July 10th – known in the medical marijuana world as 7/10, “Dab Day,” or “Oil Day” – is a time to celebrate concentrates and the patients who consume them. For many medical patients, dabbing may offer fast-acting relief and a powerful way to manage symptoms before, on, and after 7/10. But with great potency comes great responsibility.
Whether you’re new to dabbing or you just want a refresher, knowing the dos and don’ts can help you get the most out of your medical marijuana while staying safe and comfortable.
What is dabbing?
Dabbing is a method of consuming medical marijuana concentrates like kief, rosin, or live resin by heating them on a hot surface (usually called a nail or banger) and inhaling the vapor. Dabbing involves exceptionally concentrated doses of cannabinoids, which may make it more effective for treating certain medical conditions.
Patients often choose dabs for their fast onset, strong effects, and terpene-rich flavor. While the process might seem technical at first, using the right tools and techniques can make dabbing a safe, clean, and efficient way to consume medical marijuana.
The Dos of Dabbing
These tips will help you make the most of dabbing while keeping your experience smooth, safe, and effective.
Start low and go slow
Dabbing delivers a concentrated dose of cannabinoids, which means the effects may hit harder and faster than other consumption methods. Starting with a small dab is key, especially for new patients or those with lower tolerances.
Take one small hit and wait a few minutes to see how your body responds before deciding to consume more of your concentrates. This approach helps prevent you from consuming doses that are too high in THC content while making it easier to find your optimal dose for potential relief.
Use clean, high-quality products
Your health deserves only the best, and that starts with clean, tested concentrates. Always choose products that have been lab-tested for purity and potency to ensure they’re free from residual solvents, pesticides, or mold. High-quality dabs may also offer better flavor, smoother hits, and more consistent effects.
Stick with trusted brands, and buy only from dispensaries that are transparent about what’s in their products. Solventless by Vytal and Belushi’s Farm concentrates are made using the highest-quality flower and expert extraction methods to provide a pure and clean experience for patients.
Use the right tools
While traditional dabbing is typically done using a rig with a torch or e-nail, many patients also use dab pens for a more portable and low-maintenance option. Dab pens are often easier for beginners and allow for discreet, on-the-go dosing, while dab rigs may offer stronger effects and fuller flavor.
The type of device you choose may help steer the choice of type of concentrate. Devices with coils are better suited to “drier” concentrates such as crumbles, waxes, and shatters. Quartz bangers are better suited for more “liquidy” concentrates such as rosins, resins, sauces, butters, and sugars. Clean rigs and quality tools also reduce harshness and may allow for smoother, more enjoyable consumption.
Tools like temperature-controlled e-nails or quartz bangers help you maximize the benefits of your concentrate by heating it to the optimal temperature, preserving the cannabinoids and terpenes that deliver relief. Placing the concentrate in the banger while cold, then heating, is called a “cold start,” which helps preserve flavor. Heating the banger up first, then placing the concentrate in, is a “hot start,” leading to a stronger dose with more cannabinoids being vaporized at once.
Stay hydrated and comfortable
It’s easy to underestimate how strong a dab can be, especially if you’re focused on symptom relief. Staying hydrated before, during, and after your session can help prevent dry mouth, lightheadedness, or fatigue. It’s also important to dab in a calm, familiar space where you can relax and listen to your body. Creating a comfortable environment may help you stay grounded and ensure a better overall experience.
Know your strain and terpenes
Not all concentrates are the same — different strains and terpene profiles may produce very different effects. Some may be energizing and uplifting, while others may be calming or sedating. Taking time to learn about what you’re dabbing may help you better target your symptoms, whether you’re treating chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or another condition. Ask an associate for help choosing the right concentrate for your needs.
The Don’ts of Dabbing
These don’ts will help you stay safe, protect your lungs, and make sure your dabbing experience works for your wellness.
Don’t overdo it
Because dabs are so potent, it’s easy to consume more than your body needs, especially if you’re new to concentrates or have a lower tolerance. Overdoing it can lead to side effects like dizziness, anxiety, or feeling uncomfortably “too high,” which defeats the purpose of medicating. Always start with a small amount and give it time to take effect before considering more. Less really is more when it comes to dabbing.
Don’t use unknown or black market products
Unregulated products might be cheaper, but they can come at a serious cost to your health. Concentrates from unverified sources may contain leftover solvents, pesticides, or additives that aren’t safe to inhale. Since dabs are so concentrated, contaminants can be even more harmful. To ensure you’re getting safe, effective medicine, always buy lab-tested products from licensed dispensaries that you trust.
Don’t share rigs without cleaning
Sharing a dab rig without cleaning it properly can lead to bacteria and germs remaining behind from your previous session. Unclear rigs may also have buildup that gets in the way of your experience. For safer consumption, always sanitize your equipment between uses. It’s a small step that goes a long way in protecting your health.
Don’t dab at the wrong temperature
Temperature plays a huge role in how effective and enjoyable your concentrates may be. If your nail is too hot, it can burn the concentrate, creating harsh smoke and degrading the cannabinoids and terpenes that may provide therapeutic benefits. On the flip side, if it’s too cool, the concentrate might not vaporize fully, leading to wasted product and a weak experience. Generally, it’s good to aim for a temp between 450 and 550°F.
How to dab correctly
If you’re using a dab rig, here’s how to do it safely and correctly. (If cold-starting to preserve flavor, use the following order instead: Step 1, 3, 2, 4, 5.)
- Start with a clean setup: Clean your rig and banger regularly to ensure smooth, flavorful hits and avoid buildup that can affect your experience.
- Heat your nail or banger: Use a torch to heat the surface until it reaches the desired temperature. Then, let it cool for 45 to 60 seconds. Ideal dabbing temperatures are around 450 to 550°F — hot enough to vaporize, but not burn, your concentrate.
- Use a small amount: Using a dab tool, place a rice-sized amount of concentrate onto the hot surface while inhaling gently through the mouthpiece.
- Cap and inhale: Use a carb cap to cover the banger — this helps vaporize the concentrate more efficiently and maximizes airflow.
- Exhale and rest: Take a moment to assess how you feel. Wait a few minutes before deciding if you need more. Dabs are potent, so give them time to take effect.
Does holding in dabs longer get you higher?
No, holding in a dab (or any medical marijuana vapor or smoke) longer does not get you higher. In general, THC is absorbed within 15 minutes after inhalation — but with dabs, THC can be absorbed instantly or within a few minutes.
Is dabbing easier on the lungs?
Dabbing concentrates can be easier on the lungs than smoking flower, but only when it’s done correctly using high-quality concentrates. Clean equipment, proper temperature control, and moderation are key to keeping dabbing lung-friendly.
Do dabs raise your tolerance?
Yes, dabbing can raise your tolerance, especially if you’re using high-potency concentrates frequently. Because dabs typically deliver a much larger dose of cannabinoids like THC in a short period of time, your body can become accustomed to those elevated levels. Over time, this can make lower-dose medical marijuana products like flower or ingestibles feel less effective, meaning you’ll need to consume more to achieve the same experience.
Dab with confidence
At Vytal Options, we offer a wide selection of premium, lab-tested concentrates designed to potentially meet a variety of medical needs — especially our own Solventless by Vytal, Vytal Legacy, and Belushi’s Farm concentrates. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the right products, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident every step of the way. Visit us this 7/10 and celebrate Dab Day the right way — with quality you can trust.
