Dabbing Delta 8: What are Delta 8 Dabs + How to Do It

by Kat Austin March 20, 2021 7 min read

Dabbing Delta 8: What are Delta 8 Dabs + How to Do It - VO Inc

Dabbing is known as one of the hardest-hitting ways to experience Delta-9-THC’s effects, but what about dabbing Delta-8? 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.

Looking for legal Delta-8-THC you can buy today? Check out our Elev8 Collection.

Table of Contents
What are Delta 8 Dabs?
What is Dabbing?
Benefits to Dabs
What You Need to Start Dabbing
How to Use Delta 8 Dabs
What’s the Best Delta 8 Dab Temp?
Alternatives to Delta 8 THC Dabs 

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 D8, but are more discreet and portable.

What are Delta-8 Dabs?

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.” Delta-8 dabs are also sometimes referred to as "Delta 8 THC Distillate" because it is refined through a distillation process to create a pure, potent Delta-8 concentrate.

A close up of Delta-8-THC concentrate used for dabbing Delta-8-THC.

What is Dabbing?

“Dabbing” refers to the technique of vaporizing THC concentrates with a device commonly known as a “dab rig.”

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.

What Kind of Delta-8 Products are Used for Dabbing?

There are multiple forms of cannabis concentrate available for dabbing, though the types of Delta-8 concentrates for dabbing may be more limited than traditional cannabis concentrates. Still, concentrates come in many forms, including:

  • Delta 8 Distillate
  • Delta 8 Sauce/Budder/Badder
  • Delta-8 Oil

Let's talk about a few:

Dabbing Delta 8 Distillate

Delta 8 dstillate is a highly concentrated form of D8 that's usually 99% pure, containing virtually no other terpenes or plant compounds. If you're considering dabbing Delta-8 distillate, you may use a smaller portion of concentrate material because it is highly potent. This form of Delta-8 has very little aroma or flavor.

Dabbing Delta 8 Sauce

Sauce, budder, badder, and wax all refer to Delta-8 concentrates that have terpenes and other plant compounds present. Terpenes may account for around 5% of the formula, which means these concentrates still offer a Delta-8 potency of around 93-96%. These highly potent Delta-8 dab doses are more aromatic than distillate, and may provide increased therapeutic benefits thanks to the terpenes. 

Delta 8 Sauce How to Use

Sauce is a form of Delta-8 concentrate that's specifically enriched with terpenes. For this reason, it's generally thinner and more malleable than other forms of concentrate. Still, you use it the same way as other Delta-8 dabs. Simply place a small amount on a dab rig, dab straw, or dab pen and inhale. Always start with small doses and wait 5-10 minutes to feel the effects.

Benefits to Dabbing Delta-8-THC

There are various benefits to delta-8 dabs when compared to other dosing methods. Here are a few advantages:

Hard Hitting Doses

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.

High-Potency Dosing

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.

Fast Acting, Long Lasting Effects

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.

Cost Effective Doses

Since dabbing involves Delta-8-THC concentrates, it may also be a more cost-effective option for high-dose Delta-8 usage.

Therapeutic Benefits

Because Delta-8 dabs offer highly-concentrated, pure doses of Delta-8, they are a brilliant way to reap Delta-8's health benefits, which may be similar to the benefits associated with Delta-9-THC. You can read "Delta-8-THC Health Benefits" to learn more.

What You Need to Start Dabbing Delta 8

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

Supplies for Dabbing D8

  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.

How to Use Delta 8 Dabs

You have everything you need to get started, but how do you dab Delta-8-THC? Easy! Here are four simple steps to using Delta-8-THC dabs:

  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 the effects. Be sure not to touch the dab nail because it will remain hot for quite some time after each dab.

What's the Best Delta-8 Dab Temp?

The temperature at which you vaporize cannabinoids affects how potent its effects will be. All cannabinoids have a boiling point at which they virtually disintegrate, meaning you won't reap most of the therapeutic benefits.

The boiling point for Delta-8-THC is pretty high at 347°F. While it's unlikely that you'll reach (and maintain) this temperature with a standard dab rig, there is still an "optimal temperature range" for every cannabinoid in which you reap the strongest effects.

The optima Delta-8 dab temp range is estimated at 175-178ºC, which is slightly higher than the optimal temperature suggested for Delta-9-THC (157ºC).

Alternatives to Delta-8-THC Dabs

As you can see, dabbing is a unique and involved dosing method that usually suits high-dose Delta-8 users. Delta-8-THC dabs offer 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.

A Delta-8 vape cart, one of the most popular high-potency alternatives to dabbing Delta-8-THC.

Luckily, there are alternatives that can offer some of the same benefits, like fast-acting effects or concentrated doses:

Delta-8-THC Vaporizers

Using Delta-8-THC vaporizers can offer results similar to dabbing D8.

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.

Delta-8-THC Edibles

Some edibles, like our Delta-8-THC Caramels, are designed to melt in your mouth so that Delta-8 can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mouth's mucous membranes.

Some sources suggest that this form of sublingual dosing can help increase the bioavailability to offer more potent effects, so caramels, hard candies, and other sublingual dosing edibles may be a worthy alternative to hard-hitting Delta-8 dabs.

Curious about Delta-8 vaporizers or other dosing methods? Check out ourDelta-8-THC collection to find a dose that suits you. All Vida Optima products are third-party lab tested and hemp-derived in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill.

FAQ - Dabbing Delta 8

Are delta 8 dabs strong?

Yes, Delta 8 dabs are strong. They provide potent effects due to the high concentration of Delta 8 THC, offering a more intense experience compared to other forms like edibles or tinctures.

Does delta 8 get you as high?

Delta 8 THC does get you high, but the high is typically milder and less intense compared to Delta 9 THC. Users often report a more clear-headed and relaxed experience.

What temperature to dab delta 8?

The optimal temperature to dab Delta 8 is between 315°F (157°C) and 400°F (204°C). This range ensures efficient vaporization of the cannabinoids without burning, providing smooth and effective inhalation.

How long do delta 8 dabs last?

The effects of Delta 8 dabs typically last between 1 to 3 hours. The duration can vary based on individual tolerance, the amount consumed, and the method of ingestion.

Is it OK to vape delta 8 every day?

Vaping Delta 8 every day is generally considered safe for many users, but it's important to monitor your body's response and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns or preexisting conditions.

Can delta 8 affect your heart?

Delta 8 THC can potentially affect your heart by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. If you have any heart-related conditions or concerns, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before using Delta 8 products.


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