Posted on July 20, 2023 by Munchies

Ever wondered what it’s like to find a stronger way to enjoy cannabis? Dabbing might be just what you need. Offering a more potent high in a fraction of the time, this method delivers rapid effects thanks to highly concentrated cannabis extracts. Whether seeking quicker relief or a more intense experience, dabbing gets you where you want it. Curious about how it works and why it’s so effective? Let’s dig into the details now! 

Key Takeaways 

  • Dabbing delivers a more potent and immediate high compared to smoking or edibles due to the concentrated forms of cannabis used.
  • Effects are felt almost instantly, making it a faster-acting method of consumption.
  • Dabs come in various forms, like shatter, wax, and live resin, each with different consistencies and Delta 9 THC levels.
  • Dabs can contain up to 90% Delta 9 THC concentrations, significantly stronger than traditional cannabis flower.
  • While dabbing avoids combustion, frequent use may still lead to respiratory issues and increased tolerance.

Does Dabbing Get You High?

Yes, dabbing will get you high, and it usually produces a more intense and immediate high compared to other methods of cannabis consumption, such as smoking or edibles. This is due to the nature of dabbing and the concentrated forms of cannabis used in the process. The vaporized cannabis concentrate on a heated surface enables quicker absorption of cannabinoids into the bloodstream, leading to a more rapid onset of effects. 

Discover the detailed steps on how to dab in this comprehensive article

What is a Dab? 

A dab, also known as a marijuana dab, is a highly concentrated form of cannabis. Unlike traditional cannabis flower or edibles, dabs are made by extracting Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using solvents like butane or CO2. The result is a sticky, resinous substance that contains very high levels of Delta 9 THC. The concentrations in dabs typically range from 60% to 90%, which is significantly higher than traditional marijuana flower (usually 12-13% Delta 9 THC)

What is Dabbing?

Dabbing is a method of consuming highly potent cannabis concentrates, also known as dabs. These concentrates are created by extracting Delta 9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, from the plant using various methods. 

Types of Dabs

Depending on the extraction method and post-processing techniques, dabs can have various consistencies and appearances. The extracted cannabinoids can be found in various forms of dabs, including:

  • Shatter – A glass-like concentrate that’s high in THC.
  • Wax – A softer, more malleable concentrate.
  • Budder – A creamy textured concentrate.
  • Crumble  – A drier form of concentrate that crumbles easily
  • Live Resin – Made from fresh, frozen cannabis plants to preserve more terpenes.
  • Rosin – A solventless extract made using heat and pressure

Types of Cannabinoids You Can Dab to Get High

While dabbing is primarily associated with Delta 9 THC, various cannabinoids can be dabbed to produce psychoactive effects. Here’s an overview of the types of cannabinoids you can dab to get high:

Delta 9 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and is the most commonly dabbed compound to achieve a high. THC is known for its intoxicating effects and is the main cannabinoid responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. 

Other Cannabinoids For Dabbing 

  • THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) – While non-psychoactive in its raw and unheated form, THCA becomes Delta 9 THC when dabbed at specific temperatures. 
  • Delta 8 THC – This is an isomer of Delta 9 THC with similar psychoactive properties, albeit slightly less potent. It can be extracted and concentrated for dabbing.
  • THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) – In high doses, THCV can produce psychoactive effects similar to THC, though it’s typically found in smaller quantities in cannabis plants.
  • CBN (Cannabinol) – While not as potent as THC, CBN can have mild psychoactive effects, especially when concentrated. It’s often found in aged cannabis products.

What Happens When You Hit a Dab? 

Immediate Effects

The effects of dabbing are felt almost instantaneously, much faster than traditional methods of cannabis consumption. This is due to the high potency of dabs and the efficient delivery method of vaporization. 

  • Rapid Onset –  Unlike smoking cannabis flower, which can take a few minutes to feel the full effects, dabbing produces an almost immediate high.
  • Intense Euphoria – Users often experience an intense feeling of euphoria, which is one of the primary effects of the high THC concentration.
  • Altered Perception – Many users experience changes in sensory perception shortly after hitting a dab.

Physical Sensations 

  • Increased Heart Rate – The high THC content can cause a rapid increase in heart rate.
  • High Blood Pressure – Some users may experience elevated blood pressure.
  • Decreased Coordination – The potent effects can lead to a temporary decrease in physical coordination.

