WHAT ARE CBD DABS?
Some people think of CBD dabs are type of CBD. However, the term can also refer to a way to inhale cannabis products like CBD. It is one of those words that can be a noun or a verb. That is, “dabbing” is a way to consume cannabis concentrates like CBD Wax (crumble or dabs), and CBD Crystals.
“Dabbing” is a description of the action of smoking or inhaling the wellness benefits of CBD. So, CBD dabs can be any of the concentrates of CBD. These usually come in the form of CBD Wax (or crumble). Dabbing means to take short, strong puffs (hits) of more concentrated CBD extracts. A little bit goes a very long way. This is because of both the concentration of the product and the method (inhalation). Inhalation provides a “high dose, rapid onset” method for CBD.
In simply terms, a CBD dab is a cannabidiol concentrate derived from marijuana or hemp. CBD dabs do not contain cutters or thinners (like MCT). They are a pure form of extract. Some CBD Dabs have terpenes added for flavors and additional benefits.
Regardless of type, flavor, or form, all CBD dabs contain high concentrations of CBD. Wax, crystals, crumble, or shatter are some of the forms of CBD Dabs. Each option may have a different consistency. Crystals are harder and break apart. Wax is slightly softer and may be sticky.
WHICH TYPE OF CBD CAN BE DABBED?
Concentrates for dabbing come in many forms. The list below shows the most common types of Dabs:
Crystals (aka shatter)
Wax (aka crumble)
CBD Concentrates are extracts from Cannabis or Hemp. Commonly, full spectrum CBD extracts contain the following:
active cannabinoids (like CBD, CBG, CBC, and very low THC)
non-active cannabinoids (the acidic precursors)
flavonoids – plant based (phyto) nutrients
terpenes – aromatic oils that have their own wellness effects
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD DABS?
Dabbing allows the consumption of wellness benefits of a CBD concentrate through smoking (or vaporizing) and inhalation. The concentrates have no additives, thinners, or cutting agents as some other vape products do. The industry has recently made a shift to “clean vaping.” This means that many vape cartridges do not contain them either. However, dabbing can still provide the most concentrated vaping experience.
For example, the 1 gram (1000 mg) CBD Wax crumbles from Cannabidiol life provide 875mg of CBD and CBG. Minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant-based nutrients from the Hemp make up the other 125mg.
In addition to being more concentrated, adding high heat (or fire) to the concentrate will also change the active acid molecule. What this means is that any CBDa or THCa in the concentrate will become CBD or THC.
You can expect dabs to feel like other methods of CBD intake. However, the effects will likely be more intense because of the potency of the product. If you experience pain relief from CBD oil, dabbing CBD should produce a similar effect. Consumers report a wide range of other therapeutic benefits from using CBD. You can read more about these effects and specific conditions on projectcbd.org
DO CBD DABS GET YOU HIGH?
The short answer is no. CBD dabs contain either very little or zero THC. THC is responsible for the intoxicating nature of cannabis. Therefore, low or no THC extracts derived from hemp do not contain enough to make a person high. However, you may feel the deep relaxation and sedative effects that may make you giddy, happy, or even slightly euphoric.
The Permanente Journal reported in 2019 about CBD consumption at low dose. For instance, they observed a reduction in anxiety and more restful sleep. The technically constitutes a “psychoactive effect” as it effects the mind. CBD can cause drowsiness and a heavy body “high” (deep relaxation) when consumed at high doses.
When consuming CBD in any quantity, but particularly CBD dabs, it is important to start with the lowest possible dose. Gradually increase that dose as needed until you feel the desired effect.
HOW LONG DO CBD DABS LAST?
The effects of dabbing CBD do not last as long as some other CBD consumption methods, such as sublingual. The effects of inhaling CBD vapor from a dab rig will last less than half the time of oral CBD. This is usually about three hours. In comparison, CBD edibles and CBD Oils will often last 7 hours.
