What Are Dabs? An Informative Guide to Cannabis Concentrates

Dabs are highly concentrated cannabis extracts that you vaporize and inhale. They offer a potent and immediate effect, making them popular among experienced users. In this guide, we’ll explain what are dabs, the different types, and how they are made.

The Lowdown on Dabbing

  • Dabs are concentrated cannabis products with THC levels ranging from 60% to 95%, offering a potent and cleaner alternative to traditional methods of consumption with tools like bongs or pipes.

  • Various types of cannabis concentrates, such as shatter, wax, hash, oil, rosin, and live resin, each have unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences and experiences.

  • While dabbing is efficient and preserves flavours through terpene retention, it can pose health risks due to the high temperatures of equipment (such as bangers and nails) and uses of a blowtorch. Plus, there are potential safety concerns associated with extraction methods. Always take great care!

Understanding Dabs

A cannabis extract, likely rosin, on some stick-proof paper being whipped up with a dab tool.A cannabis extract, likely rosin, on some stick-proof paper being whipped up with a dab tool.
We'll have you full caught up to all things dabbing in no time.

Dabs are highly concentrated forms of cannabis that can be vaporised and inhaled. Key characteristics include:

  • THC concentration typically ranges from 70% to 90%, significantly more potent than traditional cannabis flower, which typically contains 10% to 25% THC.

  • They come in various textures, including oil, wax, and shatter.

  • Made from resin collected from the Cannabis plant.

Dabs offer a cleaner and more efficient high than traditional cannabis methods that involve smoking plant material. Their efficiency and potency attract legal users aiming to experience stronger highs; these users typically have a higher tolerance.

The use of a specialised dab rig ensures that the vaporised concentrate is inhaled smoothly, delivering a powerful and immediate effect.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are available in various forms, each with unique characteristics and benefits that have contributed to different user preferences, including cannabis concentrate options like shatter, wax, hash, oil, rosin, and live resin that cater to various user preferences.

Each concentrate varies in texture, potency, and method of consumption, giving users the ability to customise their different types of cannabis experience in a concentrated form.

Shatter

a 2-way image, the left showing a sheet of shatter being lifted, showing how it looks like glass. The right image showing shatter close up with lots of detail, looks a lot like honey.a 2-way image, the left showing a sheet of shatter being lifted, showing how it looks like glass. The right image showing shatter close up with lots of detail, looks a lot like honey.
Shatter usually looks like amber glass; smooth, translucent, and brittle. Its firm, breakable texture gives it the name "shatter."

Shatter is one of the most potent cannabis extracts available. It is characterised by its gold or amber colour and hard, glass-like consistency. Produced by pouring the extract into sheets and purging it in a vacuum oven, shatter can be brittle and break easily when pressure is applied.

Shatter’s fragility doesn’t detract from its clean and powerful high, making it a favourite among experienced users.

Wax

a 2 way image, the left showing a close up of some cannabis wax, it looks soft and buttery. The right side shows some wax on a dab tool which demonstrates how sticky it can be.a 2 way image, the left showing a close up of some cannabis wax, it looks soft and buttery. The right side shows some wax on a dab tool which demonstrates how sticky it can be.
Wax has a soft, opaque, and crumbly or buttery consistency, ranging in colour from light yellow to deep gold. It often resembles earwax or a dense whipped balm, with a matte finish rather than a glossy one.

Wax concentrates, often called wax due to their texture, come in various forms such as budder, crumble, and sugar wax. Each type differs in texture and moisture content, with budder having a thick, gooey consistency resembling cake batter, while crumble is loose and dry, breaking apart easily.

Sugar wax stands out for its wet, semi-crystalline consistency, making it user-friendly for dabbing.

Hash

a 2 way image, the left showing some hash close up which looks like a resinous brick. The right side image shows lots of different hash stacked on each other demonstrating how hash can vary in appearance.a 2 way image, the left showing some hash close up which looks like a resinous brick. The right side image shows lots of different hash stacked on each other demonstrating how hash can vary in appearance.
Hash varies widely but is generally a compressed, resinous brick or ball with a brown to dark brown hue. It can be soft and pliable (like Play-Doh) or hard and brittle, depending on how it's made. Surface texture is often rough or uneven.

Hashish, or hash, is produced by compressing the resinous trichomes of the cannabis plant, resulting in a solid form that is typically more potent than unprocessed cannabis flowers. Its high concentration of cannabinoids, primarily THC, provides strong psychoactive effects, making it a significant substance in the realm of cannabis products.

Hash can be consumed by smoking or ingesting, with effects varying based on the method of cannabis use and consuming cannabis.

