BEST OF KC VOTING NOW LIVE! VOTE FOR FTE & ILLICIT HERE

Select

Store:

Dabbing for Beginners: A Guide to Cannabis Concentrate Consumption

/
/
Dabbing for Beginners: A Guide to Cannabis Concentrate Consumption

Jump to a section:

 


 

 

Looking for a guide on dabbing for beginners? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re completely new to cannabis, or an experienced weed aficionado who is ready to branch out into dabbing, you’ll find the info you need here– keep reading!

 

shatter
Shatter is a glass-like type of cured cannabis concentrate that can be used for dabbing.

 

What to Know Before Doing Dabs

Dabbing is a method of consuming concentrated cannabis products, such as hash oil or wax, by vaporizing them on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor. Dabbing for beginners is not typically recommended for several reasons:

  1. Potency: Dabs are highly concentrated forms of cannabis, often containing much higher levels of THC than traditional flower. This can result in a much more intense and potentially overwhelming high, especially for those with low tolerance or no prior experience with cannabis.
  2. Precise Equipment: Dabbing requires specialized equipment, which may include a dab rig, nail, torch, and dabbing tool. Learning how to pick a good dab rig and how to use this equipment properly can be challenging for weed newbies.
  3. Temperature Control: Controlling the temperature of the dabbing surface is crucial to avoid overheating the concentrate, which can lead to harsh and unpleasant vapor. Achieving the right temperature may be tricky for newcomers.

If you are brand new to cannabis, it is generally advisable to start with less potent methods of consumption, such as smoking a bowl, eating an edible, or using a vaporizer. These methods are easy to use and are less likely to result in overwhelming effects. 

But if you have prior experience with cannabis and you’re ready to take the next step into dabbing for beginners, then this blog post is for you! Keep reading to learn more about dab rigs for beginners and different types of dabs.

Benefits of Dabbing

One benefit of dabbing is that you are inhaling vapor, not smoke. Dabbing is healthier than smoking because the low vaporization temperature of concentrates means that no burned plant material, tar, or other carcinogens enter your lungs.

Dabbing also allows for more accurate dosing and a more customizable experience. The many types of potent concentrates available means you can opt for a personalized, well-rounded, strain-specific high with just one dab– and without lung irritation.

 

puffco dab rig
Puffco makes a variety of sleek, safe, and effective dab rigs and dab pens.

 

How to Do a Dab for Beginners

The process of dabbing can feel overwhelming at first, but we’re here to help! Talk to the knowledgeable budtenders at your closest From The Earth dispensary– they can help you find the best dab kit for beginners along with all the necessary dabbing accessories, and teach you how to use them.

What is the Easiest Dab Rig to Use?

The easiest dab rigs for beginners are dab pens! Dab pens allow you to forego the somewhat complicated process of using a dab rig and are very easy to use. 

The next step up for dab rigs for beginners is to use an e-rig, also known as an electronic rig or smart rig. The Ultimate Smart Rig from Cenote is one of the best dab rigs for beginners, thanks to its contained system that vaporizes extracts efficiently and easily.

No matter what dab rigs for beginners you choose, make sure to always start with a small dab and work your way up slowly to determine your tolerance. Concentrates are quite potent, and it is easy to overconsume if you’re not careful.

Types of Dabs

There are several different types of dabbable concentrates. The consistency of the concentrate, along with the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the cannabis strain that it was extracted from, are just a couple of the factors that affect the taste, aroma, and effects of your dabbing experience. Some of the kinds of extracts used in dabbing for beginners include:

Cured Concentrates

Cured concentrates are cannabis extracts that are made from cannabis flower that has undergone a curing process. Curing is standard practice in the cultivation of cannabis plants, by which they are harvested, hung to dry, and then cured in jars. 

After the flower is cured, it goes through a distillate extraction process using a solvent like CO2, which is then removed from the extract before packaging. Cured cannabis concentrates are known for their high THC percentage and are usually named for their texture & consistency. All types of cured concentrates can be used in dab rigs for beginners. They include:

  • Shatter – translucent, glass-like consistency
  • Wax – softer, malleable texture like earwax
  • Budder – creamy, butter-like consistency
  • Crumble – texture similar to feta cheese

Live Resin Concentrates

Live resin is extracted with a solvent from fresh frozen cannabis plants, which helps preserve a broader range of terpenes. This results in a more aromatic and flavorful concentrate. Some types of live resin include:

Live Badder

Live badder’s texture is similar to cake batter or icing. It is creamy and smooth, making it easy to handle and consume. Live badder’s rich cannabinoid and terpene profile provides a well-rounded high.

Gary Payton Live Badder from Illicit Gardens is a potent and flavorful hybrid strain that’s perfect for dabbing!

 

illicit live badder

Live Sugar

Live sugar gets its name from its granular, sugary appearance. It has a crystalline texture that can range from moist and saucy to more solid and crumbly. The texture is often the result of the high  terpene content and the separation of cannabinoids from the mixture. 

Try Illicit’s Violet Fog Live Sugar for a deeply soothing, skunky grape-flavored indica high.

 

violet fog live sugar

Diamonds & Sauce

Diamonds and Sauce are two other types of live resin extracts that are often mixed together to create diamonds & sauce, which  consists of pure, crystalline THC-A “diamonds” in a liquid “sauce,” or terpene-rich oil.  

