Dabs, also known as oils, extracts, or concentrates, are products made from the cannabis plant. Manufacturers extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant and remove any excess material. To accomplish this, the manufacturer separates the trichomes from other plant parts. Doing so results in a substance with an extremely high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Hash is the oldest concentrate form and has been in use for thousands of years. At one time, people would hand collect and separate the hash. Today, however, most manufacturers use a solvent during the extraction process. What does this process involve?
Extracting Dabs with the Help of Solvents
To create delta 8 dabs or any dabs today, a manufacturer might turn to butane, alcohol, propane, or another solvent to simplify the process. They alter the consistency of the dab by changing the way they treat the product, so many types of dabs can be created. The dab type is determined by the consistency of the finished product.
Harder dabs typically contain fewer terpenes. A concentrate that is either gooey or saucy, on the other hand, will have the highest concentration of terpenes. Users should take this into consideration when determining which dab to buy. Runny dabs are difficult to smoke, so keep that in mind as well. Overall, the consistency of dab is up to the user and what they like.
Types of Dabs and Concentrates
Shatter-a brittle concentrate that is transparent, incredibly pure
Terp sauce-a runny oil referred to as a sauce
Water hash-also known as bubble hash, manufacturers use ice, water, and filters to separate the trichomes
Crumble-dab with a consistency similar to a honeycomb, actually a type of dried oil
Crystallines-cannabinoids in their pure crystal form, the most potent of all dabs
Wax dabs-a sticky and sappy concentrate
Distillate-thick, oily liquid that has no taste, smell, or flavor, used for cooking edibles
Budder-clean and potent concentrate whipped under heat, resembles cake batter
Rosin-concentrate created using pressure and heat, no solvent is involved
Benefits of Concentrates
People who don’t want to smoke cannabis often turn to concentrates so they can eat or vaporize the marijuana. These substances are extremely potent and effective, so a person can use less and still see the desired results. As they are refined, they provide a smooth and clean experience.
Smoking Dabs
For those who want to smoke dabs, a dab rig is of help. This rig may be made using several materials. However, all dab rigs come with a nail that the user heats and applies directly to the concentrate. Doing so creates a vapor they can inhale. A high-temperature torch may be used to heat the nail or a person can invest in an electric one.
However, many people today choose to use their dabs in vape pens. The pen allows them to use the dabs discreetly. Nevertheless, the vapor produced by the pen is less potent than a user gets with a dab rig. Always work with the supplier to ensure the chosen dab will work with the preferred vape pen or dab rig, as the heat level required varies by the concentrate selected.
Concentrates may also be used in edibles, as tinctures, or as topicals. Each person should explore the different ways to use dabs to find those they prefer. Thanks to the versatility of these substances, finding a preferred method shouldn’t be a challenge.