CBD Dabs: What They Are and How To Take Them

For the cannabis uninitiated, watching someone dab CBD could be intimidating, especially if the person has a whole bunch of paraphernalia that allows them to enjoy their CBD concentrate.

CBD dabs are one way of consuming cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid found in various strains of cannabis that reportedly provides health benefits to those that consume it, particularly relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

The cannabinoid is one of the two most well-known compounds or active ingredients in the cannabis plant, the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, contrary to popular belief, CBD does not induce a high as THC does. This makes it safer and more appropriate to consume for those who only wish to attain the health benefits of marijuana without the recreational high associated with cannabis products.

In this article, we’ll delve into CBD dabbing, a relatively new way to take concentrated CBD extracts. We’ll tell you exactly what it is, cover its benefits, and help you take your first steps on this lovely experience.


What Is a CBD Dab?

A CBD dab is a concentrated form of cannabidiol (CBD) derived from either hemp or marijuana that allows people to get higher doses of CBD quickly, making CBD dabbing an efficient method of taking in the substance and reaping its benefits without producing much waste.

CBD concentrates are obtained from oil from hemp flower or biomass through extraction methods and solvents like alcohol, carbon dioxide, or hydrocarbon. After the extraction process, this CBD oil is refined or diluted to industry and FDA standards, then turned into the preferred form.

The final product often contains high concentrations of CBD and terpenes, which have several benefits without causing intoxication.

Dabbing CBD involves vaporizing your cannabidiol concentrate of choice and inhaling it into your system. Inhaling CBD into your lungs makes it much easier for the substance to reach your bloodstream, making dabbing a quick and efficient method to experience its effects. In fact, CBD dabs often take effect within minutes.

These are common types of CBD concentrates people use when dabbing:

  • CBD Isolate
  • CBD Extract
  • CBD Shatter
  • CBD Crumble
  • CBD Wax
  • CBD Terpsolate


Benefits of Dabbing CBD

Dabbing CBD could seem like a highly complicated process, especially for newbies. One needs an entire dab rig, a butane torch, and other specialized accessories and paraphernalia to dab different forms of CBD concentrate successfully.

However, due to its many benefits, dabbing remains many people's method of choice for taking CBD.

Moreover, with CBD dabs becoming more readily available to the general public, many more people are discovering the unique advantages of this method. 


Reduced Smoking

Dabbing and smoking are pretty similar, as both involve inhaling smoke or vapor into one's lungs. This close similarity could help people quit cigarette or tobacco smoking and transition into a more beneficial substance like CBD. 

As it happens, tobacco products usually contain a slew of harmful chemicals such as hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, lead, arsenic, and carbon monoxide—not to mention the highly dangerous and addictive nicotine.

Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco smoking also causes and increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, lung diseases, stroke, diabetes, and many more. As if these weren’t enough, cigarette smoke does not only harm the smoker, but also the people around them if they end up inhaling secondhand smoke.

Dabbing could still ease the oral fixation many smokers experience without the risk of ingesting the harmful chemicals in tobacco cigarettes and other products.

Interestingly, in a study conducted by University College London, researchers found that smokers who were given CBD inhalers significantly reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked by around 40 percent compared to the control group that only had placebo inhalers.


Better Potency in Just One Hit

Compared to other methods of taking CBD, dabbing is much more efficient and potent. A little amount goes a long way for CBD dabs, which adds to their mass appeal. 

This high potency also allows users to get more bang for their buck. Plus, the relief isn't as intense as a THC high, making the comedown a lot easier to handle as well.

Inhaling CBD through dabbing also allows the substance to enter the bloodstream much quicker than other delivery methods, as the concentrate enters the lungs, where the compound is swiftly absorbed into your system. A rapid absorption means a speedy onset of effects as well.


Little to No Mess

Dabs are highly concentrated hunks of CBD, with barely any additives that dilute its potency. This also means that dabbing CBD produces less waste than other delivery methods.