Mental Effects

  • Improved Focus – Some users report increased focus and concentration, at least initially.
  • Memory Problems – Short-term memory may be affected, making it difficult to remember recent events.
  • Anxiety or Panic Attacks – The intense high can sometimes trigger feelings of anxiety or panic, especially in inexperienced users or those prone to these conditions.

Duration of Effects

The effects of a dab hit typically last longer than smoking cannabis flower due to the higher concentration of Delta 9 THC. The peak effects may last 1-3 hours, with residual effects potentially lasting several hours longer.

Long-Term Considerations

Regular dabbing, especially of high-potency concentrates, may lead to:

  • Increased Risk of Addiction – The intense high and rapid delivery of THC can increase the risk of developing cannabis use disorder.
  • Potential Mental Health Impact – Long-term use has been associated with the exacerbation of certain mental health conditions.
  • Respiratory Issues – While dabbing produces vapor rather than smoke, frequent use may still impact respiratory health.
Box filled with cannabis accessories.

Pexels Photo by RDNE Stock project

Smoking vs. Dabbing

Smoking and dabbing are two different methods of consuming cannabis, each with its characteristics, effects, and potential risks. Here’s a comparison of smoking versus dabbing:

Method of Consumption

Smoking involves burning dried cannabis flower and inhaling the resulting smoke. Dabbing, on the other hand, involves vaporizing a concentrated form of cannabis extract and inhaling the vapor.

Potency and THC Concentration

Dabbing typically involves much higher concentrations of Delta 9 THC compared to smoking. While traditional cannabis flowers used for smoking usually contain 10-25% Delta 9 THC, dabs can contain 60-90% Delta 9 THC or even higher. This significant difference in potency leads to a more intense and immediate high when dabbing.

Onset and Duration of Effects

Dabbing produces a much faster onset of effects compared to smoking. The high from dabbing is almost instantaneous, while the effects of smoking may take a few minutes to manifest fully. The duration of the high from dabbing can also be longer due to the higher concentration of Delta 9 THC.

Efficiency

Dabbing is considered more efficient than smoking cannabis flower. Smaller amounts of concentrate are needed to achieve the desired high compared to the amount of flower needed for smoking.

Health Considerations

Smoking cannabis involves combustion, which produces harmful byproducts that can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Dabbing, which involves vaporization rather than combustion, may reduce exposure to these harmful byproducts. However, dabbing comes with its own health risks, including lung irritation from high-temperature vapor and inhaling residual solvents if the concentrate is not properly purged.

Risk of Dependency

Due to its higher potency, dabbing may increase the risk of developing tolerance and dependency more quickly than smoking cannabis. The intense and rapid delivery of Delta 9 THC through dabbing can potentially lead to a higher risk of addiction.

Flavor Profile

Smoking cannabis allows users to experience the full spectrum of flavors from the plant’s terpenes. Dabbing, especially with products like live resin, can offer intense and concentrated flavors, but some terpenes may be lost in the extraction process.

Equipment and Preparation 

Smoking typically requires simpler equipment, such as a pipe, bong, or rolling papers. Dabbing usually involves more specialized equipment, including a dab rig, nail, torch, or electronic dab rig. The preparation process for dabbing can be more complex and potentially dangerous, especially if making homemade concentrates.

Discretion

While both methods produce odors, dabbing may be slightly more discreet as it produces vapor rather than smoke, dissipating more quickly. However, the intense smell of cannabis concentrates can still be noticeable.

While both smoking and dabbing are methods of consuming cannabis, they differ significantly in potency, onset of effects, health considerations, and equipment needed. Dabbing offers a more intense and immediate high but comes with increased risks due to its potency. Smoking, while less potent, is more traditional and may be easier for beginners to manage. Both methods have their own set of potential health risks and should be approached with caution.

Final Thoughts 

Dabbing is a potent method of cannabis consumption that delivers an intense and immediate high due to the high concentration of cannabinoids in dabs. While it offers a faster onset of effects compared to smoking, it also comes with increased risks, such as potential addiction, mental health impacts, and respiratory issues. 

For experienced users, dabbing can provide an efficient and flavorful experience, but it’s crucial to approach this method with caution, especially for beginners or those sensitive to high THC levels. Proper equipment and preparation are also key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable dabbing experience.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

JUMP TO