What Are Dabs: Cannabis Concentrates 101

The term “dab” is a slang term for cannabis concentrates because of how these products are frequently consumed—via dabbing. The dabbing process involves taking a small amount of concentrate, or a “dab,” and vaporizing it on a hot surface, like the nail of a dab rig. The resulting vapor is then inhaled, delivering a potent dose of cannabinoids.²

While the terms “cannabis concentrates” and “cannabis extracts” are used interchangeably, they aren’t exactly the same. Extracts are different because they are a specific type of concentrate made using solvents to separate the active compounds from the cannabis plant. All extracts are considered to be marijuana concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts.³ 

There are two main methods to extract THC, the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds from cannabis to create a concentrate:

Solvent-Based Extraction: This method uses solvents like butane, propane, or CO2 to extract the THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant’s resinous glands, known as trichomes. The solvents dissolve the cannabinoids, which are then collected and purified. 

Solventless Extraction: This method doesn’t use any solvents. Instead, mechanical processes, such as heat and pressure or ice water extraction, extract the cannabinoids. It’s often considered to be more natural and can produce high-quality, flavorful, solventless concentrates.

THC distillate is a highly potent concentrated THC that’s almost entirely free of other cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a thick, sticky, flavorless, odorless oil with 90-99% THC.

Shatter is a highly potent THC concentrate known for its glass-like shards. It’s amber-colored and semi-transparent, with THC levels reaching up to 90%.

Marijuana wax is a flavorful, malleable, honey-colored concentrate with a waxy consistency.

Crumble, a dry, crumbly, and very potent concentrate, is typically used as a topper—add it to flower for a more potent experience.

Live resin has a saucy texture and is made from flash-frozen cannabis plants and retains most terpenes, providing a flavorful experience.

Budder is a creamy concentrate with a consistency similar to butter or smooth peanut butter. It’s made by whipping the concentrates during extraction. Budder is incredibly potent, with THC levels ranging between 80% and 90%.

Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to dried, cured cannabis flower. The potent, full-spectrum concentrate is a flavorful, sticky oil.

Hash, hashish, or dry sift is a traditional brown cannabis concentrate made by compressing the plant’s trichomes. Bubble hash, also called ice hash or ice water hash, is created using ice water to separate the trichomes. Both concentrates can be dabbed, smoked, vaped, or infused into foods and drinks.

To use a dab rig, you need to:

• Add water to the water chamber.
• Heat the nail, quartz, or banger evenly from the sides and bottom.
• Let the nail cool so it doesn’t scorch and ruin the concentrate.
• Use a dab tool to place some concentrate on the nail.
• Optional: Use a carb cap to improve vaporization.
• Slowly inhale the concentrate.
• Clean the nail to ensure each of the following concentrates stay true to their flavor profile.

Dabbing isn’t recommended for beginners because of the high potency of cannabis concentrates.