{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/dabbing/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3699-markdown","title":"LP expert","slug":"lp-expert","content":"There are many different ways to consume cannabis from edibles to lotions, gel caps to drinks, from tinctures to mints. But, many people prefer the old-fashioned way - they like to inhale their weed. \n\nThere are a surprising number of ways in which to do so, including:\n\n- smoking your bud from a preroll or \"joint\"\n- inhaling flower from a pipe or bong\n- vaping cannabis oil or even fresh flower\n- dabbing from resin, wax, and shatter\nSmoking your marijuana in a joint, pipe, or bong for many people is the traditional way to consume cannabis, but it is also indiscreet and smelly. Another route to take is by vaping cannabis or dabbing. In this article, we explore these two different methods of consumption.\n\n### What is Dabbing?\n\n[Dabbing](https://hellomd.com/articles/why-do-some-patients-dab-medical-marijuana) is what many people may consider to be advanced play when it comes to weed consumption. For the most part, dabbing cannabis will pack a real punch - the end result being a very potent psychoactive high. \n\nDabs are more potent than other methods of consumption as they are concentrated extractions of cannabis containing high amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. Dabs are created using solvents like butane or carbon dioxide which when extracted become what's known as wax, butane hash oil (BHO), shatter, and budder.\n\nDabs are consumed by heating the resin within a dab rig and inhaling. While a dab rig is handy, consumers can purchase resin from the local dispensary and heat it on the tip of a nail with a blowtorch. This may seem crude, but it's an inexpensive way to find out if dabbing is right for you. As concentrates have become more popular there are now new products on the market such as electronic nails, or \"enails\", which eliminate the need for a torch.\n\nPeople who dab may do so because they like the intensity of the high or they may need more concentrated amounts of THC to deal with issues such as chronic pain or nausea associated with cancer treatment. If you are new to dabbing and unsure of your weed tolerance, be forewarned that most cannabis extracts test between 60-90% THC which will give you an extremely potent experience. \n\nFor some, this may be overwhelming and result in an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience. Lastly, from a medical research standpoint, the long-term effects of dabbing concentrates are unknown. We suggest starting more slowly and that dabbing not be your first experience with cannabis.\n\n\n\nHere's a HelloMD \"how-to\" video on using a vape pen to consume your weed.\n\n\n### What is Vaping?\n\nWhy vape instead of smoking your weed? It's a great question and given the popularity of [vaping marijuana](https://hellomd.com/articles/inhaling-cannabis-a-guide-to-smoking-vaping-and-dabbing/) products, a good one to answer. Essentially, vaping cannabis is the act of heating your weed without burning it. Through the heating process, a vapor is released which is then inhaled. As the cannabis is not burnt, like in a bowl or joint, no smoke is created. \n\nWhen it comes to vaporizers, you have a variety of choices. Some vaporizers are compatible with flower, some are compatible with concentrates/oils, and some are compatible with both.\n\nThere are a few benefits of vaping cannabis over smoking. For one, when you vape cannabis, you forego the sometimes pesky skunky smell that can give you away. Vapes pack a lot of flavor but surprisingly little smell, or if there is one it dissipates quickly - so you won't alert the neighborhood of your activities. Overall, vaping is also considered to be safer and less harmful to your lungs than smoking. Lastly, most vaporizers whether they are stationary or handheld, are designed to reduce harmful smoke toxins.\nIn a [2014 study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24821347/) 100 research candidates were surveyed and most consumers reported that they preferred vaporizing over smoking because of:\n\n- the lack of smell\n- better tasting\n- a similar effect to smoking cannabis\n- easier to inhale \n\nBelow we look at some vaporizer and dab rig options for consuming cannabis.\n\n### Roam Vaporizer - by GPen\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-08-11 at 4.25.28 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_08_11_at_4_25_28_PM_1118bc52e1.png)\n\n\nThe [Roam Vaporizer](https://www.gpen.com/products/g-pen-roam-vaporizer?clickid=VkzS87SMoxyLTbvyo0WQI33oUkBRJO3RRSbKRU0&utm_medium=Skimbit%20Ltd.&utm_campaign=bva-affiliate&utm_source=Affiliates) is great for dabbing on the go and is even better as it's a dab rig not made of glass. It heats up fast within seconds and has an LED display for temperature control. The GPen has a super-powerful 1,300mAh battery which helps to deliver a smooth and flavorful draw.