What Are Dabs?

Dabs are concentrated cannabis extracts, often referred to as cannabis oils or wax. They contain high levels of THC and other cannabinoids, making them potent and sought after for their intense effects.

Method 1: Hair Straightener Dabs

Materials Needed:

• Hair straightener (preferably one with adjustable temperature settings)

• Parchment paper or a silicone mat

• Cannabis flower or hash (the material you want to extract from)

• A small, clean container (to collect the concentrate)

• Gloves (optional for cleanliness)

• A dab tool (optional)

Steps:

1. Preparation:

• Break up the cannabis flower or hash into small pieces. If using flower, ensure it’s dry enough for efficient extraction.

2. Setup:

• Plug in the hair straightener and preheat it to a low to medium temperature (around 200-250°F or 93-121°C). Avoid higher temperatures, as they can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes.

3. Using Parchment Paper:

• Cut a piece of parchment paper to a manageable size. Place a small amount of your cannabis material in the center of the parchment.

4. Pressing:

• Fold the parchment paper over the cannabis, creating a pouch. Ensure the material is well contained to prevent it from spilling out.

• Carefully place the pouch between the heated plates of the hair straightener. Apply consistent pressure for about 5-10 seconds. Avoid excessive pressure, which could damage the straightener or the material.

5. Cooling:

• After pressing, allow the pouch to cool slightly. Open the parchment paper to reveal the extracted concentrate, which should be a sticky, wax-like substance.

6. Collecting:

• Use a dab tool to scrape the concentrate from the parchment paper and transfer it to a clean container for storage.

Effects of Hair Straightener Method:

• Potency: This method can yield a potent concentrate, but the final product’s potency will depend on the starting material’s quality.

• Flavor and Aroma: Lower temperatures help preserve the terpenes, resulting in better flavor and aroma.

• Efficiency: This method is relatively efficient but may not extract all cannabinoids compared to other techniques like solvent extraction.

Method 2: Microwave Method

Materials Needed:

• Microwave-safe glass container (such as a jar)

• Parchment paper

• Cannabis flower or hash

• Microwave

• Dab tool

Steps:

1. Preparation:

• Similar to the first method, break up the cannabis flower or hash into small pieces.

2. Setup:

• Place a small amount of cannabis into the microwave-safe container. Cover it with parchment paper.

3. Microwaving:

• Heat in the microwave in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until the cannabis starts to bubble and extract oil. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can ignite.

4. Cooling and Collecting:

• Allow the container to cool, then remove the parchment paper and collect the concentrate using a dab tool.

Effects of Microwave Method:

• Potency and Flavor: Similar to the hair straightener method, but the microwave can lead to a higher risk of overheating, potentially degrading cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Convenience: This method is straightforward and requires minimal equipment, making it accessible.

Method 3: Ice Water Extraction (Bubble Hash)

Materials Needed:

• Ice

• Water

• Bucket or large container

• Fine mesh bags (Bubble bags)

• Cannabis flower

• Stirring tool

Steps:

1. Preparation:

• Fill a bucket with ice and water, then add cannabis flower.

2. Stirring:

• Stir the mixture gently for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps to break off the trichomes (the resinous glands containing cannabinoids and terpenes).

3. Filtering:

• Pour the mixture through a series of fine mesh bags (Bubble bags) to separate the trichomes from the plant material. The trichomes will collect at the bottom of the bags.

4. Drying:

• Collect the trichomes (bubble hash) and spread them on a flat surface to dry completely.

Effects of Ice Water Extraction:

• Quality: Produces a cleaner, purer product with retained terpenes, resulting in a flavorful concentrate.

• Potency: Generally less potent than dabs made with solvent methods but can still provide a strong experience.

Safety Precautions

• Ventilation: Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes from the extraction process.

• Temperature Control: Be cautious with heat to prevent burning your material or causing a fire hazard.

• Quality of Material: Use high-quality cannabis to ensure a better final product.

Conclusion

Making dabs using inexpensive methods like a hair straightener or a microwave can be a cost-effective way to enjoy concentrated cannabis. However, the potency, flavor, and overall quality may vary depending on the method and materials used. It’s essential to prioritize safety and legality in your extraction process while enjoying the benefits of cannabis concentrates. Remember that while these methods can yield enjoyable products, they might not match the purity and potency of professional extraction methods.