How To Smoke Dabs: Step By Step Guide

Dabbing is the process of heating and inhaling cannabis concentrates, which are also known as "dabs." In fact, within the cannabis culture, the term “dabs” is the most common lingo for potent extracts like wax, shatter, resin, and so on, which explains why the act of smoking them is simply referred to as “dabbing.”

And because you’re inhaling vapor rather than smoke, dabbing has become a super popular way to ingest THC in a cleaner, more flavorful way.

The sky-high THC levels of dabs coupled with rich terpenes also mean it only takes a small glob to feel a quick, powerful high. You can equate this to smoking an entire joint in one hit!

But don’t let that intimidate you; with the right know-how and tools, even beginners can enjoy dabbing responsibly and effectively.

So without further ado, let’s dive into how to hit a dab!

HOW TO SMOKE DABS WITH A DAB RIG

1. PREPARE YOUR DAB RIG AND DAB

Before anything, make sure you’re seated in a safe environment before partaking in any festivities. Double check as well that you’re using clean and unused water. 

Once your set-up is complete, use your dabber (metal or glass stick) to collect a small amount of your chosen concentrate. Set the dabber with concentrate on it aside for the time being. 

2. HEAT THE NAIL

Using a butane torch, carefully heat your nail (the part you put the dabs on) until it is glowing red. This might take a few minutes as each nail heats up differently according to material, size, and sitting room temperature.

If you’re using an electric rig, you’re in luck. You can automatically set your desired temperature and wait just a few seconds for the nail to heat up.

A quick note about heat and glass. Always use a quartz or titanium nail. Glass, when heated to high temperatures, can explode. Trust us, from experience, it’s not fun. You can easily test your nail by heating it a bit, and then putting it under cold water. If it’s glass, it will crack. Quartz is a crystal and can handle the high heat and temperature fluctuations. 

3. COOL DOWN YOUR NAIL

Once the nail is a bright red, wait around 45 to 90 seconds for the nail to cool down. Make sure to keep an eye on it, though. If it’s too hot, the dabbing won’t be very pleasant, but a cold nail won’t do the trick either! A good test is if you can hold your hand above the nail for 5 seconds without it burning, it is ready to go.

4. VAPORIZE YOUR DAB

With your dabber, carefully add your concentrate of choice directly onto the nail to allow it to vaporize. Dabbing is often preferred by smokers since you’re only inhaling vapor, which is seen as a healthier alternative to inhaling smoke.

5. INHALE THE VAPOR

Now it’s time for the best part, taking a dab hit! Just like how you would use a bong, place your mouth over your mouthpiece and take a deep inhale. Wait a few moments between each inhale and rotate the dabber to get the most out of the concentrate on the nail.

Some even opt to use a carb cap over the dome to have better control over the flow of vapor. A carb cap is extremely effective at helping you reap the most benefits from your concentrate of choice.

6. EXHALE

Savor vapor for about 2 seconds, then exhale. Contrary to popular belief, holding the vapor in does not increase its effects. You will only be straining yourself and irritating your lungs. Most of the THC is absorbed almost instantly.

7. CLEAN YOUR NAIL

A dirty rig is no fun. If you let the leftover product and particles build up, you can expect unsavory flavors the next time you go to take a hit. You’re also putting yourself (and your friends) at risk of contracting respiratory infections.

It’d be best to clean out your nail after every few hits. Simply burn off any leftovers and scrape up the remaining residue. We also recommend submerging your nail in alcohol and wiping it down to be extra safe.

Popular Methods For Smoking Dabs without A Dab Rig

Generally, smoking dabs requires the use of a rig set-up. But with resourcefulness and creativity, dabbers all over the world have figured how to smoke dabs without a rig.

1. T-WAXING METHOD

This method is a relatively simple solution if you have weed and rolling paper lying around. All you have to do is spread some dab (or concentrates) on the insides of your rolling paper and roll it up with, you guessed it, some of your favorite herbs. 

Make sure that you’re using a thicker and more solid concentrate, such as wax. Using a distillate, for instance, may be difficult to get a good hit.

2. VAPING

You can also vape dabs if you have a vape pen compatible with concentrates. Generally, you need a vape pen with a heating element (also known as the atomizer) that is detachable from the cartridge.

If yours meets these requirements, simply load your concentrate in the cart using a dab tool, reassemble, adjust the temperature settings, and vape away.

Because vapes are easily portable, smoking dabs with a vaporizer is a fantastic choice for discreet, on-the-go sessions.

3. GLASS STRAW

If you’re an environmental advocate who uses reusable straws, you’ll be happy to hear that you can use glass straws to smoke your dab! And not only that, you can make dabbing a more eco-friendly experience by using biodegradable filters that are good for the environment and make your hits cleaner and smoother. This way, you're contributing to making cannabis use more sustainable. 

To use a glass straw, simply torch the tip of the straw while rotating it to distribute the heat. Make sure not to overheat the concentrate so you don't end up inhaling harsh smoke from burnt cannabinoids. Then, carefully touch the heated glass straw into the concentrate container and start inhaling the vapor through your Moose Labs mouthpiece. 

