Dabbing is a unique and enjoyable way to make use of cannabis concentrates. A dab rig is like a water bong, but with a “nail” (glass cup) that is superheated and the dab dropped onto the hot glass for immediate vaporization. But how much dab should a dabbing beginner start with? This is a very important question to ask because concentrates are strong and it’s easy to accidentally “dab out” on your first go.
So, how much dab should you use for your first time? Inyo’s got you covered.
Half a Rice Grain, or Smaller
When selecting your dab amount, your first dab should be the size of 1/2 a grain of rice. It sounds small, but just wait until you try it. If your metabolism is such that half a grain is a gentle experience, start slowly increasing the amount, stopping at about 1.5 rice grains in size per dab.
Why? Let’s dive into the details of dabbing.
Dab Sizing Explained
The Grain of Rice Metric
The rice grain method of determining dab size is one that everyone understands, because we all know how big a grain of rice is. To be clear, we’re talking white short-grain rice, not your long-grain basmati. A half-grain is a modest amount to start with, while two grains in dab size is generally considered excessive.
Too Little vs Too Much
It’s always better to dab too-small than too-large. If you get a gentle hit, that’s OK and you can take another one. But if you go too big, you can “dab out” which is the colloquial term for getting over-stoned and losing half an hour to admiring the patterns in your popcorn ceiling.
Avoiding Waste When Dabbing
Too large a dab ball and you can also create waste. If it doesn’t all vaporize at once, that slower burn will result in lost vapor, and lost value. Always err on the side of a smaller dab.
Tips to Portion and Apply Dabs
So, just how are you supposed to separate and apply just a half-grain of rice sized dab to your heated nail? Good question. This is something that pro dabbers practice every day, so we can hook you up with a few tips for a clean, tidy first dab at just the right size.
Cut the Dab
For shatter and other more-solid concentrates, use the edge of your dab tool (a modified cuticle blade design) to cut a very small portion from the edge. If it’s a soft dab, press it flat, then cut your tiny portion. You can then transfer the piece on your dab tool blade into the nail
Roll the Dab
For soft, putty-like dabs, you can break off a piece and roll it into a tiny ball between your finger tips. Then deposit the ball on the tip of your dab tool blade into the nail.
Drip the Dab
If you are using liquid dab in a syringe, you want to drip the smallest possible drop into the nail, one at a time for dabbing. For your half-a-grain, push the plunger until just a little oil forms a bubble at the tip, then touch that oil to the nail and it will melt off the tip of the syringe without reaching critical mass (maybe too big) to drip freely.
Learn more about cannabis with Inyo Las Vegas Dispensary
The right size of dab to start with is 1/2 a grain of rice. Start slow and restart your sizing with every new batch of concentrates, as each mix can have a slightly different intensity.
To find the perfect golden-amber concentrates for your first dabbing experience or to explore more marijuana insights from wise budtenders, find us 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Inyo has an excellent rotating selection of high-quality dabs in a wide range of strains and consistencies to find your next favorite.
Visit our online menu to order dabs for delivery or curbside pickup. You can always visit our store from 8am – 12am every day.
