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.
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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