It’s worth noting that some glass straws may break when used to dab over long periods of time. After all, the straw was not built for the purposes of heating up and smoking. However, this is still a quick and easy solution if you don’t have a rig around at the moment.

4. HOT KNIFE METHOD

This method of dabbing dates back to the 1970s, when concentrates first started gaining traction. It works in a pinch when you don’t have a rig, bong, or vape pen around. You only need 2 butter knives, a kitchen stove, a dabber, and a plastic straw. 

Simply hold your knives over the stove and wait for them to turn hot. Once red hot, carefully place a drop of the extract on the surface of one knife, press the other against it, and inhale the emanating vapor with your straw (or a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off).

However, we don’t recommend this method. It might be a classic and a go-to for some, but it’s equally dangerous because the hot knives can burn your hands if you're not careful. It also tends to waste your product, and the vapor can be harsh to inhale.

All we’re saying is: dab safely, and only rely on the hot knife method if it’s a true emergency!

5. BONGS

If you have a bong lying around, then you are in luck because you can convert it into a makeshift rig. All you need is to replace your regular bowl with a nail or banger that fits your bong’s joint.

Once you’ve made the switch, the smoking part is just the same as using a standard dab rig. So, just follow the steps we outlined earlier on how to smoke dabs with a dab rig.

6. HEALTHSTONE

Although this method rarely gets the limelight, it’s a simple and effective way to dab.

A healthstone is a specialized, porous stone designed for vaporizing concentrates. To use it, simply place it in the bowl of your bong or water pipe and add your concentrate on top. Then, torch the stone and inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece.

It's worth noting that a healthstone is not the best for vaporizing liquid dabs like distillates. Because it is porous, liquid dabs can seep into the stone, leading to uneven vaporization and wastage.

CANNABIS CONCENTRATES TO DAB WITH

BUDDER

True to its name, budder is a concentrate that resembles the creamy texture of butter. This makes it a relatively easy product to manipulate for beginners. 

This consistency is achieved in the length of whipping done to the chosen extract. A short and sweet whip is enough to recreate the desired softness of budder, whereas waxes are normally whipped for much longer to achieve their dry texture.

Take note that the nature and stability of budder makes it easier to break down, which means it can’t stay in storage for too long. 

SHATTER

Shatter is one of the more widely popular concentrates since it can give you the most bang for your buck. With THC levels going up to 70%, shatter is extremely potent and at an affordable price. 

This glass-like substance takes on an almost golden hue, which makes it look almost like hardened honey. Generally, you can tell if the product isn’t made very well if it looks darker and almost opaque. 

With the crazy THC levels present in shatter, you’ll definitely want to take a shot at enjoying the otherworldly sensations of smoking shatter.

WAX

Wax is a sticky, soft concentrate known for its rich terpene profile and strong potency. It’s one of the most user-friendly dabs, making it a go-to for beginners and experienced smokers alike. Its consistency varies from gooey to firm, depending on how it's processed. Wax is easy to handle and works well with dab rigs, e-rigs, and nectar collectors, delivering smooth and flavorful hits every time.

DISTILLATE

You may have heard of distillate due to its extremely high potencies. When compared to other concentrates, distillate beats the rest due to its 98% potency levels. 

It’s worth noting that distillate comes in liquid form, which requires some practice to place onto your rig. Distillates are also generally pricier since it is quite new to the market, but the extreme potency of the product justifies its steep cost.

LIVE RESIN

Live resin is prized for its fresh, terpene-rich profile, offering intense flavors and aromas. This concentrate is made by flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis before extraction, preserving its natural oils and cannabinoids. The result? A powerful, flavorful dab that captures the full essence of the strain.

ROSIN

Rosin is a handmade concentrate that doesn’t have any refining or distilling agents. Heat and pressure are combined to extract the concentrate from hash or flower. This creates a more exciting experience as the flavors are more evident and cleaner. A rule of thumb is that the lighter your rosin is, the more likely it is to be good quality.

HASH

Hash is a classic concentrate made by compressing resin glands (trichomes) into a dense, potent substance. Traditional hash methods date back centuries, and modern variations include bubble hash and dry sift hash. Hash can be dabbed, but it's also commonly added to bowls, joints, or blunts for an extra punch.

CRUMBLE

Also known as crumble wax; this concentrate type is created through heat, pressure, and any available solvent. It’s an extremely dry extract, which is why it crumbles quite easily. 

However, due to the crumbly nature of the product, it can be a challenge even for the more experienced smoker to master. But once mastered, its flavors and potency well make up for the hassle that comes with using crumble.

BEST DABBING TOOLS FOR BEGINNERS -THE ESSENTIALS

Standard Dab Rig or an Electric Dab Rig

Your rig is the centerpiece of your entire setup. It functions like a smaller bong, but with less water at its base. If you’re looking to find the cheapest option available, you can opt for a silicone option, but glass rigs are generally the norm. 

Rigs are also used exclusively for concentrates, which means you can’t use it for a bong and vice versa. Taking care of your rig is as important as smoking from your rig. They can be expensive, but a well-maintained rig can last you years with the proper care and attention.