For example, if you ingest CBD gummies or other edibles, you have to wait for them to go through your digestive tract and into your intestines, where the CBD becomes absorbed into your bloodstream. In addition, they produce quite a bit of waste, as they contain a lot of additives.

The same goes for CBD cigarettes or joints. Smoking requires that you burn through your rolling paper and plant matter, producing ash and other waste products through combustion.

Still, this doesn't mean that taking CBD through edibles or smoking is inherently bad, but if you would rather have less waste involved in your experience, dabbing CBD might be more suitable for your needs.


Variety of Flavor

Most CBD dabs come in their natural form and flavor, which is quite earthy and herbal. It is a concentrated cannabis plant product, after all, and it tastes like natural plant matter.

But like many other wellness products, CBD dabs also come in various flavors. Not everyone enjoys the natural herbal taste of cannabis, so these flavored dabs are a suitable alternative.

Common CBD dab flavors include various fruits, such as strawberries, mangoes, and peaches. Some brands also offer flavors like bubble gum and other blends.


Huge Impact on Relieving Stress and Anxiety

The main benefit of CBD dabs and other CBD products is their capability to relieve stress and anxiety. However, due to the cannabis plant's long and controversial history, it has only been recently made legal medically—in 37 states—and recreationally—in 19 states. It is definitely not completely legal nationwide.

Due to these drawbacks, scholarly research on cannabis and CBD is still in its infancy. Still, multiple studies have supported claims that CBD shows tremendous potential as alternative therapy in the management of stress and anxiety.

For example, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has stated that CBD does seem to reduce stress in animals such as rats. Other studies have also shown the effects of CBD in relieving symptoms of other conditions, such as generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

 

Beginner's Steps on How To Dab CBD

Just as there are several varieties of CBD dabs or concentrates, there are also various ways people can dab CBD. The best method will mostly depend on one's budget, personal preference, and the availability of the necessary paraphernalia for each dabbing method.

Whether you're a dabbing expert or just dipping your toes in the water, below are three CBD dabbing methods you may want to try.


Dabbing With a Glass Rig

A glass rig is often the image most associated with CBD dabs. It is often used by experienced cannabis users, as the rig can also be used for smoking weed or other forms of THC.

A glass rig is a bit more expensive than other methods and will require some investment, but building a dabbing rig is well worth the money and effort for regular users.

To dab with a glass rig, you will need the following:

  • CBD concentrate
  • Glass rig
  • Butane torch
  • Dab nail
  • Dome
  • Dabber

 

First, you’ll need to turn on your butane torch and heat the dab nail until it becomes red-hot. You may have to consult the manual your dab nail comes with for additional precautions.

Afterwards, turn off the flame and let the nail cool down for 10 to 45 seconds, depending on the material. This waiting period ensures that you don't end up burning your CBD concentrates.

Lastly, using your dabber, apply the CBD concentrate on the hot nail and inhale slowly. Take a few hits and wait. Keep in mind that it will take a few minutes for you to feel the effects, so be patient.


Dabbing With a Vape Pen

Vaping is becoming an increasingly popular hobby amongst people of all ages. E-cigarettes, or vapes, work by heating a liquid and then turning it into vapor, which can then be inhaled.

This liquid or vape juice could consist of practically anything—from flavored nicotine juices to marijuana distillate—making it a viable method for dabbing CBD concentrate.

To dab with a vape pen, make sure you use a wax pen or a vape pen rated for concentrate use. Not all vape devices are suitable for CBD concentrate, so research beforehand and use the appropriate device.

Vape pens are simple to use, making them perfect for beginners or first-time dabbers. You could immediately inhale from some devices, while others require you to push a button. Make sure you read your device manual for proper operation.


Dabbing With a Glass Pipe

This method isn't suitable for pure CBD concentrates, as glass pipes aren't adequately equipped to vaporize CBD concentrates alone. However, this is a great way to enjoy the effects of CBD alongside other herbs or smokable material, allowing you to create your own concoctions and smoking blends.

