When you hear the word “dab,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? To many, dabbing is a dance move. To those in the cannabis community, however, it has an entirely different meaning. Dabbing is a method of consuming cannabis concentrates. In most cases, people dab using what’s called a dab rig. There’s also a more portable option. Here’s what you need to know about how to use a dab pen.
Cannabis Dabs: What Are They?
Cannabis dabs are concentrated cannabis products extracted from fresh plant material. The processes for making them concentrate the cannabinoids, making them exceptionally potent. Where most flowers don’t reach much more than 30% THC, concentrates can have up to (if not more than) 90%.
The other thing to note about concentrates is that there are numerous kinds. They range in consistency from runny to waxy to brittle. Some of the most common ones include:
- Butane hash oil (BHO)
- Wax
- Sugar
- Budder
- Crumble
- Wax
- Shatter
The consistency of a concentrate (dab) is the result of the process used to create it. Many involve the use of solvents, while others are solventless.
Dab Pens Explained
Dab rigs are generally the most common method of dabbing concentrates. These devices are similar to bongs. Instead of a bowl or banger, however, you apply your product of choice to what’s called a nail.
A dab pen provides you with another option to dab your favorite concentrates. It’s smaller, more discreet, and much more portable. Also called a wax pen, it looks pretty much like a regular vape pen. It also has similar components – a battery and a heating element. Instead of an oil cartridge, however, a dab pen has a chamber into which you apply your concentrate.
How to Use a Dab Pen
Knowing how to use a dab pen is essential for getting the most out of your experience:
- Turn the pen on by clicking the button and check the coil to ensure it’s working
- Remove the mouthpiece attached to the pen’s chamber
- Using your dab tool, take a small amount of your favorite concentrate
- Apply the concentrate to the coil (carefully, to avoid damaging it)
- Replace the mouthpiece
- Power on your dab pen and take your hit
Tips for Dab Pen Success
Before you take your very first hit from a dab pen, we have a few tips for success that will help to ensure you have a pleasant experience every time:
- Store your concentrates properly to keep them fresh
- Keep your pen upright at all times
- Clean your dab pen regularly
- Avoid using high heat (too high temperatures can ruin the quality of your hits, making them less enjoyable
Another thing to keep in mind is that you don’t need to take massive hits. Concentrates are incredibly potent. A small amount goes a long way. You’ll likely only need a hit or two to get the results you want.
Enjoy Concentrates More Discreetly
Dabbing offers a fast-acting, effective way to enjoy potent cannabis products. The thing is, however, that dab rigs aren’t the most discreet tools. A dab pen is more portable and much less attention-grabbing. It allows you to enjoy your favorite concentrates no matter where you are. And knowing how to use a dab pen will help to ensure the best experiences.