How to Dab? Black Tie CBD Guide

Dabs are a form of cannabis concentrate that contains high, potent levels of THC. Depending on the form of dabs, it can be smoked in a variety of different methods. Dab wax specifically is often more sticky and consistent in texture, which requires a high temperature to vaporize, inhale, and consume. Continue reading to understand exactly what dabs are, how they are made, and the various ways of dabbing. After learning, you will be prepared and ready to dab in no time!

What are Dabs?

Dabs are classified as a type of cannabis concentrate, essentially an extracted form of dry herb that you can smoke or vaporize. Dabs are reputable for their high content of THC that can often get as high as 80%. Dab wax is a form of hash oil concentrate that is created when a solvent washes over cannabis plant matter, extracting and concentrating high levels of potent cannabinoids such as THC.

In general, dabs come in several different forms depending on their consistency and appearance although all are extremely powerful and extracted similarly. Besides dab wax, there is shatter, budder, live resin, and butane hash oil. Dab wax is also referenced as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) or honey oil, due to its golden appearance and how it’s made.

It is believed that THC concentrates have been around for at least 2,000 years, although the method of extraction and consumption has advanced over time. Most experts believe dab wax originated in Eastern Asia and was then introduced to Nepal, India, and the Himalayas back in 100 AD. These ancient extracts would be made using silk screens or by rubbing cannabis flowers together until powdery dust was formed. Over time, chemists experimented with making dab wax by placing dry cannabis flower in metal pipes and heating it with butane to extract and activate certain ingredients.

How is Dab Wax Made?

There are multiple different ways you can make dab wax and the different specific extraction methods can make all of the difference in the final product. In order to produce dab wax, a solvent is required to extract the THC from the plant matter. Butane extractions are the most common extraction method for dab wax. Because of the use of highly flammable gas such as butane, manufacturers use closed-loop equipment to prevent explosions or errors.

To commercially manufacture dab wax, the cannabis plant materials are dried and collected into tubes that are saturated in butane. The butane separates the resinous trichomes that hold all of the potent cannabinoids, such as THC, from the rest of the plant matter. After the plant matter has been saturated in the butane, the next step of the extraction process involves the removal of the butane in the plant matter. With an intricate process of heating, condensation, and vacuum purging, the butane is isolated and removed from the plant matter. The remaining result of this extraction process is the rich cannabinoids that have been isolated. This will be a cloudy and waxy substance that is then whipped, shaken, and stirred to create various forms of dab wax. The main difference between these different forms of dabs is the texture and viscosity of the substance created. Dab wax is soft, more opaque, and easily malleable. This is because the wax is whipped for a thick consistency. Because dab wax is more flexible and soft than other dabs such as budder or shatter, it is much easier to dose and is usually recommended for beginner weed enthusiasts.

A lesser-known method of making wax dabs is by using isopropyl alcohol. This is also known as a “quick wash” and can be considered a fun yet challenging DIY project. This process includes submerging the cannabis matter into the alcohol for a short period, then draining the matter into a micron sieve. Strain and filter the liquid several times, allowing the alcohol to evaporate in the process. As a result, a sticky and super concentrated THC extract will be left behind. There may still be some alcohol needed to evaporate from the substance, which can take up to 24 hours.

 It’s imperative to keep in mind that lack of proper ventilation and the combination of flammable gases can run a huge risk for at-home DIY dab extractions. While there are no statistical reports of people dying from cannabis, there have been fatal accidents from those who have attempted wax extractions at home by causing dangerous explosions. It is highly recommended to purchase dab wax from commercial retailers for the best quality extraction and higher THC concentrations. 

How to Use Dab Wax

Luckily in today’s cannabis world, there are multiple ways to enjoy dab wax. However, there are specific steps and equipment required for the different methods of dab consumption. When ready to consume dab wax, it’s important to remember the sticky consistency of this substance and how it can often be hard to handle. Learn the different methods of consuming dab wax below:

Dab Rig

Dab wax can be sprinkled or wrapped to joints or bongs for an extra boost, or inhaled using a dab rig or bong. Dabbing is the most common method of consuming a dab wax concentrate by using equipment such as a dab rig. A dab rig is required to dab cannabis wax, where the wax is placed on the dab nail and heated by a blowtorch to an extreme temperature where it can be melted and vaporized, ready to inhale. These dab nails are often made from titanium, glass, ceramic, or other durable and heat-protected material. This process is similar to a traditional bong, however the high is definitely more potent and hard-hitting.

 

How to Use Dab Rig:

•   Secure your nail to your dab rig. This will ensure it is secured and safe to handle when heated.
•   Turn on the blow torch and heat the nail. Apply the flame of the torch directly to the nail for up to 30 seconds. You may notice a reddish glow from the hot nail. Be careful, it is hot!
•   Let the nail cool. This allows heat to disperse throughout the nail and for the nail to cool off a bit before touching.
•   Use the dabber to apply the dab wax to the nail, inside the dome. The dab should evaporate very quickly due to the heat of the nail.
•   Cover the carb cab and inhale the vapor. Do this slowly and calmly, be careful not to inhale or exhale too quickly as it may irritate your throat and lungs.
•   Clean the nail. This can quickly and easily be done with a Q-tip to remove any excess residue from the dab wax concentrate.

