What are CBD Dabs and How to Consume Them

CBD dabs are the hottest trend in the cannabis culture today. As CBD concentrates become popular and widely available, more people are getting into the practice of dabbing non-psychoactive cannabinoids to get the full benefits of CBD. 

In this article, we will delve into what CBD dabs are and how you can enjoy them. We will talk about the different types of CBD concentrates and the equipment you need to turn them into vapor.

CBD Dabbing: Definition

CBD Dabbing is the action of vaporizing cannabidiol concentrate to inhale the vaporized form of the cannabinoid. When you dab CBD, you can reap its benefits in a few minutes. It is a potent and effective way to get the cannabinoid into your system.

How to Dab CBD

There are different types of CBD concentrates, including CBD isolate, CBD shatter, CBD crumbles, CBD wax, and others. Depending on your preference and your requirements, you may choose any of these.

• The first step to dab is choosing the right type of concentrate.
• Next, you need to prepare all your dabbing tools including a dab rig, dab tool, nail, carb cap, and a torch to heat the nail. Start by turning on the torch and heat up the nail, by aiming the flame toward it.
• Wait until the nail is hot enough, and then you can turn off your torch. If you’re working with an electronic nail, you can find thorough instructions below the nail. Now, wait until the nail surface cools down, which may take about 45 to 60 seconds. A timer can come in handy at this stage.
• Use a dabber, carefully apply the dab to your nail, and inhale. To prevent wasting any concentrates, slowly rotate the dabber tip. Use a card cap, cover the dap, and finish inhaling. Now you can exhale, relax and enjoy the relaxing effects of CBD taking over your body.

Check Out Fusion CBD Products

Benefits of Dabbing CBD

Using CBD oil through sublingual administration or under the tongue administration is the most common way to get the cannabis compound into the system. The membranes under the tongue can absorb this form of CBD and transmit it directly to the bloodstream. This method is a fast way to assimilate the compound. However, CBD oil has a rather earthy and grassy taste to it that not a lot of people enjoy.

You can add your CBD tincture to foods and beverages, or simply use CBD edibles. Ingesting the compound can lower its bioavailability, though. Only about 10% of the compound take an active effect on the body. That means that you are wasting at least 90% of the cannabinoid.

Dabbing CBD, in contrast, allows you to absorb up to 50% of the cannabinoids through your lungs and into the bloodstream. After inhalation, you can feel the effects in a matter of minutes, which allows you to enjoy the product nearly instantly. If you use CBD to relieve pain, anxiety, or stress, dabbing CBD can have a huge impact.

Dabbing is also more potent than other types of CBD consumption. When you dab CBD, you are taking in a highly concentrated form of the cannabinoid. You can get the dose you need with just a few inhalations. Hence, you can get almost instantaneous relief from pain or anxiety in just a few minutes of dabbing.

More Flavor

Concentrates are known to offer a pure and strong experience compared to other forms of CBD. For those appreciating the taste and aroma of cannabidiol, dabbing is a great option.

Using a CBD dab rig, you have total control over the temperature your concentrate reaches. This helps you to enjoy the strong natural flavor of the hemp plant. If you wish to taste the concentrate fully, make sure to keep the temperature low and steady. This will help maintain the flavor while using.

No Smoke

We all have heard enough about the harm vaping and smoking cause to our lungs. When using a health supplement such as CBD, it would be a waste to ruin the benefits with smoke.

Dabbing is inhaling a concentrated CBD, which is much cleaner than smoking or using a vaporizer. On top of that, dabbing methods cause much less odor, making it a great option for those looking for a more discreet manner.

Fast Results

If you're using CBD concentrate to reduce your chronic, inflammatory, or arthritis pain, dabbing offers quick results. Unlike edibles which take a longer time to work, inhaling concentrates offer fast and effective results.

Downsides of CBD Dabs

Although dabbing is a highly effective way to take CBD, it also has some drawbacks. First of all, vaporized CBD concentrates is not as accessible as other types of CBD products. Secondly, eating edibles, using tinctures, and swallowing capsules are easier to do and more discreet.

