Using A Dab Rig For Cannabis Use
Dab rigs are designed to be used with cannabis concentrates and are typically made of glass or quartz. A variety of types are available ranging from a simple glass tube to fully electronic dab rigs. Dab rigs consist of a main ‘rig’ with an attached heating element called a ‘nail’. A ‘dab’ of concentrate is created by extracting CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids from the raw plant material of a cannabis plant in a variety of consistencies. Dab rigs are water pipe devices specifically designed to vaporize dab concentrates for consumption.
A dab rig vaporizes your concentrates of cannabis without combustion usually obtained from a direct flame applied to the device. You simply need to heat up the ‘nail’ for a specific period of time to create a hot surface that will turn your concentrate into cannabinoid-filled vapor when it is placed on the heating element. When you inhale you draw the vapor through the ‘rig’ or water chamber into your lungs in the same way you would a typical hit from cannabis flowers drawn through a water pipe.
The following materials are needed to use a dab concentrate:
• A dab rig specifically designed for cannabis concentrate use. Dab rigs are available at most local smoke shops and dispensaries.
• A heating element called a ‘nail’ which is attached to the dab rig. A nail can be made of glass, titanium, ceramic, or quartz that can withstand extreme temperatures of up to 800℉. Some nails referred to as ‘bangers’ are sometimes attached or included with certain dab rigs. Electronic nails are heated by an electric current instead of the traditional flame from a torch. They provide precise temperature control without the use of a butane torch.
• A ‘dabber’ that looks like a small shovel to safely transfer your dab from the container to the nail usually made from glass or stainless steel.
• A ‘dab’ of cannabis concentrate about the size of half a grain of rice with a waxy, brittle, or sticky consistency called by various names such as ‘cured sugar’, ‘live resin’, ‘rosin’, ‘shatter’, etc.
• A ‘carb cap’ to cover the dab while it is being vaporized. This ‘lid’ traps the heat to increase the overall temperature that allows the concentrate to vaporize completely and prevents any vapor from escaping into the surrounding air.
• Q-Tips to help remove any leftover concentrate from the nail. These common personal hygiene tools can be dipped in isopropyl alcohol to help clean the nail and keep it ready for future use.
• A torch, heat gun, or blowtorch to heat the nail if you are using a traditional nail. Cigarette lighters are not suitable as the nail needs to be heated continuously for at least 30 seconds to one minute to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. If you are using an electronic nail make sure that it is properly connected to the rig before turning it on.
The main reason why many vapers choose dabs instead of cannabis flowers is because of the increased potency of the THC content. While flowers may offer between 10% – 30% of THC content, concentrates can offer up to 50% which means you need a lot less to achieve the same effect. Dab rigs are an appealing alternative to vaporizing traditional cannabis flowers as they offer the convenience of vaping without worrying about smoke, ash, and unpleasant smells, especially if you use an electronic device. Depending on the size of the dab, you can expect to feel acute effects for up to one to two hours.