What’s your favorite way to enjoy cannabis? Do you like to roll and smoke it just like a cigarette? Or do you favor consuming it by vaping or dabbing via electric dab rigs? Each one is perfectly valid no matter which method you prefer to choose to get high. However, it's essential not to confuse vaping with dabbing, as dabbing cannabis differs from Vaping in many ways.
What Is Dabbing?
Dabbing involves consuming cannabis concentrates and inhaling the resulting vapor. This can be done using various tools like a silicone nectar collector, dab rig, dab pen, or portable e-nail. The most common one we perhaps use is an electric dab rig. Dab rigs are similar to bongs in functionality, but you wouldn’t have to burn raw flowers. Instead, you’ll use a butane torch and quartz (glass, banger, or metal nail) to vaporize your concentrates. These are the essential features of dabbing:
1. Use exclusively concentrates
2. The vapor that passes through the filters and the water
3. The use of bangers and nails
What Is Vaping?
Vaping involves heating dry herbs, e-liquids, cannabis oil, or concentrates to produce a light vapor that is inhaled. This can be done by vape pens or vaporizers. Many cannabis consumers prefer vaping for several reasons. The vapor tends to have a better taste, and there is a wide range of e-juices available to suit different preferences.
Vaping is also highly convenient. Most vape pens are pocket-sized, odorless, easy to clean, and have interchangeable parts. Additionally, they are relatively affordable compared to other smoking devices.
Honestly, although these vape pens are in different sizes and shapes, they all achieve the same effect. Here are some details about vaping:
1. Vaping can provide you with precise temperatures.
2. Vapes can be portable (vape pens) or big (desktop devices).
3. Depending on the device, vaping requires the use of concentrates or dry herbs, rather than using water.
Comparing the Fundamentals: Dabbing vs. Vaping
Dabbing involves heating a nail to an extremely high temperature and then using it to combust the cannabis, producing smoke that can be inhaled through a pipe or mouthpiece. The primary distinction between dabbing and vaping lies in the temperature: dabbing operates at much higher temperatures, resulting in harsher smoke.
When using a vape pen, the cannabis is typically in the form of a liquid extract. On the other hand, specialized dry herb vaporizers can be used to vaporize flowers, though these devices are more intricate and sophisticated compared to standard vape pens. Vaping heats the extract to a temperature that allows the volatile oils to release a smooth, fine vapor. This vapor is composed of various potent and aromatic hydrocarbons and is generally less harsh than smoke from a traditional pipe, resulting in less irritation to the throat and lungs.
Comparing the Potency: Dabbing vs. Vaping
Dabbing utilizes a waxy extract that is significantly more potent than flowers. The vapor produced by vaping is similarly potent to the smoke from a joint or pipe. Vape pens allow for precise regulation of intake through carefully modulated doses. In conclusion, dabbing offers a much higher potency than vaping. However, this intense experience may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who do not consume cannabis regularly. The milder intensity of vaping makes it a more appropriate choice for beginners or casual users.
Comparing the Heat: Dabbing vs. Vaping
Both dabbing and vaping involve unique heating methods. Dabbing uses conduction heating, where the heat source is directly applied to the substance. Although this method heats the extract more efficiently and quickly, it can produce harmful smoke or a burnt flavor if overheated. However, since dabs are highly potent, they reduce prolonged usage, minimizing associated risks.
On the other hand, vaporizers employ convective heating, where hot air is used to vaporize cannabis oil. Popular vape pens typically feature ceramic coils to prevent direct contact, thus avoiding combustion and carbonization. This approach not only ensures safety by preventing the release of harmful chemicals like Benzene but also offers a convenient experience.
Comparing Safety: Dabbing vs. Vaping
For newcomers to dabbing, partnering with an experienced user is advisable. It's recommended to start with a small amount of extract to avoid taking a larger hit than intended and experiencing unpleasant effects. Caution is also necessary when heating the nail with a torch, as it can become extremely hot. Slow and steady is the best approach, particularly for those new to dabbing and other cannabis experiences. However, if you use electric dab rigs, there is no need for torches and you can adjust the temps you want. Conversely, vaping offers more control and lower potency, reducing the likelihood of overconsumption.
Comparing Flavor: Dabbing vs. Vaping
When it comes to flavors, dabbing, and vaping offer a superior experience compared to smoking. Unlike smoking, vaping and dabbing do not involve combustion, which means you won't encounter any burnt flavors.
Moreover, dabbing tends to be more flavorful than vaping, however, some cannabis enthusiasts prefer the natural, herbal taste of regular buds, which vaping tends to highlight better.
Comparing Temperatures: Dabbing vs. Vaping
Vaping and dabbing differ significantly from smoking because they do not require combustion to inhale the cannabis's active compounds. Instead, the substance is heated below its burning point but high enough to vaporize the terpenes and cannabinoids. Although vaping and dabbing may seem to have similar temperature ranges, the temperature differences are a key distinguishing factor.
Typically, vaping operates within a temperature range of 157 to 221°C, while low-temperature dabbing ranges from 157 to 232°C. It's also worth noting that it's easier to achieve a precise temperature with vaping than with dabbing, except when using electronic nails (e-nails).
Additionally, vaping and dabbing employ different heating methods. Vaping utilizes either convection or conduction heating, whereas dab rigs rely solely on conduction heating.
Final Thoughts
As time progresses, many cannabis consumers seem to be shifting toward dabbing and vaping over traditional methods. This trend is driven by access to higher-quality cannabis products, which require less quantity to achieve the desired effects. Dabbing and vaping deliver a more potent experience with fewer side effects, making them increasingly popular choices.
Additionally, both methods are gaining traction due to their perceived health benefits. The general belief is that vaporizing cannabis is healthier than smoking it. However, if you choose to vape, ensure your e-juice is safe and responsibly produced. Many companies use toxic thinning agents in their products.