\n\n### Dust Devil Sidecar Hybrid Dab Rig - by Evolution\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-08-11 at 4.35.45 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_08_11_at_4_35_45_PM_eb1394271f.png)\n\n\nThe Dust Devil dab rig is a portable solution for dabbing that comes in at just 7 inches tall. At an affordable price, it comes with a percolator, vapor dome, a quartz nail and banger, an herb bowl, and a sidecar mouthpiece. Although a bit intimidating, like out of a science experiment, it heats concentrates and flower with efficiency.\n\n### Pax 3 - by Pax\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-08-11 at 4.26.43 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_08_11_at_4_26_43_PM_5a7480bd57.png)\n\n\nBy far, one of the most popular portable vaporizers on the market, the [Pax 3](https://www.pax.com/products/pax-3?variant=39827541131375) is a single button design and a simple starting point for novice cannabis consumers. It even connects via Bluetooth to an Android app so you know the exact temperature and gives pointers on how to target specific terpenes. We advise purchasing the complete kit which will include a concentrate chamber. The Pax 3 allows for both dried flower and concentrate, so you get the two-fer with this sleek design.\n \n### Special-K - by KandyPens\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-08-11 at 4.44.51 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_08_11_at_4_44_51_PM_18b8d751dd.png)\n\n\nA weed pen, or THC oil pen is a simple, two-part electronic device used to vaporize THC and other cannabinoid oil. The Special-K vape pen. is a super popular model that is not only super compact but also has an elegant design. It has a refillable gold glass oil tank for your favorite cannabis oils and liquids that is elegantly handmade. This is a vaporizer for the more sophisticated among us with its black encasing and gold detailing while at the same time offering a solid vape experience.\n\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) provides online certifications for medical marijuana cards via Telehealth appointments. Meet with a licensed practitioner online - it's fast, easy, and private. You only pay if you're approved.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAOCAYAAAAvxDzwAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADz0lEQVQ4yzWT+0+TZxTH3z9nyZIt2zLUSebith+cUeIlGSPTOIIxiKibyHQgMgQZd4dyKYJcbCM3QTutCC2X0kKppaXcWiiUthQGvdC+QPGC8tlrzZ7k5PucH55PznPO9wgT/fVsheZ4Kbp5ve7h9cZiVN/nW2E3kZCbjTUX62sewkEXa0E3awEXQf+H8PsX0I9o8S45CIe8CGNdd4j4rVHQdsTL9taypEvRPAoVPWxK0JBvlnDA+QHmcxLwLRAMuPFJd/WABot1EI9nAqG/5iLi4jDvXvt598rHzptQVP+HRkLzhJbMeG0qfItm1sV/Wd/wIYrLiGsScMWBfuAx3co6zLpOhO7CU8x35fMqYGFne5P3Z2d7nbdbS7zZlB4tmXCbmpjW1+Gx97DqNmPTtaHrrEFe+gdjRjXzDjOmkT7GLEMIqoJExhrO4jfXsi1O8TYi9dE3TGimBXHhGS6jDL3iAhrFFYyaQjpq0qhMPoTiehIJB74lM+1Xhoa1qPt6ePz0CULb9RNoy5NwafLY9HQhTisITpSzYi5mZVxG0K3Fpm/A1FeN1fiAfxR53Es/Q2tZNqknfuTzjz+js6OVEeMgqucqhLvnDjMiv4alOZ15TTELvUX47a1EAibEVQtb68tshhcRAwuEpUk7rL0M1+bSnpHMwd27iT9yjPaOhzxSqahueIBQevow7TeT6Kk8z4TqFu4XCjb9Nl5KoI2gMxqRsIfF+ResTinRyXOouXCccwf38+VHn3DtYrL03W5k8jb+LK1ByD4VR8HJ72nM+BldWx7zhqaoTcRVO965IWatXRjUjYzrm3HrZJgfStVlHSVxfwx7Po1h3xcxyIquUV7bxOXsYoT0+EPknz7E44rLzJk6sGnrcFge4bL34V0wMTvZx2B3PQbNfSa7y+hvzERdfYmCsz9xYNcuDsfGUpqRSmXVba5e/Q1BXpSGUpZFf3MhM0NtOEZaMT8vZ0r/gGmDEuekDqd9BM+Mnpln+fTcy6DxxkUass5z/Ou9HIn9ivL8LKoqyrhxJQWhKScVQ0shs4P3WZoZkMxrlbxmYHaojqmBHMY0mVj6Spgdb8He8xemlt9RlaRQn3aSYxIwbu8eyovyqL5TSk1JruTD+xUo7xahbf6byX65NEUNbqkah/kpTpsSl+MudmsVXqeSaVUBo4oUjJVnUGafIW7fN5z44TuaKm5iHnzIQJcCYdKkxvDsHkNPJQMrZRi76hntVaBtv8Vw521GVTIm9R2Md9ehzk2kNu0oz2/GU5uaQNovCeRdSuJJW720JQPUNVTxH1J4alWwXD6UAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","aspectRatio":1.408450704225352,"src":"/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/ee604/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.png","srcSet":"/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/69585/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.png 200w,\n/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/497c6/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.png 400w,\n/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/ee604/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.png 800w,\n/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/f3583/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/58556/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/61e93/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.webp 200w,\n/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/1f5c5/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.webp 400w,\n/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/58556/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.webp 800w,\n/static/16c4e385a1664339cad819643d84fa3a/99238/7ff897ca3693026b95108ca4a661aeff.