Inhaling vapor may be better than ingesting edibles, despite the shorter effects. Dr. Adie Rae, a neuroscientist at the Legacy Research Institute in Portland, Oregon, explains: “Vaping CBD is a better choice than eating/swallowing it because the lungs are far more efficient at getting CBD into the bloodstream. The bioavailability of CBD is greater through the lungs than through the gut.”
In short, CBD Dabs provide a quick but powerful hit without the intoxication many other cannabis products cause. And with higher absorption, less CBD is required to achieve the same results as other intake methods.
GADGETS NEEDED FOR CBD DABBING
A dab rig or special pen can be used to Dab. A Dab rig is a pipe designed with a special bowl for the concentrate. A torch or lighter adds fire to the concentrate just like tobacco. Alternatively, there are special pens that have a bowl for the concentrate. These have the advantage of using a heating coil rather than flame to vaporize the dab. Either way, the vapor provides a highly concentrated way to consume your CBD.
A complete list of the gadgets that can help you with dabbing:
dab cartridge
atomizer
dab pen
vaporizer
dab rig
nail
e-nail
Remember to make sure the cartridges you purchase are clearly labeled for dabbing and not just vaping. Importantly, the right cartridge comes with a larger opening to allow your cannabis concentrate to be placed into the cartridge. Pens made for dabbing will say they are “wax pens” or “dab pens.” A standard vape pen will not work for CBD dabbing.
HOW TO USE CBD DABS
We have now covered purpose of dabbing and the types of cannabis concentrates to use. In addition, we have discussed the tools needed. Following is a CBD Dabbing tutorial
STEP 1: APPLY HEAT
Your Goal is to apply heat evenly to the concentrate. This will produce a better CBD dabbing experience. Preheat the bowl of your dab rig with a torch or lighter. Alternatively, turn on your wax pen and preheat.
STEP 2: ADD CBD CONCENTRATE
Add the concentrate with a Dab Nail or other tool. Position yourself to inhale as you add the concentrate. That way, you will not lose any of the vapor to the air.
STEP 3: INHALE
Turn your dab nail in circles to move the concentrate as you inhale. Perform this step at a medium to fast pace. This ensures even distribution of heat as you use your dab nail to stir the concentrate against the bowl. This prevents only heating the CBD concentrate on one side. Inhale slow and steady to not allow any vapors to leave the bowl.
STEP 4: HOLD THE VAPOR
Hold for 10-15 seconds. Holding in the vapors allows them to bind to the “branches” and lining of your lungs. Consequently, you will feel the effects very quickly. The CBD, terpenes and other cannabinoids can easily enter bloodstream through the lungs.
STEP 5: EXHALE
Slowly exhale all the vapors from your lungs. Enjoy the Relaxation!
That’s it! YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR FIRST DAB! You should feel relaxation, relief from discomfort and the wellness benefits of CBD Dabs!
STEP 6: DO NOT OVERDO IT!
Be careful not to inhale so deeply that you irritate your throat and lungs. Do not hold it in so long that it makes you cough. Dabbing concentrates is like melting wax and the sticky residue will harden again once cooled. You don’t want to inhale the hardened concentrate into your lungs or throat. You will not enjoy that feeling.
WHAT KIND OF DABS SHOULD I BUY?
Blue Lotus Wellness & CBD Boutique carries several types of Dabs for your enjoyment. Including CBD Waxes and CBD Crystals (sometimes called Shatter). Both waxes we carry are full spectrum and provide benefits of CBD. In addition, these allow you to benefit from the Entourage Effect from the additional cannabis compounds and terpenes.
On top of the waxes, we carry a pure CBD crystal shatter. This product contains only CBD and terpenes. These are ideal of anyone who needs to avoid any trace of THC in their cannabis products.
We provide lab tests for safety and potency for all the CBD Dab products carried at Blue Lotus. This means we can confidently offer these products knowing they are safe. It also means they contain the labeled amount of CBD.