Dabber

This tool also comes in a variety of materials, such as glass and metal. Dabbers vary differently in shape according to the kind of concentrate you’re working with. For instance, a dabber with a scoop will be your best choice for picking up concentrates that have a waxy consistency. 

Overall, the best dabber is the one that allows you to maneuver your concentrate onto the nail with ease and effortless precision.

ENail

The nail is where you will eventually place your concentrate when smoking a dab. Nails, which are also known as bangers, are often crafted from various distinct materials, such as glass, ceramic, and quartz. 

E-nails have also risen in popularity despite the heavier price tag. With an e-nail, you no longer have to purchase a butane torch to heat up your concentrate.

Torch

Your rig setup would be considered useless without a torch to heat up the nail. Using your butane or propane torch, the heat is what triggers the THC to vaporize into gas form. Torches also come in different sizes, and you can easily find a handheld torch for simpler storage and handling.

Mouthpiece

This is where you’ll place your mouth to inhale the vapor produced by the heating of the concentrate. A good mouthpiece should include a filter that protects your body from any unwanted particles and bacteria entering your body.

Carb Cap

While these are by no means required, it can help enhance your smoking experience. A carb cap is secured over the nail opening so that no vapor is lost when inhaling your dab. 

Carb caps are a worthwhile investment as they help you feel a euphoric high with relatively less product. They also ensure that less residue is left on your dab nail, which reduces the need for deep cleaning sessions.

Isopropyl Alcohol and Cotton

Don’t make the rookie mistake of leaving your rig dirty. Simply soak your nail in Isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes and scrape off any residue using a cotton swab before storing away your rig. Have this trusty duo on hand to make sure you leave your rig and nail squeaky clean before the next session. 

IS DABBING SAFE OR HEALTHY? 

Dabbing cannabis concentrates offers a number of advantages compared with other methods of weed consumption. For one, it is smokeless, so you're not inhaling cannabis smoke which contains irritants that pose respiratory risks. Plus, it doesn’t produce odor like smoking weed does. 

Let's take a look at some of the effects you can expect from dabbing: 

EFFECTS OF SMOKING DABS

Relaxation and Euphoria

Dabs provide the same feelings that come with smoking marijuana, but the effects come at a stronger and quicker rate.

In moderate doses, dabbing effects will include deep relaxation or a euphoric high, but this will depend entirely on the strain used. Other effects of dabbing include:

• Munchies
• Pain relief
• High energy levels
• Impoved mood
• Creativity
• Laughter
• Relaxation
• Stress Relief

And since dabs have higher concentrate levels, you can also expect these effects to linger for much longer that you would when smoking buds.

Healthier For Your Lung

Due to the smokeless nature of dabbing, it is often considered as healthier for your lungs than smoking. For instance, standard weed may include carcinogens that come about from the burning of the plant. But in reality, no form of smoking is entirely risk free whatsoever.

Though, you can still protect your lungs and airways using weed filters, whether you are hitting a dab or smoking a joint.

Word of Caution

Since concentrates are super potent, it's much easier to overdose or green out from dabbing. While it may not be life-threatening, you may experience intense symptoms such as anxiety and rapid heart rate. Hence, it’s important to always start with just a little concentrate before eventually increasing your dosage. If you have a friend with experience, you may also feel more comfortable bringing them along for the ride.

FAQ:

Do dabs get you higher than cannabis flower?

Yes, due to their high THC content, dabs provide a stronger and long-lasting high compared to cannabis flower. For reference, cannabis flower will average 10–25% THC, while dabs can reach an incredible 90% THC.

What is the best temperature to smoke dabs?

Most expert dabbers recommend temperatures between 315–450°F (low-temp dabs) for maximum flavor. Avoid very high temperatures, upwards of 600 °F, as they will scorch your dab terps and make for a harsh hit.

How smoke wax from my bong?

All you need is a banger that fits into the joint your bong. Swap it for the bowl, and smoke wax from your bong, just as you would with a dab rig.

How to do a dab for beginners?

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a small amount of concentrate (about the size of a grain of rice). Dabs are extremely potent, so go low and slow, giving yourself time to gauge the effects between hits.

What is the easiest thing to smoke dabs with?

Although pricey, we recommend an e-rig as the most beginner-friendly device to smoke dabs with. It only takes the push of a button to heat your banger without needing a butane torch or constant reheating.

How Do I use a Moose Labs MouthPeace for Dabbing?

Simply attach the Moose Labs MouthPeace to the mouthpiece of your dab rig or straw, ensuring a secure fit. Inhale as you normally would, but thanks to the MouthPeace filtration system, you get to enjoy filtered, smooth hits and added hygiene.

Do Dabs Smell?

Yes dabs do smell, but the odor is not as strong as when smoking buds. Dabs vapor smell will depend on the aromatic terpenes of the strain it was extracted from. Take note however that heating dabs at high temperatures may scorch them causing a harsh strong smell.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it’s clear that dabbing has succeeded in capturing the hearts of smokers and cannabis enthusiasts alike. Due to its higher concentrate levels and fast-acting effects, smoking a dab can be an extremely pleasurable and a mood-lifting experience.