An Intro to Dabbing

An Intro to Dabbing:

A Q&A With Emily

Even if you are a seasoned flower smoker, dabbing can sometimes seem like an intense way to consume cannabis. 

Fear no more! We’ve got you covered with an easy introduction to dabbing concentrates.

We did a Q&A with our Marginal Way Retail Manager, Emily, an experienced dabber with an educational background in the med market. For those new to dabbing, this Q&A will provide insight into how to take a dab safely to give you a comfortable high. We’ve added some more frequently asked questions to this mix as well!

Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

What got you into dabbing?

Emily: “I started dabbing in 2015 after flower wasn’t working as well to manage my chronic pain. I wanted to give my lungs a break by consuming less without compromising the quality of my high! Now I almost exclusively consume concentrates.”

What’s your preferred method?

Emily: “I prefer a simple rig & banger with a low temp dab! However, a portable e-rig is great for camping or on the go.”

What’s the difference between dabbing and smoking flower?

Emily: “You are vaporizing your concentrate, whereas, with a bowl, bong or joint, you are combusting your flower. Because of the potency differences, most people find they can consume less when dabbing vs. smoking flower”

Can you walk us through the process of dabbing?

The steps will change depending on the device you are using. 

🔥 For a rig dab, you would fill your rig with the desired amount of water.

🔥 Once that is all set, you would heat your banger from the underside. “I prefer a 25-second heat-up and a 1-minute cooldown. This is the perfect temperature for me to prevent coughing.”

🔥 While the piece is cooling, place the desired amount of concentrate onto a metal scoop. We recommend a dab about the size of a half grain of rice to start until you know your dabbing tolerance. 

🔥 Once the banger is cooled to the desired temperature, place the metal scoop with the dabs inside the banger. 

🔥 When the product has melted off the dabber, use a carb cap on top of the banger to make sure to capture all of the vapor (This tool is very helpful but optional.) 

🔥 Once all available vapor is inhaled, you can reheat the remaining product in the banger (very briefly. 3-5 seconds) if there is any, then continue inhaling until all product has been vaporized. 

🔥If all of the product has been vaporized and consumed in the first go, use a Q-tip to swab the banger to keep it clean.

What are some tools you can use to dab?

✅ Rig & Banger - filters through water

✅ Honey straws/Nectar collector - no filter, recommended to use a secondary dish not to contaminate the container of dabs

✅ Electric Rig - For example, A Puffco Peak or a G Pen Connect


What type of product are you using to dab?

🍯 Shatter - Breaks and shatters very easily, easy to manipulate with your hand instead of using a tool if desired

🍯Batter - smooth & buttery, versatile, easy to use with a tool - This is my personal favorite consistency

🍯Diamonds & Sauce - THCA rock(s) in a terp sauce. Break off a small piece of the diamond and smother in the terp sauce to get all of the flavor


What are some fun facts about dabbing?

➡️It’s a common misconception that dabbing is expensive, but you can get everything you need for about $100, especially here at SWC!

➡️ The residue (called reclaim) can be re-used for edibles for zero waste.

➡️ While not the most efficient way to use it, adding a small piece of concentrate to a bowl pack could help you reach that peak high while consuming less flower if you don't want to invest in a dabbing setup. 

Do you have more questions regarding dabbing? Let’s talk about it! Find us on Instagram to join the conversation.

EducationGuest User