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2414-markdown","title":"The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Concentrates","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-cannabis-concentrates","content":"### What is a Concentrate?\n\nConcentrates can be confusing to many people, especially those new to the world of cannabis, because there are many different types of cannabis products that are called ‘concentrates’. From wax to tinctures to oils, cannabis concentrates can be extremely potent and in many cases contain very strong doses of cannabinoids. Some may argue that concentrates are too strong, whereas others may say they deliver an extremely potent dose of medication to those who need it most.\n\nAll concentrate products are extracted from the plant using solvents, most commonly butane, CO2, or ethanol. The extraction process leaves behind a condensed product that provides a powerful dose of medication. It’s important to note that concentrates actually concentrate what is within the plant, so if there are pesticides present, those too become concentrated. It is for this reason you should always buy concentrates from a reliable brand that makes concentrates from pesticide free plants, ideally using organically grown cannabis. \n\nFor patients who need potent medicine with extra strength pain relief, concentrates are often considered to have the most efficacy. The cannabis industry has quickly embraced the world of concentrates as more and more people see the potential medicinal value. Here we provide an overview on concentrates that are readily available on the market today.\n\n### Kief & Hash\n\nKief, which is also sometimes referred to as pollen or dry sift, is a powdery substance made from the resin glands on the trichomes of the cannabis bud. Trichomes are the substance on the outside of the cannabis flower that look frost-like in appearance and contain a concentrated dose of cannabinoids and terpenes. \n\nKief can be removed from the cannabis flower by a variety of extraction methods that strip the substance off the plant. Kief is commonly made into hash, which is made by compressing the kief into a more condensed and solid block. Both of these products are most often added to a smoking device or rolled into a joint in order to increase potency of the primary cannabis product being consumed. \n\nRELATED: [IS DABBING GOOD FOR YOU?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55d4b9616531660006070000/is-dabbing-good-for-you)\n\n### Oil\n\nOil is most often made using a butane, ethanol, or CO2 extraction method. CO2 extracted oil is often touted as the oil with the least amount of residue in it, but there are different benefits for each extraction method. Oil can be used in dabbing or vaporizing, depending on its consistency. CO2 oil is most often used in vaporizers because it normally has a more liquid consistency, whereas butane oil can range from liquid to stiff, based on the extraction process. \n\nThe stiffer oils are often used for dabbing, though they do have other uses, as well. They are known as shatter, crumble, budder, and wax. Another well known type of oil is Rick Simpson oil, which is extracted using a concentrated alcohol. Rick Simpson-like oils vary, but they are often dark and tar like in color. \n\n>Shatter: Shatter is a strong, glass-like form of butane extracted oil that is known for shattering when dropped. Depending on the variety, it is sometimes sticky or smooth to the touch. Shatter is known for being one of the purest concentrates. \n\n>Crumble: Crumble is the driest variety of butane extracted oil and it is easy to break up into smaller pieces. It is known as one of the most user friendly varieties of butane extracted oil. \n\n>Budder: Budder is a thick extract that almost has the consistency of caramel candy. It is made by whipping shatter with the addition of a small amount of heat. \n\n>Wax: Wax is known as the stickiest concentrate, which is often attributed to its large amounts of decarboxylated THC. It has a very thick but moldable consistency. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/584dbb894bcfb100082a4383/embedded_images/584dbbc94bcfb1000cc819ee/Screen_Shot_2016-12-11_at_12.47.04_PM.png)\nAn image of cannabis wax\n\n### Tinctures\n\nTinctures have historically been one of the most common ways that cannabis has been consumed as a medication. Prior to marijuana prohibition, cannabis tinctures were commonly prescribed to patients as a remedy for a variety of medical conditions. Tinctures are often extracted through alcohol and may, depending on how it is made, contain very high levels of cannabinoids. Tinctures are normally administered through a dropper sublingually, though it can be mixed into different drinks or liquids before being consumed. Tinctures are a great way to consume cannabis for those who prefer not to smoke.