Perhaps one of the biggest trends in the marijuana community is the rise of the dab pen. Used for the consumption of marijuana concentrates, the dab pen is a handheld device that’s used to vaporize pot extracts. Popularized by celebrities like Wiz Khalifa and Justin Bieber, dab pens come in all shapes and sizes but usually feature a button that activates the pen when pressed.
Unlike vaporizers, dab pens allow users to take in the full effects of cannabis extracts in a single hit.
What is a Dab Pen?
A dab pen is a handheld device that’s used to vaporize marijuana concentrates. Concentrates are often referred to by names like shatter, wax, crumble, and oil. Dab pens are designed for people who enjoy a more potent high. Unlike edibles, dab pens get THC into your bloodstream much quicker. For example, a dab pen allows users to enjoy the effects of cannabis extracts in a single hit.
Dab pens are much different from vaporizers. They are small, handheld devices that are used to produce vapor from concentrates. These concentrates come in a variety of forms such as wax, shatter and crumble. These concentrates are made from the resins or essential oils of marijuana buds, and are also known as butane hash oil or BHO.
Common Names for BHO:
- Dabs
- Oil
- Budder
- BHO
- Butter
- Weed Wax
- Butane Honey oil
- Liquid THC
- Wax
- 710 (Oil upside down)
- Shatter
- Honeycomb
- Amber
What is Dabbing?
Essentially, a dab pen is a device that you use to vape concentrates. The name comes from the process known as dabbing, which is a method of using concentrated marijuana extracts for a potent high that comes on stronger than it would if consumed in traditional methods like smoking.
How is Dabbing Different From Smoking?
Dabbing is similar to smoking, but it uses a larger amount of cannabis and a different method of consumption. The cannabis is heated up in its concentrated form, and the resulting vapor is easier to take in.
Dabbing is not only different from smoking, it also sets itself apart from other methods of ingesting marijuana like vaporizing and edibles. The high from dabbing is strong, and the method of ingesting concentrates is often compared to a marijuana-infused “shot.”
While dabbing is pretty new to the scene, it’s quickly become one of the most popular ways of consuming cannabis extracts. It’s unique to marijuana concentrate users because it lets them experience the maximum effects of their extracts in a way that you can’t with traditional methods.
Dab Pens vs. Vaporizers
While dab pens and vaporizers look similar, they’re actually very different from one another. The main differences between the two devices include:
Size
Vaporizers are larger and heavier than dab pens. However, some newer vaporizers like the G Pen vaporizer are designed to compete with dab pens.
Vapor Production
Vaporizers produce giant clouds of vapor compared to dab pens. With dab pens, you’ll find that you have some control of the vapor production because the device is designed to produce small amounts of vapor
Heat
Vaporizers heat marijuana flowers to activate the THC, while dab pens heat up concentrates to produce vapor. As a result, dab pens are known for producing a more potent high.
Is Dabbing Safe?
Dabbing does result in a higher level of THC intake compared to traditional pot smoking. However, this increased dosage may come with a more intense high than you’re used to. This is why it’s important to use marijuana responsibly and don’t dab just because a friend says they did. While it can be an effective way to medicate, it’s important to avoid getting too high.
There are also some considerations to make when it comes to picking out a dab pen. While there are a lot of dab pen options available to you, it’s important to note that they vary greatly in quality. It’s important to note that some dab pens are designed with cheap heating elements that can potentially combust the concentrates.
By choosing a quality dab pen, you can ensure that you’re getting a dab pen that’s safe and effective. Be on the lookout for pens that come with features like variable temperature settings to make sure you can control the hit of your concentrates.
Are Dabs Addictive?
It’s hard to say whether or not dabs are addictive. Much depends on the individual user. A small percentage of people claim they are addicted to dabbing. However, the majority of people claim that dabbing is not addictive.
Addiction to Dabs: What Do the Withdrawal Symptoms Look Like?
Dabbing results in a very strong high. While it’s not clear whether dabs are addictive as only 10 percent of people develop an addiction to it according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s a popular method of consuming marijuana and may lead to the following withdrawal symptoms for the rare percentage of people who grew dependent on the drug:
- Tolerance
- Insomnia
- Cravings
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Lack of focus
- Hot and cold sweats
- Depression
- Stomach problems
- Inability to focus
- Headaches
The Truth About Dabs
As with any form of marijuana consumption, moderation must be considered. Dabs can be very strong and overwhelming, especially for new users. It’s recommended that you start with a low dose and slowly work your way up. It’s also important to remember that dabs aren’t for everyone, and should be used as a last resort.
Does the Effects of Dabbing Last Longer than Traditional Ways of Consuming Marijuana?
Dabbing has the ability to produce a high that lasts for a longer period of time. While it’s not clear how long the effects last, it’s known that the effects are much more potent than those felt from traditional smoking.
Are Dab Pens Safe to Use?
Dab pens are considered to be safe to use. Vaporizers are not believed to be dangerous compared to the risks associated with smoking marijuana. However, the purity of the oil and whether or not the oil has been properly concentrated and extracted can play a role in determining whether or not the oil is safe to use.
Some other problems with dab pens to watch out for include:
- Not Enough Concentrate – Unlike smoking, you will not be able to see how much concentrate is left in the dab pen. Make sure you use enough concentration to avoid waste.
- Unsterilized Nails and Dab Pens – Make sure all your nails are properly cleaned and sterilized for the health of everyone who is using the device.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Responsible Use and Understanding Your Tolerance to THC Before Trying Out Dab Pens
Concentrated forms of marijuana, also known as dabs, are an extremely potent way of consuming marijuana. While it may be tempting to dab as it’s more similar to a shot, be aware of the fact that dabs are stronger than most other types of marijuana.
If you decide to try out dabs, you should be aware that you need to use the drug responsibly or risk experiencing adverse or even dangerous side effects. If you’ve never dabbled in dabs before, consider using a vape or edibles. If you’re a longtime dabber, use your best judgment and don’t overdo it.