosing the right device is key to a great dabbing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of dab rigs, their pros and cons, and how to choose one based on your experience level, budget, and needs.

1. Traditional Dab Rigs

• • What It Is: The classic glass setup, requiring a torch to heat a nail or banger.

• • Pros:
    • • Delivers pure, unfiltered vapor for the best flavor experience.
    • • More customizable—many users prefer to add accessories like percolators for smoother hits.

• • Cons:
    • • Requires a torch and a bit of skill to operate.
    • • Less portable, and the setup can be intimidating for beginners.

• • Best For: More experienced dabbers who enjoy customizing their sessions and prioritize flavor over convenience. While it requires more skill, it’s ideal for those who enjoy the ritual and want complete control over their dabbing sessions.

2. Electronic Dab Rigs (E-Rigs)

• • What It Is: Battery-powered rigs that electronically heat your dab, eliminating the need for a torch.

• • Pros:
    • • Easier to use than traditional rigs—perfect for those who want consistent temperature control.
    • • Portable and more beginner-friendly.

• • Cons:
    • • Typically more expensive than traditional rigs.
    • • Requires charging and regular maintenance of electronic parts.

• • Best For: Intermediate to advanced users looking for convenience without sacrificing potency or flavor. It’s a great choice if you want to upgrade from a dab pen but aren’t quite ready for a full rig setup.

3. Dab Pens

• • What It Is: Small, portable devices that allow you to vaporize concentrates on the go, similar to vape pens but designed for dabbing.

• • Pros:
    • • Extremely portable—ideal for on-the-go dabbing.
    • • Discreet and simple to use, making it great for beginners.

• • Cons:
    • • Less powerful than traditional or electronic rigs.
    • • Smaller battery life and less temperature control.

• • Best For: Beginners and casual users who want an easy, travel-friendly option. It’s easy to use, affordable, and portable, perfect for casual dabbing.

How to Use a Dab Rig: Step by Step

Using a dab rig might seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s straightforward. 

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Gather Your Supplies

• • What You’ll Need:
    • • Dab rig
    • • Torch
    • • Dab tool (for handling concentrates)
    • • Nail or banger (the part you heat)
    • • Carb cap (optional but helpful)
    • • Your concentrate (wax, shatter, or oil)

2. Heat the Nail or Banger

• • Use your torch to heat the nail or banger until it glows red-hot. This typically takes about 20-30 seconds.

• • Pro Tip: Wait about 30-60 seconds after heating to let the nail cool slightly. Dabbing at lower temperatures preserves flavor and is smoother on your throat.

3. Prepare Your Dab

• • Use your dab tool to scoop up a small amount of concentrate. Concentrates are very potent, so a little goes a long way—start small if you’re new to dabbing.

4. Apply the Dab to the Nail

• • Carefully apply your dab to the heated nail while gently inhaling through the rig’s mouthpiece.

• • Pro Tip: Use a carb cap to cover the nail during the process. This helps trap heat and vapor, making for a more efficient hit.

5. Inhale Slowly

• • As you apply the concentrate, inhale slowly to allow the vapor to fill the rig and enter your lungs. Be mindful of the potency—dabbing hits are much stronger than smoking flower.

6. Exhale and Enjoy

• • Once you’ve inhaled, exhale and enjoy the effects. Dabs can hit hard and fast, so be prepared for a strong, immediate high.

7. Clean Your Nail

• • After your session, use a cotton swab to clean any leftover residue from the nail or banger. This helps preserve your rig and keeps future dabs tasting fresh.

How to Choose the Right Dabs

Choosing the right dabs can make all the difference in your experience. With so many options available, it’s important to know what you’re looking for—whether it’s potency, flavor, or the type of concentrate that best suits your dab rig. Kush.com has a wide range of high-quality concentrates to choose from, including Vivimu products that cater to various preferences and needs. 

Check out Kush.com’s full selection of Vivimu dabs here. 

Here’s how to pick the best one for you:

1. Understand the Types of Dabs

• • Wax: A sticky, malleable concentrate that’s easy to work with and great for dabbers who want strong potency with good flavor.

• • Shatter: A brittle, glass-like concentrate that’s highly potent. Best for experienced dabbers who prefer strong, immediate effects.

• • Oil is a liquid concentrate often used in dab pens or cartridges. It’s versatile and easy to dose, making it ideal for beginners.

• • Crystals/Isolate: Pure THC or CBD concentrates that offer clean, controlled hits without additional plant compounds. Great for those looking for a specific cannabinoid experience.

2. Consider Potency

• • Dabs are known for their high potency, so choosing a product that matches your tolerance level is essential. If you’re new to dabbing, start with lower-potency options like Vivimu THCa Bladder, which offers a balanced effect with moderate potency, perfect for beginners.

3. Choose Based on Flavor and Terpene Profile

• • For flavor chasers, live resin products like Vivimu THCa Live Resin – Grandaddy Purp and Vivimu THCa Live Resin – Wedding Cake are packed with terpenes that enhance your dabs’ taste and aroma. Live resins are the way to go if you want a flavorful, aromatic experience.

4. Match Your Concentrate to Your Dab Rig

• • Your choice of concentrate should align with your dab rig. For example, Vivimu THCa Isolate work great with dab pens for on-the-go use, while heavier products like Vivimu THCa Diamonds or Vivimu THCa Crumble are best suited for traditional rigs or e-rigs that can handle higher temperatures.

Check Out Kush.com’s Top Concentrates from Vivimu!

Is Dabbing Right for You?

Dabbing offers a powerful and unique cannabis experience, but it’s important to approach it with the right understanding. Whether you’re a beginner with a dab pen or looking to explore more potent concentrates, there’s a method to suit every level. Start slow, choose the right concentrates based on your tolerance, and enjoy the flavorful, fast-acting effects dabbing offers.

Kush.com has a wide selection of high-quality dabs, including top-rated Vivimu products, to help you get started. While you’ll need to pick up a rig or dab pen elsewhere, we’ve got you covered with all the concentrates you’ll need to take your dabbing experience to the next level.

Now that you know the essentials, it’s time to explore the world of dabbing and enjoy cannabis in a whole new way!

Dabbing FAQs: What You Need to Know

What’s the best temperature for dabbing?

• • The best temperature is between 350°F and 450°F for flavor or 500°F to 600°F for a more substantial hit.

What are the risks of dabbing?

• • Dabbing can lead to overconsumption because of its potency, and there’s a risk of burns if you’re not careful with the equipment.

Can you use a regular bong for dabbing?

• • Not typically. A regular bong requires modifications, like a nail or banger, to handle concentrates.

How much concentrate should I use my first time?

• • Start with a small dab, about the size of a grain of rice, and adjust based on your tolerance.