-
What you will learn in this post:
Cannabis extracts and concentrates represent some of the most potent and flavorful types of cannabis products today. As the name implies, these products are made by extracting compounds from cannabis nugs like cannabinoids and terpenes. Extracts come in multiple forms, including oils, tinctures, shatter, wax, "live" extracts, and many more.
Extracted cannabis oil contains a potency unrivaled by flower–making oil incredibly useful for many medicinal or recreational purposes.
With a broad consumer base, cannabis extracts have gained immense popularity. Despite down-trends in the market, sales for extracts continue to boom, with some projecting that global sales could grow from $6.9 billion in 2022 to nearly $8.5 billion in 2023.
Among the various ways to consume extracts, dabbing stands out to enthusiasts seeking rich experiences. Many medical patients also turn to dabs to treat conditions that require significant doses of THC.
Dabbing has become more accessible in recent years, thanks to the creation of smaller, portable, sometimes pocket-sized dab devices. The improved access is fantastic, but consumers need to know what they're getting into.
What is the Proper Dab Size?
Dabbing is the vaporization–not smoking–of cannabis extracts. This process involves a heated surface known as a dab rig "nail." However, due to tech innovations, your "nail" can be a much smaller surface depending on the device used.
No matter the device size, the extract is placed onto the heated surface, producing a vapor you inhale. Most consumers feel the effects within moments of vaping. That may make dabbing sound like a bong or water pipe experience, but that is far from the case.
Unlike traditional smoking methods, dabbing's use of concentrates delivers a more potent experience due to highly concentrated THC. Effects can be amplified by potential terpene retention, depending on the extraction method utilized.
Dabbing packs an instantaneous punch that you won't get from other consumption methods. As such, the process can be overwhelming (especially for new or infrequent consumers). Caution is understandable when numerous anecdotes exist detailing how consumers passed out or became too stoned to function.
Not all extracts are created equal. They differ in consistency and potency. Some common forms include:
Each has its unique characteristics. The production process comes into play as well. You could have high-quality extracts or less-than-stellar effects depending on the production methods and the people handling the job.
Given the variety of products and product quality, how can you find your ideal dab dosage?
We've created a helpful dab size chart that outlines typical dab sizes and their effects. Everyone is different, but consider this a good starting point for most:
How Does Dab Dosage Differ from Other Cannabis Dosages?
When compared to other cannabis products, ranging from flower to edibles and RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), dab dosages differ not only in physical size but also in THC concentration. These differences lead to vastly different consumption experiences.
Dabs will likely be the most substantial high many consumers experience, save for anyone who consumes a huge dose of edibles. Still, even then, the pronounced effects from edibles will differ from a dab due to their different onset times.
With dabs, most people feel the effect immediately, and it can be intense. The experience can overwhelm some, especially as the dosage increases. Still, with an understanding of how dabbing works, the potency of the extracts you’re using, and how your body reacts to high levels of THC, you can find a happy medium where dabbing can become one of your favorite consumption methods.
But it will take time to get to that level. There's no shame in passing on a dab if you're a newcomer, if you’ve already had enough THC, or if you’re just worried about its effect on you.
If you want to become a high-dose consumer, you can incrementally work your way there.
Utilize the start low, go slow method, where you start with a small dab, see how you feel in 45-60 minutes, and then go for a similar-sized dose if you need. Repeat the steps until you reach your ideal effects.
Some users recommend upping your dosage if you decide to go for round 2. Others will say to stick to the same dosage, and only increase the dose size the next time you dab. The choice is yours.
While dabs don't have the accuracy edibles now have, the process is continually being refined. Use the chart above to help you find the ideal dosage for you.
Tools for Dab Sizing
It would be best to have the proper tools for an enjoyable dabbing experience. Dabbers utilize all sorts of instruments to measure out their extracts and dab. When working with a classic rig, you'll need the following:
- Dab rig
- Dabber tool
- Carb cap
- Torch or E-nail
- Cleaning supplies like Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol alcohol
When using a portable vaporizer or pocket-sized dabbing device, you'll want to have the following:
- Dab pen or portable vaporizer
- Charger for your device
- Dab tool (May not be needed if your device allows direct dipping into the oil)
- Cleaning supplies like isopropyl alcohol and Q-tips
Dabbing: It's a Unique Experience
Dabs are an incredible way to experience high-dose cannabis effects in mere moments. Thanks to its increasing diversity, you can choose the device you consume from and the concentrate type.
Top-quality extracts come in an array of consistencies made through various extraction methods. Most are incredibly versatile, serving as the perfect ingredient for dabbing and vaping, as well as cooking, topical infusion, and as a potency boost to flower options ranging from bowls to pre-rolls.
You may feel some pressure to dive into extracts and dabs specifically. But remember, it’s always best to go at your own pace. Cannabis is only fun if you enjoy it. And while some users love getting highly intoxicated with large concentrations of THC, not everyone is ready for it right out the gate (if they want a high dose at all). There's no shame in building up to your ideal dosage or saying, "That's enough for me."
Discovering the perfect dab size varies by person and goals. Reaching that ideal dosage is a unique journey involving experimentation and self-awareness.
Use our dab-size chart to guide you on that path of exploration. Refer to it and use your preferred dab tools to measure your doses.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