After crude cannabis oil is extracted from frozen weed plants, careful manipulation of temperature, pressure, and other factors creates crystalline chunks of THC-A, called “diamonds.”

The liquid portion of the concentrate that remains after the THC-A crystals are separated is referred to as the “sauce.” This sauce is rich in terpenes and other cannabinoids, and it contributes to the flavor and aroma of the concentrate.

diamonds and sauce
Diamonds & sauce contains pure THC-A diamonds suspended in flavorful, full-spectrum sauce.

 

To create diamonds & sauce, the THC-A diamonds are reintroduced into the terpene-rich sauce, creating a final product that combines the potent THC-A crystals with the aromatic sauce. Because diamonds are nearly 100% THC, diamonds & sauce is one of the most potent concentrates available. For this reason, it is not recommended for dabbing for beginners.

Try Illicit Gardens’ Diamonds & Sauce for the ultimate in THC potency + full spectrum flavor & benefits!

Live Rosin Concentrates

What is the healthiest way to dab? Probably live rosin. Live rosin is similar to live resin in that it is made from terpene-rich, flash-frozen cannabis. The difference is that live rosin is a solventless concentrate– no chemicals like butane or CO2 are used in the live rosin extraction process.  

Instead, the live rosin extraction process uses just heat and pressure to draw out the cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flowers. Because of this, live rosin has a very robust flavor profile and is considered the cleanest cannabis extract.

Best Extract to Use in Dabbing for Beginners

The best type of concentrate to dab depends upon your personal preferences. Some people prefer the high THC levels of cured concentrates for a more intense psychoactive experience, while others who prioritize flavor, aroma, and a well-rounded high gravitate toward live resin or live rosin extracts. 

No matter which type of dab you choose, ensure that you only purchase concentrates from a reputable Missouri dispensary like From The Earth. We only carry concentrates from producers that prioritize quality and safety in their extraction processes. Shop extracts now!

 

 


FAQs About Dabbing for Beginners

What is dabbing for beginners?

Dabbing for beginners involves vaporizing cannabis concentrates on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor. It’s a potent method of consumption, ideal for those with some cannabis experience.

Why is dabbing not typically recommended for beginners?

Dabbing involves highly concentrated cannabis, which can result in an intense high. It requires precise equipment and temperature control, which can be challenging for beginners.

How to do a dab for beginners?  

To dab, heat the nail of your dab rig, apply a small amount of concentrate, and inhale the vapor. It’s best to start with a small dab and work your way up.

How much to dab for a beginner?  

For beginners, a dab the size of a grain of rice is sufficient. This small amount helps you gauge your tolerance and experience the effects without overwhelming yourself.

How do you hit a dab properly?

To hit a dab properly, heat the nail until it’s red hot, let it cool slightly, apply your concentrate, and inhale the vapor slowly. Exhale and enjoy the effects.

What is the easiest dab rig to use?

Dab pens are the easiest dab rigs for beginners. They simplify the process of dabbing and are user-friendly, making them perfect for newcomers. E-rigs, or electronic rigs, are also recommended as some of the best dab rigs for beginners.

How do you hit a dab rig for beginners?

For beginners hitting a dab rig, heat the nail, wait for it to cool to the right temperature, apply a small dab, and inhale gently. Practice makes perfect in dabbing for beginners.

What are the benefits of dabbing?

Dabbing is healthier than smoking as it involves inhaling vapor, not smoke. It allows for more accurate dosing and a personalized, strain-specific high with minimal lung irritation.

What types of concentrates are best for dabbing for beginners?

Cured concentrates like shatter, wax, budder, and crumble are great for beginners due to their high THC content and easy-to-handle consistency.

Which concentrate should beginners avoid?

Beginners should avoid diamonds & sauce as it is one of the most potent concentrates, containing nearly 100% THC-A crystals, which can be overwhelming.

Where can I buy concentrates and dab rigs for beginners?

Purchase your dab rigs and concentrates from reputable Missouri dispensaries like From The Earth, which prioritizes quality and safety in their products.

 


Why Trust From The Earth Missouri Dispensaries

Discover the world of premium cannabis with From the Earth’s Missouri recreational dispensaries, where quality meets expertise. Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or new to the scene, our wide selection of weed products, from edibles to concentrates, and our team of dedicated budtenders ensure a tailored experience to enhance your lifestyle. Visit us at one of our five Missouri dispensary locations in Kansas City, Independence, or Raytown.

About From The Earth

From The Earth is a fully licensed cannabis dispensary built with our community in mind. Our team personalizes each customer experience based on your unique needs. We are here to help you learn about cannabis, live with the benefits, and grow as an individual.

About the Author

David Craig is the Chief Marketing Officer for Illicit and From The Earth. Born and raised in Kansas City, Craig has been on the ground floor of developing multiple lifestyle and retail brands in the cannabis, fitness, and entertainment industries from Las Vegas to New York City.

From The Earth’s Missouri Dispensary Services

Enjoy in-store and online shopping with in-store pickup at all five of our dispensary locations. 

Our Brookside dispensary in Kansas City also offers a convenient dispensary drive-thru. 

You can take advantage of our dispensary delivery services when ordering from our Independence, Raytown, and Westside locations.

Our Locations

From The Earth has five recreational dispensaries in Missouri. Our three locations in Kansas City include Downtown, Brookside, and Westside. You can also find us in Independence and Raytown. View our dispensary locations here.

Connect With Us:

Facebook | Instagram | X