How to use dabs without the help of a dab rig
Dabs are all the rage these days, and for a good reason, as they tend to offer a high-quality experience that simple bud or alternative methods of consumption, like edibles, just can’t quite provide, but the intense desire of wanting to try them is often drowned out by the fear of coming to the table ill-equipped for the task at hand. Not everyone wants to leap right into the costly investment of a dab rig without knowing what it’s about first, which is why we’re here to show you that there are other ways that you can use dabs.
What are dabs made of?
Dabs are the more exotic cannabis concentrates, but the term doesn’t describe just one type, as there are dozens of products that could be considered dabs on the market today. A dab could consist of wax, oil, sauce, and many other malleable cannabis concentrates, as the qualifying factor for this label is the ability to dab them. This means that they should have a low boiling point that will vaporize all of the concentrate, something that buds just don’t do very well.
Is dabbing possible without a dab rig?
The truth is that there is no tool or device that will deliver the same experience as a dab rig, as it is designed to reach the ideal temperatures and to vaporize any kind of dab into a clean cloud that isn't filled with dozens of unnecessary carcinogens that can be produced by combustion. However, a consumer can still get a really good taste of what a cannabis dab has to offer through other means.
Other ways to use dabs
Since dabs can consist of several different textures, some will work better than others in some of the ideas that are set out below, but if you're looking for an affordable way to take dabbing for a test run without investing in a rig, then this is an excellent place to begin that journey.
1. Roll ‘em up
Dabbing is so well received because it removes many of the harmful additions that are often in regular smoke, so to a true dabber, this isn’t going to give you quite the same experience because it will contain paper or a wrap, which can alter the flavor. However, this is an excellent way to use a dab, as most can be broken up and combined with the grind, or spread onto the paper before it’s rolled, so it’s easy and familiar for those who aren’t quite accustomed to the idea of dabbing.
2. Spin them outside of a roll
If you have granule like dabs, then this idea isn’t going to work, but for most kinds, it’s a great way to get the job done, and it can make your roll look really fancy too. Shatter and thicker dabs can be warmed just enough to roll them into a snake-like form, just like you would with playdoh, and wrapped around the outside of a joint or blunt for added flair.
3. Place them onto a bed or ground herb
For those who are attached to a smoking piece, it can be hard to imagine using anything else, but it’s surprising how few are aware that a dab can be used with them too, it’ll just have to be done right to avoid irritating clogging. So, start with a healthy bed of either cannabis grind or tobacco and place the dab on top. This way, once the heat is applied, it will coat the dry materials rather than running down into the device.
4. Make edibles
A lot of people don’t realize this, as most people know dabs for their smokability, but as long as your dab doesn’t contain residual chemicals that can sometimes remain behind in certain extraction processes such as with BHO, then you can decarboxylate it, and turn it into whatever delightful food or drink that you can imagine. That’s right, you could toss some into a batch of brownies, or turn your morning cup of joe into a cannabis enthusiasts dream with just one dab, so if inhaling turns you off, then this might be the best option for you.
5. Vape them
As we mentioned before, dabs are designed to vaporize at relatively low temperatures which is why they are excellent in a cannabis concentrate compatible vaporizer, and you can get one in any shape or size to suit your needs. Some consumers have them on hand already, and if you don’t want to get one just for this, then it should be relatively easy to find a friend who will loan you one to test out the idea before paying out of pocket.
