Types of Dabs: Wax & Oils

 

To dab, the user heats a base, known as the “nail”, to incredibly hot temperatures using a blow torch. The nail should reach a temperature somewhere between 350 to 375 degrees. When the nail has been heated, the user picks up a dab of concentrate on their steel dab tool and then places the concentrate on the base or nail and inhales through the rig.

Dabbing is a little like vaping in that the way the cannabis is heated is designed to vaporize the THC present on marijuana, oils, or wax. That vapor is then filtered through a water pipe known as a rig to make it even easier on your lungs. While all of that is great, it demands a process that is a little more complicated than simply rolling a joint.

It’s important to note like with all cannabis, start small, because dabs pack a big punch.

As with all things relating to the world of cannabis, there is a whole sub-culture full of different terms and products that you should understand before you pursue your first dabbing session. To know about these products you should consult with a budtender present at the dispensaries in Dillon CO. In this section, I have highlighted a variety of different types of concentrates, waxes and oils used for dabbing.

Budder

So-called “budder” is a waxy cannabis byproduct that takes on a creamy almost peanut butter-like appearance.

BHO (Butane Hash Oil)

For most people, BHO is what comes to mind when they think “Dabs”. BHO refers to a concentration of THC, terpenes, and CBD that have been extracted from the cannabis plant using a butane based solution.

The term actually refers more to the extraction process than the finished product, and BHO may feature a variety of different consistencies.

Shatter Wax

Shatter is a solid but sticky cannabis concentrate that breaks off into smaller “glass shard” like pieces. They are easy to pick up and break a part when dabbing.

Honeycomb Wax

Honeycomb wax created similar to shatter except when laid out to dry it creates tiny holes and bubbles that look very similar to a bee’s honeycomb. 

CO2 Oil

Co2 oil is any oil that has been extracted using a combination of Co2 and pressure. The consistency tends to be very soft or even runny and may take on an appearance that is similar to that of honey.

Concentrates

Another broader term that refers to any extract consisting of a concentration of THC.

There is not necessarily a hierarchy when it comes to concentrates. Any one of the aforementioned products can be used successfully for dabs. That said, dab rigs do favor concentrates of a stiffer nature, as these products tend to have a much easier time maintaining the ideal position on the rig.

How are Dab Concentrates Made?

The concentrates are then stored in a high-pressure, low-temperature setting. The exact specifications of temperature versus pressure can vary significantly depending on the desired consistency. These discrepancies then account for the various products listed above.

A similar process can also be performed using carbon dioxide. Co2 based oil is usually considered a little bit safer and produces a discreet odorless product that is otherwise indistinguishable from BHO.