Vaping

Vape pens and vaporizers have also become increasingly common in the cannabis market. Made out of a ceramic or quartz heating chamber and titanium coils, the dab wax is quickly heated, vaporized, and ready for inhalation. The dab wax is often placed in a ceramic or glass cartridge, which can be connected to the portable vaporizer. Vaping has become a common method of consumption for dab wax because no extensive equipment, such as a dab rig or blow torch, is required. Plus, this method is discrete and usually does not cause an excessive amount of smoke or aroma compared to other methods. 

How to Use a Vape for Dab Wax:

•   Attach the concentrated dab cartridge onto your desired vaporizer base. Some cartridges are designed to fit a specific type of vaporizer battery, so make sure it is properly compatible and secured onto the base before turning on.
•   Turn on your vaporizer battery. Some vaporizer pens have buttons that can be pressed a certain amount of times to turn on, off, and to heat the vape.
•   Once the vaporizer is heated, hold the button down and take a deep inhale for up to 5-10 seconds. This acts as one dose or toke of the concentrated dab wax. Although the inhale of dab wax may be smooth, be cautious not to overconsume. Effects take up to 10 minutes to be fully felt.

T-Waxing

Next time you plan on rolling up a joint, consider sprinkling a bit of wax into your weed. This popular method is also known as “t-waxing” or “twaxing.” This can be done in a few simple steps, with the option to add the dab wax on the inside of the joint or wrapped around the outside. Some brands also offer pre-rolled joints that have been rolled or sprinkled with dab wax in or around the outside of the joint. The main purpose is to give those who consume an extra boost of potency and increased flavor, enhancing the overall high.

How To Twax on the Inside of a Joint

•   Gather your materials - you’ll need rolling paper, ground-up bud, concentrated dab wax, a lighter, and a dab tool.
•   Using the lighter and dabbing tool, scoop up the desired amount of dab wax and melt the wax enough so it is more easily spreadable.
•   Spread the melted dab wax from the top to the bottom of the rolling paper, making a snake-like trail of dab wax across the paper. This ensures that a bit of the concentrate is evenly spread and will be inhaled with each hit you take.
•   Take the ground-up bud and sprinkle it into the rolling paper, just like you would traditionally rolling a joint. Roll the paper into a joint as you normally would, being careful of the sticky dab wax that surrounds the inside of the rolling paper.
•   Lick and seal the paper into a nice joint cone size. Then, when you’re ready to smoke, light it up and enjoy!

How to Twax on the Outside of a Joint

•   Grab your ground-up cannabis, rolling papers, and filter and roll a simple, standard joint. Make sure the roll is nice and tight, with the bud evenly spread and distributed within the joint.
•   With your dab tool and dab wax, carefully roll the wax into a long cone-shaped string. Because of the consistency of the wax, it may be super sticky to handle so it is suggested to wrap around the rolled joint carefully. Start at one end of the joint and slowly wrap the strand of dab wax around until you have worked your way to the top of the joint.
•   After wrapping the strand of dab wax around the joint, light it up and enjoy!

How To Dose Dabs

When it comes to smoking dab wax, it is important to take it slow and steady. Cannabis wax concentrates are much more potent than regular cannabis, so combining the two can be a very different yet enjoyable smoke experience. It’s never a bad idea to start with a small dose of dab wax before exploring further. An average, small dose of dabs is no bigger than the size of a crumb. Many users use a dab tool to scoop out the precise amount of dab wax to smoke. Although your average dose may not seem like much compared to a typical dose of cannabis, keep in mind that a little goes a long way.

While no one has been recorded as fatally overdosing on dabs, the experience can still be quite overwhelming if you have over consumed. Overdosing side effects may include paranoia or extreme discomfort. No matter if you are a seasoned dabber or dabbing for the first time, it is important to consider the high potency of these THC extracts. With THC levels often exceeding 60% - 90% of THC, it doesn’t take too much to feel the intense high effects from dab wax.

Final Thoughts

Dabs have become a popular and quick method of cannabis consumption. Through an intricate extraction process, users have multiple options available to choose how to dab. Dabbing can be an efficient and simple way to consume high concentrations of all the good cannabinoids you crave. No matter what dab method you choose, be sure to start small and slow to fully enjoy your dab experience.

FAQ

How to Dab?

There are a few different ways you may Dab Wax of all varieties.  A Dab Rig is the oldest form of use for Wax. Dab pens are simply dabbing tools you may take on the go that look like vape pens. They are made from coils and batteries that heat up by simply clicking a button. Nectar collectors are simple tools made from metal, ceramic, or glass. Also called Dab Straws, these tools simply require you to heat the tip with a butane torch. 

How to Dab at Home?

Dab Rigs, Dab Pens, and Nectar Collectors are all available to be purchased for in-home use. If you don’t have these options available, Black Tie’s full melt dab wax can easily be applied to a joint, blunt, or atop your flower of choice in a bowl.

How to Make Dab Wax?

For high-quality, premium dab wax, we recommend purchasing already made, 3rd party lab-tested wax from credible companies such as Balck Tie CBD. This will ensure you are receiving the safest, and most potent wax for you to Dab.

Dab Wax Tool Maintenance?

Your dab rigs, pens, and nectar collectors can become sticky over time as the wax builds up a residue. This build-up can negatively impact the taste of your wax and your overall dabbing experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to keep your tools clean. There are many premade formulas and solutions you can purchase that are usually as simple as pour, shake, rinse.