Additionally, extracting concentrates from hemp plants adds a dangerous element for the user. Although, this is not a risk of dabbing itself but rather a dangerous part of the process, which can later increase the possible risk of burn and even explosion.

Overall, if you're a CBD novice, dabbing may not be the perfect option for you. The amount of concentrate used for dabbing is quite insubstantial, which might be intimidating if you're not familiar with it.

This can lead to unintentionally increasing the dosage, which increases the possibility of side effects. Of course, CBD is quite well-tolerated by most people. However, overdosing on any substance can lead to potential side effects, and in CBD’s case they include:

• Red eyes
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Note that CBD, used in any form, can cause negative interactions with other prescribed medication. So if you're using pharmaceutical drugs, make sure to consult a medical expert before using CBD concentrates.

Types of CBD Concentrates

CBD concentrates fall into three main categories. These categories differ mainly in what each type of hemp-derived extract contains. These categories are:

CBD Isolate

A CBD isolate refers to the most concentrated form of pure CBD without any other active components in it. In the process of extracting the isolate, every other part of the plant is separated to isolate pure CBD. Isolating the cannabinoid is possible through the process of high-pressure liquid chromatography. The resulting product is 99% CBD, which is an extremely potent high CBD product.

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD refers to products that contain other ingredients to enhance the benefits. These products often include other cannabinoids, terpenes, THC, essential oils, and traces of other active compounds in cannabis.

Taking in this type of CBD is like experiencing the full effect of consuming flower. Hence, you do not only feel the effects of CBD but other compounds found in the particular cannabis strain.

Broad-spectrum CBD

When CBD products or concentrates are described as broad-spectrum, it means that the concentrates contain the different active ingredients found in cannabis, except for one thing. The differentiating factor for this type of CBD is the lack of THC, the active compound that causes you to get high.

Major Forms of CBD Concentrates

CBD concentrates may also be described in the forms they take and how they look. The most common forms are:

CBD Wax

Just as the name suggests, CBD wax has the consistency of candle wax. It is usually made using a butane or CO2 extraction process. As of today, CO2 extraction is the most commonly used process. This extraction process produces high-quality CBD wax with a 65-90% potency. 

CBD wax contains other compounds such as sterols, flavonoids, terpenes, and other waxes from the cannabis plant. Aside from its waxy appearance, you can distinguish it for its dark yellowish color.

CBD wax may have a sticky texture similar to honey or a crumblier texture depending on the variant. The texture depends on the level of heat and moisture used while extracting the compound. 

CBD wax comes in common variants called budder and crumble. Due to its stickiness, you may have to use a CBD dab tool to pick it up and place it on the nail on the rig.

CBD Budder

CBD budder is a variant of CBD wax. The variant has a gooey consistency because of the presence of more moisture from its source. The extraction process of making this variant requires purging the extract at high temperatures and pressure at the final extraction stage. 

The resulting substance is whipped forcefully to get rid of the solvent (either butane or Co2). The final product is a CBD wax which is creamier and fluffier in texture, almost like butter.

CBD Crumble

Crumble, or honeycomb is another variant of CBX wax concentrate. Instead of being gooey and sticky, crumble has a more brittle consistency. Just like any other CBD wax variant, it is extracted using butane or CO2 as a solvent.

In the extraction process, less water is removed to make the resulting creation less viscous and more solid. The crumbly texture of the product is easier to handle than any other CBD wax variant. It is less sticky and should be easier to place on the nail even with your fingers.

CBD Shatter

CBD Shatter is unique because it is has a glass-like appearance and texture. Shatter is translucent and amber in color. This pure CBD concentrate is easily distinguished from other forms. Shatter resembles thin, solid, and smooth glass-like sheets.

You can easily shatter the sheets into smaller pieces with the dab tool. This characteristic is the reason for the name of this cannabis concentrate. However, when heated with a torch, shatter melts into a honey-like liquid just like any other CBD concentrate.

The most common solvent used to extract shatter is butane. However, other solvents may also be used in place of butane. The product often goes through more rigorous filtration to achieve a higher purity level and better potency. The clarity of the final product determines its quality. Low-quality shatter may contain parts of the plant that may impact its clarity.