Combining your CBD concentrate with regular weed or other smokable material could also allow you to experience the entourage effect similar to broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oils.

To dab with a glass pipe, you will need the following:

  • CBD concentrate
  • Glass pipe for smoking
  • Lighter or torch
  • Your herb of choice

 

Start by getting your herb or other smokable material and placing it inside the pipe's bowl. Sprinkle your CBD concentrate on top of it. Finally, light up your bowl with your lighter or torch and inhale the smoke. 

 

Pro Tip


“Carry your entire dabbing supplies in a safety case and load your dab pen anywhere. No one will come to know about your supplies, and you'll have the full security to medicate whenever you need to.”


Equipment for CBD Dabbing

A dab rig, also called an oil rig, is a pipe primarily designed to vaporize concentrates, such as THC or CBD dabs. 

These rigs are mainly made from glass and are far more effective at drawing out the effects of the concentrate when compared to bongs or pipes, as they do not require you to set anything on fire. Instead, you only heat a metal nail where you dab the concentrate to vaporize it.

If you're planning to set up your dab rig, here are the materials you need. These will usually be available at your local smoke shop or dispensary.


Glass Water Pipe

The glass water pipe is similar to a bong. It holds everything together, and it is where you inhale the vapor produced from the concentrate.

You fill it up with water, and the liquid acts as a filter for the vapor to pass through, giving you a cleaner, smoother hit.


Dab Nail

There are several different types of dab nails produced from various materials. There is also some debate in the community about which material works best for dab nails, as after all, this is the component that vaporizes your concentrate, so it must be capable of heating up quickly and retaining enough heat to vaporize the dab.

Some popular materials people choose for dab nails include titanium, glass, ceramic, and quartz. E-nails also exist, which can heat up by themselves and not require a torch.


Glass Dome

A glass dome helps cover the nail and prevent the vapor from escaping. Some people prefer domeless rigs, but a dome could help you inhale more of the vapor from your CBD dab.


Blow Torch

Heat is essential in dabbing, as this causes the concentrate to turn into a vapor you can inhale. A blow torch, lighter, or butane torch is used to heat the nail. 

If you're new to dabbing, a smaller butane torch is more advisable to better control the flame.


Dab Tool or Dabber

Dab tools come in different shapes and sizes and work well as long as they fit your rig. It's safer to buy a kit to ensure that your dabber fits the rest of your rig and won't cause any issues.


Looking for Alternatives To Help You Quit Smoking? Visit Oklahoma Smokes Today!

If you're planning to quit smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products, you have many alternative options to explore.

Aside from CBD dabs, you could try other herb concentrates or CBD products, such as gummies, edibles, tinctures, or even hemp cigarettes. These hemp-derived products are excellent alternatives to smoking, as they provide immediate stress and pain relief without the intoxicating effects of regular weed.

We at Oklahoma Smokes offer a great selection of hemp products that help people ease off tobacco addiction while reaping the benefits of the hemp plant, including its flavonoids and terpenes. We also provide insightful blog posts that will help you turn your life around and stay mindful of unhealthy habits.


Start yourself on the path to a healthier life today. Visit Oklahoma Smokes, and we will help you with your cravings with a nicotine-free, tobacco-free, CBD cigarette.


FAQs on CBD Dabs

  • Do CBD dabs get you high?

No, CBD dabs won’t get you high. They provide a sense of calm and relaxation, but it is not the kind of high associated with regular, THC-rich marijuana, which is more of an intoxication.

 

  • How long does a CBD dab last?

The effects of a high-quality CBD dab often last around three hours, similar to smoking. Though not as long-lasting as other CBD consumption methods, dabbing is incredibly efficient—and therefore, economical—at getting CBD into your bloodstream.

 

  • Can dabbing CBD be dangerous?

Dabbing CBD could be dangerous when done incorrectly or if you get your CBD concentrate from an unreliable or unverified source.