Oil

a 2 way image, the left showing a bottle of oil next to a cannabis plant, the difference of appearance demonstrates that there is a large process to get from flower to oil. The right shows a close up of some golden looking cannabis oil being squeezed out.a 2 way image, the left showing a bottle of oil next to a cannabis plant, the difference of appearance demonstrates that there is a large process to get from flower to oil. The right shows a close up of some golden looking cannabis oil being squeezed out.
Cannabis oil is typically a thick, viscous liquid with a golden, amber, or dark brown colour. It has a glossy, syrupy look and can range from clear to opaque, depending on purity and method of extraction.

Butane hash oil (BHO) is a concentrated cannabis extract created using butane as a solvent to extract THC-rich oils from the plant. Hash oil can vary in appearance from a clear liquid to a solid or semi-solid form, often characterised by its colour, which can be golden, brown, or black.

Many prefer to consume hash oil through dabbing, which involves vaporising the oil on a heated surface and inhaling it.

Rosin

2 way image, the left is a macro-shot of some rosin up close, it's beautiful sap-like appearance on full display. The right shows rosin wrapped around a dab tool, almost like it's been whipped-up.2 way image, the left is a macro-shot of some rosin up close, it's beautiful sap-like appearance on full display. The right shows rosin wrapped around a dab tool, almost like it's been whipped-up.
Rosin is a sticky, sap-like concentrate with a glossy, honey-gold appearance. It’s often semi-translucent and can range from gooey to taffy-like in consistency, especially depending on temperature. It looks very fresh and clean, with minimal residue.

Rosin is produced using heat and pressure, making it a solventless extraction method. This concentrate is marketed as a safer alternative to those made with chemical solvents, appealing to those who prefer natural products.

Inexpensive tools like hair straighteners can be used to make rosin (with some skill), adding to its accessibility.

Live Resin

2 way image, the right a close up of live resin, it's dark amber texture looks very sugary. The right image shows cannabis on a dab tool, being put into a small storage container.2 way image, the right a close up of live resin, it's dark amber texture looks very sugary. The right image shows cannabis on a dab tool, being put into a small storage container.
Live resin has a wet, sugary, and sometimes crystal-coated look, often resembling coarse, sticky sugar or chunky marmalade. It’s usually golden-yellow to amber and may sparkle under light due to its high terpene and cannabinoid content.

Live resin, made from freshly frozen cannabis plants, retains more terpenes and provides an enhanced flavour profile. The extraction process preserves aromatic compounds, capturing the full spectrum of flavours from the original plant and resulting in a soft consistency.

How Are Dabs Made?

A cannabis heat press mid operation with the runny sugary looking cannabis concentrate on some stick-proof paper.A cannabis heat press mid operation with the runny sugary looking cannabis concentrate on some stick-proof paper.
There are many, many methods of extracting cannabis, this picture is of a heat-press mid-way through extracting those precious concentrates.

Dabs are derived from the trichomes of the Cannabis plant, which contain cannabinoids and terpenes. The extraction methods influence the texture, potency, and flavour, resulting in a diverse range of products.

Common extraction equipment and methods include solvent-based and solventless techniques, each with its advantages and potential risks.

Solvent Extractions

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) is a widely used extract that employs butane gas to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis. The process involves:

  • Using butane to extract the essential oils from the plant, resulting in a potent concentrate.

  • Whipping the extract to allow THCA to crystallise, which helps separate terpenes from cannabinoids.

  • Purging solvents out at the end of the extraction process ensures the final product is free from solvents. Where cannabis and cannabis extracts are legal, strict regulations ensure consumer safety throughout the process of extracting THC.

Solvent extractions typically use a closed-loop system for safety and to minimise fire risk. Common products from these methods include:

  • shatter

  • wax

  • live resin

  • budder

  • badder

  • crumble

  • sugar

Solventless Extractions

Solventless extractions are physical extraction methods that do not involve the use of chemicals. Techniques such as temperature changes and physical manipulation are employed to create products like rosin and bubble hash. Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis, resulting in a pure concentrate free from residual solvents. Bubble hash, made by placing cannabis in ice water and agitating it, is another example of solventless extraction.

Live rosin, made from frozen cannabis plants, preserves more flavour compared to regular rosin, making it a popular choice for those seeking a full spectrum of flavours. Solventless extracts are considered purer than their solvent-based counterparts, appealing to those who prefer natural products.

Solventless extractions are commonly undertaken through the use of heat presses.

The Dabbing Process

A close up of some shatter being dropped into a titanium nail, ready to be dabbed.A close up of some shatter being dropped into a titanium nail, ready to be dabbed.
Follow safety precautions each time you dab, hot equipment + clumbsiness = bad.

Dabbing uses specialised equipment such as a dab rig, e-rig, or dab pen to vaporise and inhale cannabis concentrates. This method delivers an intense, quick high, appealing to those seeking immediate effects.

Dabbing with efficiency enables users to attain desired effects with regular use of less product compared to traditional smoking methods. Use your dab rig or e-rig properly and you'll get the most out of your concentrates and minimise wastage.

