Dabbing Delta-8-THC

Dabbing is known as one of the hardest-hitting ways to experience Delta-9-THC’s effects, but what about dabbing Delta-8-THC? Do Delta-8 dabs offer any benefits over other consumption methods? And if so, what do you need to get started?

Dabbing Delta-8-THC is similar to dabbing Delta-9, and even though it’s a fast-acting dosing method, it may not be right for everyone.

Here, we discuss everything you should know about dabbing Delta-8-THC, and some other fast-acting alternatives if you decide the dabbing method isn’t for you.

Table of Contents
What is Dabbing?
Benefits to Dabbing Delta-8-THC
What You Need to Start Dabbing Delta-8
Alternatives to Dabbing Delta-8-THC

Key Takeaways

• Dabbing Delta-8-THC is a popular consumption method among experienced, high-dose THC users.
• Dabbing involves Delta-8 concentrate and a special high-temperature rig so it isn't the best option for microdosing or portability.
• Delta-8 dabs are potent, cost effective, and hit hard and fast, which is the primary appeal for those who prefer dabbing to other consumption methods.
• Delta-8 vaporizers may offer some of the same benefits of dabbing Delta-8-THC, but are more discreet and portable.

What is Dabbing?

“Dabbing” refers to the technique of vaporizing THC concentrates with a device commonly known as a “dab rig.” THC concentrates come in many forms, but the most common form used for dabbing is a thick, waxy product often referred to as “dabs” or “wax.”

Generally speaking, dabbing is accomplished by using a torch lighter to heat a dab nail to high temperatures before placing a small amount of wax material on top. The high temperature will immediately vaporize the THC material so that it can be inhaled through the mouthpiece on the rig.

Of course, as dabbing has grown in popularity, electric dab rigs have flooded the market. The idea is similar, but these rigs have an electric nail that heats on its own, without the need for a butane torch.

Dabbing Delta-9-THC is more common, but Delta-8-THC concentrates are slowly gaining popularity. Dabbing Delta-8 is still a new concept for many, but it may offer a unique array of benefits for recreational and medicinal users. Some people suggest that dabbing enhances Delta-8’s high and offers increased medicinal benefits compared to other dosing methods, though there’s currently no research that evaluates these claims.

Benefits to Dabbing Delta-8-THC

Dabbing Delta-8-THC is more appropriate for advanced users, and it may not be the best choice for beginners. That’s because dabbing THC concentrates results in potent, hard-hitting doses, which comes as a benefit to those with a higher Delta-8 tolerance. This “rush of effects” is what many people who prefer to dab THC seek.

Dabbing Delta-8 does make it more difficult to precisely control the dose than some other products (like pre-measured edibles). For those who need larger doses to reap Delta-8’s benefits, however, dabbing is much easier than taking multiple edible doses that may take an hour or more to kick in.

Unlike edibles, Dabbing Delta-8 usually results in immediate effects that peak in only a couple of minutes. The effects can last anywhere from 1-5 hours. Since dabbing involves Delta-8-THC concentrates, it may also be a more cost-effective option for high-dose Delta-8 usage.

What You Need to Start Dabbing Delta-8-THC

If you’re interested in trying Delta-8 dabs, you’ll need a few things:

1. A dab rig or dab straw
2. A nail, usually made of titanium or quartz. These can be either “standard” or “electric.”
3. A dab tool, or a small (usually metal) tool used to portion out the Delta-8-THC concentrate and place it onto the heated nail.
4. A butane torch to heat the dab nail.
5. Delta-8-THC concentrate, usually in the form of wax, shatter, or oil.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Portion out a small amount of Delta-8 concentrate on your dab tool. We recommend starting with a very small dose if you’ve never dabbed before.
2. Ignite the torch and hold it over the nail (unless using an electric nail, in which case you should follow the instructions provided with the nail you purchased).
3. Once the nail is hot (like piping hot!) turn off the torch and set it aside. Use the dab tool to place the concentrate material onto the hot nail and inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece on your dab rig.
4. Exhale slowly and wait a few minutes to feel effects. Be sure not to touch the dab nail because it will remain hot for quite some time after each dab.

Alternatives to Dabbing Delta-8-THC

As you can see, dabbing is a unique and involved dosing method that usually suits high-dose Delta-8 users. Dabbing Delta-8-THC offers an array of benefits, but it isn’t the most discreet or portable method, and it may not be appropriate for new Delta-8 users who are still feeling out their Delta-8 dosage needs.

Luckily, there is an alternative that can offer some of the same fast-acting benefits. Using Delta-8-THC vaporizers can offer results similar to dabbing Delta-8.

All in all, the concept is almost exactly the same. A vaporizer contains a coil or heating device inside a tank filled with Delta-8 concentrate. The device heats and vaporizes the Delta-8, although at a slower rate than a dab rig.

Inhaling the vapor offers immediate effects that can be increased with each dose. Since the doses are heated and vaporized more slowly, you can also control the vapor dose more easily, so vaping Delta-8-THC may be more appropriate for new users.