Last updated: July 5, 2026
Quick Answer
Dabbing is flash-vaporizing a cannabis concentrate — shatter, wax, live resin or rosin — on a heated surface and inhaling the vapour. Because concentrates contain 60–90% THC (vs 15–30% in flower), dabs deliver a much stronger, faster high from a much smaller amount.
Key Takeaways
- A “dab” is a rice-grain-sized dose of cannabis concentrate.
- Concentrates are 3–5× more potent than even strong flower.
- Low-temperature dabs preserve flavour; high temps waste terpenes.
- Beginners should start tiny — tolerance from flower does not fully carry over.
What Exactly Is a Dab?
A dab is a small dose of cannabis extract vaporized on a hot surface — traditionally a quartz “banger” attached to a water pipe called a dab rig. The extract vaporizes instantly, and you inhale a dense, potent vapour. One dab often replaces an entire session of smoking.
Which Concentrates Can You Dab?
| Concentrate | Texture | Typical THC | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shatter | Glass-like sheets | 70–90% | Potency, stability, price |
| Wax / budder | Soft, whipped | 60–80% | Easy handling |
| Live resin | Saucy, sticky | 65–85% | Best flavour (fresh-frozen terpenes) |
| Hash / kief | Pressed powder | 30–60% | Traditional, versatile |
Deep dives: what is shatter, live resin vs distillate, and what is hash. Shop the full concentrates collection.
How Dabbing Works: Rig, Banger, Torch
Heat the quartz banger with a torch (or use an e-nail for precise temps), let it cool to your target range, drop in the dab with a metal tool, cap it with a carb cap, and inhale. The cooldown step is what separates smooth, flavourful dabs from harsh ones.
Low-Temp vs High-Temp Dabs
Low temp (315–450°F): smoother vapour, full terpene flavour, slightly less instant intensity. High temp (500°F+): bigger instant hit, harsher throat feel, burnt terpenes. Most experienced dabbers settle around 350–420°F.
Beginner Tips
Start with a rice-grain dab of shatter — it is affordable and forgiving. Sit down for your first dab, have water ready, and wait ten minutes before judging the strength. If a torch-and-rig setup feels like too much, a dab pen or 510 cartridge delivers concentrate convenience without hardware.
New to concentrates? Our explainer on what budder is covers one of the easiest dabs to scoop and portion, with live prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dabbing stronger than smoking flower?
Yes, significantly. Concentrates run 60–90% THC versus 15–30% for flower, so one small dab can equal several bowls.
Do I need a dab rig to try concentrates?
No. Nectar collectors, dab pens and 510 cartridges offer simpler entry points. A rig gives the best flavour and efficiency once you are committed.
What temperature should I dab at?
Low-temp dabs (315–450°F / 157–232°C) preserve flavour and are smoother; high-temp dabs hit harder but taste harsher and destroy terpenes.
How much concentrate should a beginner use?
Start with a dab the size of a grain of rice. Concentrates are far more potent than flower, and you can always take a second small dab.
Bud Cargo products are intended for adults of legal age. Please consume responsibly.
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