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_/?hl=en) \n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/14b42/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/f836f/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.jpg 200w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/2244e/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.jpg 400w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/14b42/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.jpg 800w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/47498/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/54ac5/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/58556/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/61e93/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.webp 200w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/1f5c5/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.webp 400w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/58556/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.webp 800w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/99238/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.webp 1200w,\n/static/ccda02b1ff3d20db9ac03c0468d8a95f/5e0b8/4462a483d56f63acbfae5abd0501ea16.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2041-markdown","title":"Smoking Dabs: Is it Bad for You?","slug":"smoking-dabs-is-it-bad-for-you","content":"### Is Dabbing Bad?\n\nDabbing is one of the most controversial methods for administering marijuana to patients. Despite dabbing’s bad reputation, it has strong medicinal benefits. Dabs allow patients to quickly receive a strong dose of cannabinoids that is not possible with almost any other administration method. \n\n### High Strength Concentrates\n\nThe marijuana extracts, also known as concentrates, that are used in dabbing are known for their high levels of THC. However, they are also high in other beneficial components, such as other cannabinoids and terpenes. \n\nAll of the components of the plant are amplified in cannabis extracts and they work together in a synergistic manner. This is also known as the entourage effect. The high strength of all of the cannabis components provides a strong hit of medicine that gives patients quick and effective relief. \n\n### Significant Pain Relief\n\nMany patient support groups have expressed that dabs have a place in medical cannabis for patients that have extreme pain. Since dabbing provides rapid relief, it can be particularly helpful for patients who experience quick onset pain that is particularly excruciating. Concentrates are on average four times stronger than smoking a joint. This means by dabbing a patient can receive a much stronger medicinal dose in one shot. \n\nIn particular, dabbing can be helpful for patients who have problem with pain induced insomnia. Concentrates are known for their psychoactive effects because of the high levels of THC, but the high levels of THC also help patients fall asleep quickly and many of the psychoactive effects will wear off before the patient wakes up. \n\n### Extraction Methods Matter\n\nPatients should know that concentrates are concentrated forms of the plant. This means it is important to only select extracts created with organic ethanol, water, or CO2 that are grown without the use of pesticides and toxic chemicals. For this reason, the extraction methods of cannabis wax are a big source of controversy. It is important to choose cannabis extracts that are high in quality in order to not receive any adverse effects from dabbing, especially with those who may have compromised immunity.\n\nMany extracts are made with butane, which can leave a dangerous residue in the cannabis extract. CO2 extraction has been prized as the cleanest way to create a cannabis extract, but some people argue that terpenes aren’t preserved in wax created from CO2 extraction. Organic ethanol extraction, however, has been seen to have less problematic residue than butane, but preserves the terpenes in cannabis.\n\n### Strong Pain Relief\n\nThe Addictive Behaviors Journal published a study from the State University of New York in Albany which was conducted with 357 patients who participated in dabbing. All of the patients had a history of cannabis use and the study determined that dabbing causes no more problems than with traditional cannabis. \n\nThe participants reported that dabs did, however, lead to higher tolerance levels and withdrawals. The consumers within the study, overall, did view it as a more dangerous form of cannabis administration than traditional smoking. \n\nDabbing is the strongest form of cannabis that a patient can administer, but it can be helpful for a particular series of medical conditions that require a very strong dose of pain reducing medication. Dabbing is also helpful for people that have severe pain that comes on quickly and acutely, or those with pain induced insomnia. \n\nPeople considering trying concentrates for their medical conditions should be very careful when trying dabbing for the first time. Starting with a low dose is very important, as well as avoiding driving or doing other similar tasks for a significant period of time after dabbing due to its strong psychoactive effects. \n\nPeople with conditions like anxiety and depression, in particular, should be wary of how the strong levels of psychoactivity could effect them because dabs have extremely high levels of THC.