Live Resin

When fresh marijuana buds are flash-frozen just after harvest, the terpenes and cannabinoids of the marijuana plant are better preserved. The flash-frozen buds are used to make a CBD extract called live resin.

The final product may contain a better amount of cannabinoids and terpenes, which gives it a more enhanced flavor and better quality than other types of concentrates. Live resin has a more fluid consistency and an impressive potency of 90% CBD. The better qualities of this extract make it rare and costly, as well.

Combining CBD and THC for a Better High

If you want to feel the effects of both CBD and THC, you can combine both of them in your dabs. You can get the benefit of both cannabinoids, especially if you want to experience the euphoric high of THC. Many users report having a better and complete high with hybrid extracts, as opposed to pure THC.

You can also replace THC with delta-8 THC. Like THC, it will also get you high, but will not leave you intoxicated. Delta-8 and regular THC are different forms of cannabinoids. The common THC is scientifically called delta-9 THC and is the most prevalent cannabis active compound, aside from CBD.

Why You Should Not Dab CBD Oils

Oils are tinctures that contain CBD extract. Some elements in the oil may not be suitable for dabbing because they may produce different compounds when heated. Oils should be taken through sublingual administration or infused in foods and beverages.

Equipment for Dabbing

You can find multiple varieties of dabbing equipment in dispensaries and online stores. The two main options you can find are dab rigs and wax vaporizers. The former uses a blowtorch to heat the concentrate, the latter uses electricity.

Dab Rig

The standard dab rig for dabbing concentrates contains the following set of tools:

• Glass water pipe - that functions like a bong
• Dab nail - a chamber that is heated to vaporize the concentrate
• Dome - placed on top of the nail to trap the vapor of the concentrate and keep it from escaping
• Blow torch - used to heat the nail more efficiently than a lighter
• Dab tool or dabber - a metal, ceramic, or glass wand used to place the extract into the heated nail

Wax Vaporizer

Wax vaporizers, like vape pens, are electronic devices that can heat and vaporize dabs using electricity. The main components of the vaporizer pen include the following:

• Battery - the source of power connected to the heating element
• Coil - the heating element connected to the power source
• Mouthpiece - a glass water pipe or screw-on attachment used to inhale the vaporized compound
• Dabber - a metal wand used to place the extract into the coil cylinder

The wax vaporizers and dab rigs come in different shapes, sizes, and prices. What equipment you will use will depend on you. You can get the dab rig for home use or a wax vaporizer for on-the-go occasions. You can opt for the cheaper minimalist models and still get the same dabbing experience.

Dabbing Nails

One of the main pieces of equipment you need for dabbing is a nail. You can purchase these tools in many versions and materials. Most nails contain an opening on one side and are heated from the lower part.

The middle section of the nail is used to dab your CBD concentrate. Today, you can find electronic versions of these tools, known as e-nails. These new versions make the whole process a piece of cake, helping you heat up the extract to a certain temperature.

How to Consume CBD Dabs

It is easy to use CBD dabs as long as you have your equipment ready. However, it may take some practice during your first time. Here is a full guide on how to work with our CBD dab:

Controlling the Temperature

The first skill you need to master is controlling the temperature at which the CBD concentrate is going to be vaporized. When the dab nail is not heated enough, it will not be able to vaporize the extract placed on it. If the heat is too high, it will combust the CBD dab and leave you with nothing to inhale.

Ideally, the temperature should fall between 300 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When the heat is too much, you will notice that the terpenes will start to boil, if ever your concentrate contains terpenes. If the heat is not sufficient, nothing will happen to the concentrate.

Dividing Your Dose

A concentrate contains a highly concentrated pure form of CBD. Hence, it is crucial to divide your concentrate into appropriate doses to avoid taking too much. The average size of a dose is usually one to two pieces the size of a rice grain. You can pre-divide your concentrate to make it easy to control your dose.

How to Use a Dab Rig

The rig is more complicated to use than a wax vaporizer pen. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, especially the nail, torch, and dab tool. You are going to be using a live flame. Hence, take responsibility and clear your session room of any flammable materials.