Dab Rig Components

A typical dab rig consists of a glass piece with a water chamber and a banger or nail instead of a flower bowl. These rigs, also known as oil rigs or dab rigs, are designed to reach high temperatures quickly using butane torches.

After heating, wait for the banger or nail to cool slightly before applying the concentrate to ensure a smoother inhale and a superior taste.

Heating and Inhaling

The process of heating the nail in a dab rig typically involves:

  • Using a butane torch, which can heat the nail or banger to temperatures up to 600°F.

  • Allow the nail to cool slightly after heating.

  • Applying the concentrate to the nail, which vaporises upon contact.

E-nails or e-rigs offer alternatives to using a torch, providing precise temperature control and ease of use.

Storing Your Dabs

Cannabis extracts are highly sensitive to light, air, moisture, and temperature. Exposure to these elements actually degrades the THC and CBD, but especially the terpenes, which are responsible for the extract's unique aroma and effects. Dedicated stash containers (such as silicone pots or airtight jars) provide an airtight seal and often offer UV protection, helping retain the extract's strength and full-spectrum profile for longer.

Dabs are notoriously sticky and viscous, and using non-specialised containers can lead to problems like wasted concentrate getting stuck to the sides, hard-to-clean messes and difficulty retrieving the product efficiently. Containers designed for dabs have non-stick properties that make handling and storage easy, clean and efficient.

the black leaf pink recycler dab rig, it has crazy pink and red colours and features a recycler for smooth hits.,the black leaf pink recycler dab rig, it has crazy pink and red colours and features a recycler for smooth hits.,

Black Leaf Pink Recycler Dab Rig

Featuring two percolators and the perfect size, we recommend this rig to anybody whether you're an expert dabber or a complete beginner.

The limited edition amsterdam dab rig. 2 angles of the rig are shown with the included banger, the blueish green colours are beautiful and fit the aesthetic.The limited edition amsterdam dab rig. 2 angles of the rig are shown with the included banger, the blueish green colours are beautiful and fit the aesthetic.

LTD Edition Amsterdam Dab Rig

Amazing value for money, features a disc percolator and a beautiful design whilst sitting at 26cm tall.

Benefits of Dabbing

Dabbing provides quick onset absorption of cannabinoids and immediate effects. Unlike smoking cannabis flower, it offers a cleaner inhalation experience by eliminating harmful byproducts of combustion.

Dabbing with efficiency allows users to achieve desired effects with less wastage, in some cases making it a cost-effective and potent method of cannabis consumption for users with higher tolerance.

Potency and Efficiency

Dabs, with THC concentrations typically ranging from 60% to 90%, significantly exceed those of cannabis flower. This high potency enables users to quickly and efficiently achieve desired effects, making dabbing a preferred method for experienced users with higher tolerances seeking a powerful high.

Flavour Preservation

A key advantage of dabbing is the preservation of terpenes, enhancing the concentrate’s flavour and aroma. Live resin, in particular, is prized for its rich flavour profile, owing to terpene preservation during extraction.

Solventless extraction methods capture the full spectrum of flavours from the cannabis plant, offering a more enjoyable and aromatic experience.

Common Terminology

Dabs are known by various names, including wax, honey, honey oil, shatter, and budder. Wax, a soft and malleable form of concentrate, includes forms like budder, batter, sugar, and crumble.

Dabs carry a flavourful and terpy profile, capturing the aroma of the original plant.

Summary

Dabs offer a potent and efficient way to consume cannabis, with a variety of forms and methods of consumption. Understanding the types of cannabis concentrates, their production methods, and the benefits and risks associated with dabbing can help users make informed decisions. As dabbing continues to grow in popularity, staying informed about safe practices and product quality is essential for a positive and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dabs?

Dabs are concentrated cannabis products produced from the resin of the Cannabis Sativa plant, containing THC levels between 70% and 90%. They are primarily consumed by vaporisation and inhalation.

What types of cannabis concentrates are available?

Cannabis concentrates are primarily available in the forms of shatter, wax, hash, oil, rosin, and live resin, each distinguished by its texture and potency. This variety caters to different preferences and consumption methods.

How are dabs made?

Dabs are created through solvent-based extraction methods, utilising chemicals such as butane, or through solventless methods that employ heat and pressure. Both techniques effectively isolate cannabinoids for consumption.

What are the benefits of dabbing?

Dabbing allows for rapid absorption of cannabinoids, resulting in immediate effects, while also offering intense flavours and a cleaner inhalation experience than smoking traditional cannabis flower.

What are some health risks associated with dabbing?

Dabbing poses some health risks, including hazards from using hot torches and breakable glass, and dangers associated with residual solvents in improperly tested products. It is crucial to be aware of these risks when considering dabbing.