\n\nDo you have questions about about cannabis? Ask a question on [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers). A doctor or member of our community will answer.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/14b42/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/f836f/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.jpg 200w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/2244e/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.jpg 400w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/14b42/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.jpg 800w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/47498/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/54ac5/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/58556/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/61e93/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.webp 200w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/1f5c5/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.webp 400w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/58556/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.webp 800w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/99238/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.webp 1200w,\n/static/22ea92309efa8e3878ba7d9066e79983/5e0b8/3cb5c7b5227a967eb61eccffef8b586e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1907-markdown","title":"Is Dabbing Good for You?","slug":"is-dabbing-good-for-you","content":"Traditional consumption of marijuana has typically been via hand-rolled\ncigarettes, water pipes, emptied cigars and edible products. However, a\nnew way to administer marijuana has emerged called dabbing. Since some\nmyths and misconceptions have emerged about dabbing, it's important to\nknow the facts, pros, and cons. Whether you are just curious about\ndabbing or interested in its use for medical administration, here are\nthe basics of what dabbing is.\n\n### The Basics of Dabbing\n\nTo dab means to consume highly concentrated marijuana in a vaporized\nform from cannabis oil, a wax-like oil extracted from marijuana plants\nusing butane. By inhaling the vapors in this concentrated form, users\nreceive stronger and faster effects from the marijuana. A blowtorch is\nused to preheat the surface, often referred to as a nail, which is\ncommonly made of glass or titanium materials. Once that nail is heated,\nusers dab the concentrated wax onto the surface and inhale the rising\nvapor. Another practice similar to dabbing involves putting hash oil in\na vape device or e-cigarette. Users can also use modified water pipes to\nsmoke the dab.\n\n### Dabbing Statistics\n\n\"We have been seeing an emergence of dabs over the last three years,\"\nsaid [John\nStogner](http://www.livescience.com/51202-marijuana-dabbing-trend.html),\nan assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte,\nwho co-authored a paper on the subject. He added, \"At a minimum, dabs\nare four times as strong as a joint, and the high is administered all at\nonce.\"\n\nMost marijuana joints have about 15 percent THC, while most hash oils\nhave a concentration of [60 to 90\npercent](http://www.casacolumbia.org/the-buzz-blog/dabbing-what-you-need-know-about-latest-marijuana-craze).\nIn November 2014, the Los Angeles Division of the Drug Enforcement\nAgency (DEA) reported 49 explosions related to marijuana administration\nprocesses like dabbing.\n\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Pros of Dabbing\n\nProponents of dabbing tout the process for its quick results and its\npure, highly concentrated end product. Dabbing reduces the risk of lung\ndamage associated with traditional smoking. Also, dabbing can be an\nefficient means of delivering relief for pain and serious chronic\nmedical conditions. Certain methods of dabbing do not emit a marijuana\nodor, unlike smoking, which emits a strong smell; this mostly odorless\nresult is a benefit for users who value discretion.\n\n### Cons of Dabbing\n\nIf the oil used in dabbing is not produced with very high standards,\nthere can be high levels of butane which can be damaging. Some people\nare allergic to butane and other toxins contained in hash oil. Others\nexperience side effects from dabbing, including rapid heartbeat, loss of\nconsciousness, tingling skin sensations, paranoia and hallucinations.