Dabbing is different to normal weed. It’s much stronger, for instance, and requires a much different approach.
You’ll also need a decent dab rig too (here’s my current go-to options right now).
Beginners and first-timers will also be much better off with an E-Rig than a standard dab rig too. They’re so much easier to use and live with.
I’ve been dabbing on and off for over a decade now. Here are 7 of the most important things you need to know before you start your first ever session.
Dabbing Tips For Beginners
Start Small
First things first: respect the dab. It’s much, much stronger than traditional weed.
In fact, it’s more like the difference between beer and whisky, so go light.
Always begin with a tiny, rice-sized dab of concentrate. You can always go back for more, but once you’ve overdone it, you’re in for a rough ride.
A smaller dose will help you understand your tolerance and stop you going west and spending an evening with your head in the john.
Control Your Heat
I’m not a fan of manual dabbing. I have done it plenty of times but it feels a little, well… icky.
Plus, there’s no margin for error when you’re dealing with a live flame.
Too hot, and you’ll scorch your concentrate. Too cold, and it won’t vaporize properly.
For a classic rig, heat the nail until it’s glowing, then let it cool for 30–60 seconds before dabbing. This will get you the results you want.
Just be warned: this is kind of an art in and of itself which is why I now only ever use electronic rigs.
For e-rigs like the Puffco Peak Pro or Proxy, use a low temperature setting (below 500°F) for smoother, more flavorful hits.
Start as low as possible. You can always ramp up later. It’s best to start lower than higher because there’s no risk of ruining your dab at lower temperatures.
Always Use a Carb Cap
A carb cap traps the vapor and keeps the temperature consistent, so you should always use one.
Most E-Rigs come with one which is why you tend to get better flavor, more efficiency, and less wasted concentrate with them.
If you’re using a modern e-rig, like any of the options detailed in this guide, try a joystick cap for even better control.
Inhale Slowly
This isn’t like hitting a joint. Take slow, steady draws to let the concentrate vaporize evenly.
Go too hard and you’ll cough up your guts, wasting the concentrate. If you’ve never dabbed before, you might still cough.
Just remember to breathe in slowly and in a controlled manner.
No short, sharp inhales. I like to use a slow, 4-count inhale. Hold for 8-seconds, and then breathe out for 4 seconds.
You can also use this breathing technique for meditation when you’re finished.
It’s called circular breathing and it is brilliant for flushing cortisol out of your system and for quickly entering the meditative state.
Wait Between Dabs
Dabs hit fast. Take your first one, wait a few minutes, and see how you feel before going again.
If it’s your first time, it’s smart to dab with a friend around just in case it hits you a bit harder than you expect.
It’s not dangerous but too much THC can turn you into a bumbling fool.
My advice? Take a very small hit. Wait a few minutes, see where your head’s at. If you feel good, take a little more.
Think: baby steps. You’ll find your sweet spot easily enough just be mindful not to rush things.
Keep Your Rig Clean
After each session, use a cotton swab while the nail or chamber is still warm.
This prevents sticky residue from building up and keeps your rig tasting fresh.
A clean setup always delivers smoother, better-tasting dabs.
Stay Safe, Secure Your Stash & Gear
Always dab in a safe, well-ventilated space.
You probably don’t want the smell lingering around. I always keep a window open when I’m using my rig.
Also, if you have kids or pets in the house, keep torches, hot glass, and open containers of concentrate stored in a secure lock-up.
I use a cupboard with a locked drawer to store all my stuff. You can use whatever. Just make sure it is out of the way, hard to find, and is nice and secure.
E-Rigs Make Dabbing Easier
Probably the best advice I can give anyone thinking about getting started with dabbing is to use an electronic dab rig (e-rig).
Why? They basically remove 99.9% of the headaches of traditional dabbing.
If you’re brand new, consider starting with an e-rig like the Puffco Peak Pro or the PuffCo Proxy, two of my all-time favorites.
An e-rig will ensure your temperatures remain consistent and they are much safer than using a torch. It’s also a lot less hassle, and you don’t have to carry around half as much gear.
Most models have “flavor” or “low-temp” modes that are ideal for beginners. Here’s all the dab rigs I currently own, use, and recommend across all the main price points.
For most people, I usually recommend the PuffCo Proxy. It’s compact and fairly portable, it uses a modular design so you can attach myriad accessories to it, and it performs like an absolute monster.
Need more options? Here’s the best dab rigs to buy right now (from high-end options to sub-$100 ones).
Leave a Reply