How to Dab: Tips for Massachusetts Residents

Dabbing concentrates has become one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis—and for good reason. Dabs are loaded with potent cannabinoids and flavorful terpenes that produce a strong buzz and tasty, flavorful vapor.

If you’re new to cannabis or if you haven’t tried dabbing as a consumption method yet, you probably have some questions about what dabs are and how to dab. Here’s our quick and handy guide to dabbing for Massachusetts residents.

What is Dabbing?

Dabbing is the process of vaping or smoking small hits (called dabs) of cannabis extracts or concentrates. These include shatter, rosin, live resin, liquid diamonds, and others. Because cannabis concentrates are so potent, dabs are a go-to consumption method for anyone who prefers potent hits of cannabis that get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

How to Dab: Using a Dab Rig

One of the most common ways of doing dabs is through a dab rig. Dabs rigs are glass water pipes that are very similar to bongs in concept. What’s the difference between a water pipe and a bong, you ask? Instead of having a bowl in which to put your bud (classic bong setup), water pipes have a nail (also called a banger) on which to put your dab. 

Using a dab rig can take a little practice. It requires about a minute or so to set up a dab. The time is worth it, though. Many people find that the hits a dab produces are more flavorful and crisp than those produced by other vaping devices. To dab using a dab rig, you will need a few pieces of equipment in addition to your rig, including a handheld torch to heat up your nail. In the end, though, you’ll get hard-hitting and flavorful dabs. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to use a dab rig.  In addition to manual dab rigs, you can also dab out of electronic dab rigs, also called e-nails. These digital rigs warm up on their own without the need for a torch, making the process of doing a dab much simpler and quicker. 

Benefits of Using a Dab Pen

If dabbing out of a rig doesn’t really seem like your thing (torches are fiery little dragons!), then using a dab pen may be a preferable option. Dab pens are small, handheld vaporizers specifically built for dabbing concentrates. They are easy to load up, easy to use, and easy to carry—making them perfect for doing quick dabs on-the-go or for generally lower-key consumption. Many people report that a dab pen can’t produce quite the same vapor quality as a dab rig. However, if you’re willing to trade a little vapor quality for a whole lot of convenience, then using a dab pen is the way to go.

How To Dab: Other Ways to Enjoy Dabs

While dab rigs and dab pens are the two most popular ways of doing dabs, they’re not the only ones. Many people prefer to keep things simple by simply adding dabs to their pipe and bong bowls, or even to their joints and blunts. How? Just grind up some cannabis flower, pack it in your bowl, and drop a dab on top. If you’re rolling a joint, you can gently spread your dab out over the paper or on top of your flower before rolling it. It isn’t as convenient as using a dab pen or as flavorful as using a dab rig, but it still gets the job done. 

Premium Cannabis Concentrates at Pleasantrees in MA

Ready to try dabbing for yourself? Visit our Easthampton and Amherst dispensary locations in Massachusetts today or check out our online menu right now to shop a wide variety of potent and flavorful cannabis concentrates and extracts that are perfect for dabbing.