\nDabbing is generally a [more expensive way to use\nmarijuana](http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/smoking-concentrated-marijuana-known-as-dabbing-is-all-the-rage-6461891),\nas users need to make investments for a blowtorch, heating element,\nother equipment and the premium oil product. Dabbing is not recommended\nfor people who need a high CBD product because most 'wax' products\ncreated for the process are high in THC.\n\n### How Shatter, Wax and Dabs Are Made\n\nTo make a dab, producers pour butane over marijuana to separate the THC\nfrom the plant and dissolve it into the butane. Then users must press\nthe THC solution through a filter and place it in a dish. The resulting\nproduct is thick, gummy and very high in THC. The sticky oils are often\nreferred to as wax, shatter and budder. After extracting the THC, the\nconcentrate must be [purged of\nsolvents](http://www.hightimes.com/read/dab-or-not-dab) left behind.\n\n[MARIJUANA AND YOUR LUNGS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56cba036cecb1b0008000088/marijuana-and-your-lungs-should-you-be-worried)\n\nDabs can be made with extraction methods involving carbon dioxide and\nice water alternatives as well. For example, carbon dioxide can be used\nas a solvent in place of butane. Experts have shown that making dabs\nwith carbon dioxide is much healthier to make dabs, shatter, and wax.\nSimilarly, ice-water extraction is much safer and healthier than using\nbutane to make dabs, though they are far less common.\n\n### Potential Benefits of Dabbing Medical Marijuana\n\nDabbing has the potential to provide immediate relief for medical\nmarijuana users suffering from chronic pain and other serious\nconditions. Other forms of use take longer to have an effect in the\nhuman body.\n\nPeople who are concerned about the effects of dabbing often cite the\nreal possibility of overdosing on marijuana, becoming addicted to\nmarijuana and experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms. However, these\nissues are a lesser cause of concern for medical marijuana users.\nMedical marijuana is typically prescribed in exact doses by an\nexperienced medical professional, so the risk of overdose and addiction\nare less likely. If regulated and medically administered, wax can be\nextracted in a pure form and with a reduced risk of unwanted additives.\n\n### Potential Downsides of Dabbing Medical Marijuana\n\nHowever, there are some potential negative effects that can result from\ndabbing medical marijuana. One issue is building up a tolerance to the\ncomponents. Due to the high concentration of THC in a dab, a user's body\nwill become used to that level of THC and require it again to get a\nsimilar feeling of relief. Therefore, [it has been\nrecommended](http://www.truthonpot.com/2014/07/02/what-is-dabbing/) that\ndabbing should not be used for people who take cannabis on an infrequent\nbasis. Also, it is easier for people to over consume THC by dabbing\nbecause of the high concentrations being delivered quickly.\n\n### Social Popularity and Medical Administration\n\nDabbing is not a new practice, and in fact, it's been around since the\n1970s. Many experts attribute its growing popularity to the commercial\nproduction and development of legal medical marijuana and marijuana\nlegalization in some states. In these states, users can often buy hash\noil extracts.\n\nAt this point, not enough conclusive studies have been conducted about\nthe risks and benefits of dabbing for medical administration. Medical\nmarijuana users should consult with their doctors before dabbling in\ndabbing.\n\n[Q&A ABOUT CANNABIS AND YOUR LUNGS](https://www.hellomd.com/search?type=question&term=lungs)\n\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/search/?license=4%2C5%2C6%2C9%2C10&advanced=1&text=smoking%20bong)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/14b42/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/f836f/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/2244e/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 400w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/14b42/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 800w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/47498/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/54ac5/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/58556/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/61e93/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/1f5c5/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 400w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/58556/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 800w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/99238/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 1200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/5e0b8/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5174,"name":"Dabbing","slug":"dabbing","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}