Ready your dose of concentrate before heating the nail. Torch the nail until it reaches the proper temperature. The rule of thumb is to heat it for at least 20 seconds. It is not necessary to heat it until it becomes red hot. Allow it to cool for a minute before adding the concentrate.

Use the dab tool to take the concentrate and add it to the nail. Inhale the vaporized concentrate through the mouthpiece. It takes some practice to inhale all the vapor at once. Cover the nail with the dome to prevent any left-over vapor from escaping. Inhale the remaining vapor and savor the effects of the compound.

You will soon get the hang of vaping CBD as your experience it more often. You need to practice heating the nail properly, as well as getting the dose just right. As you gain experience, you will join the ranks of happy dabbers who enjoy the relaxing benefits of CBD.

How to Use a Wax Vaporizer

The vaporizer, like the vape pen, is a lot easier to use than the dab rig. As soon as you have your dose of dab ready, add it to the coil cylinder and turn on the device. The vape pen button activates the heating element and vaporizes the concentrate. When vaping CBD, hold it for a few seconds in your lungs and exhale.

Where to Buy Concentrated CBD

For the best dabbing experience, you can buy CBD concentrates, vape pens, and other CBD products at Fusion CBD. We offer the best CBD products on the market today. We make sure all our customers get the best shopping experience.

CBD offers a lot of benefits to its users. It can help you relax, sleep better, relieve chronic, and reduce anxiety. However, always consult with your doctor if you have a medical condition. Never take any form of CBD unless your doctor allows you to.

Bottom Line

By now, you're well aware of the multiple benefits of CBD products for your mental and physical health. Whether you wish to have a better sleep at night, or you just want to give your body a boost of energy, CBD is a great alternative.
Today, you can find CBD products in an exceeding variety. From tasty edibles like cookies, and candies, to topicals that offer relief, and skin benefits, you'll face no problem finding something that suits your needs.

However, if you're looking for a potent and fast-affecting method, dabbing is a must-have. Using CBD dabs, you can incorporate cannabinoids into your daily life, and enjoy a relaxing experience.

That said if you haven't tried any CBD products before, you may want to start with something less potent. For best results consult an expert, and use according to the recommendation.

CBD Dab FAQ

What are CBD dabs?

Dabbing CBD concentrates is a relatively new method for taking advantage of the benefits associated with cannabidiol. In this method, consumers use various CBD extracts, such as crumbles, wax, shutter, isolate, and inhale the vapor form. Similar to vapes, these concentrated extracts are heated up and inhaled using special equipment. Basically, this is just another way to consume CBD, and it is much simpler than it sounds. Dabbing offers quick-delivering effects, which is great for those seeking CBD effects for ailments, and pain.

How long does CBD dab last?

If you're looking for a way to get the effects of cannabinoids quickly, then go ahead and use CBD dab. Generally speaking, dabbing will deliver the effects within 10 to minutes after inhaling. However, it's not the optimal method for long-lasting effects. Similar to smoking and vaping, the effects of CBD dab perish quickly, lasting around 3 hours. This is approximately half the duration of edibles, which tend to last for over 6 hours.

Will using CBD dabs make you feel high?

There is a huge misconception regarding CBD dab, thinking that it can lead to psychoactive effects. No matter what method you use for consuming CBD, in the end, cannabidiol is not intoxicating and delivers no high effects. CBD concentrates which are used for dabbing are THC-free. THC is the principal substance found in cannabis that has psychoactive properties. Exclusion of this compound from any cannabis products means you'll only enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

What are the effects of CBD dab?

CBD dab is a popular way to incorporate cannabidiol into your routine. Using highly concentrated CBD extracts, dabs offer the benefits of CBD in a short span of time. Cannabinoids of CBD extracts have a similar structure to the body's endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, affecting the ECS system. By improving the functionality of the endocannabinoid system, CBD offers multiple benefits such as reducing anxiety disorders, improving sleep quality, enhancing libido, reducing pain, improving epilepsy symptoms, and more.

*FDA disclaimer: none of the statements on this webpage have been approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medical advice should be sought before starting any supplement. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with a doctor. Medical advice should be sought if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. If you take other prescription medications, a doctor’s advice should be sought. Site void where prohibited.