What a dab is
A dab is one dose of cannabis concentrate. The dose weighs 0.05 grams to 0.1 grams. A person heats a quartz or metal surface to 315 F to 600 F, places the concentrate on the hot surface, and inhales the vapor. Concentrates hold 60% to 90% THC or 60% to 99% CBD. Dried flower holds 15% to 30% THC. One dab can equal several bowls of flower.
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How dabs are made
Extraction separates cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material and leaves waxes and fiber behind. Four methods cover most products.
- Hydrocarbon: butane or propane dissolves the resin. The solvent is purged under vacuum.
- CO2: pressurized carbon dioxide acts as the solvent. No hydrocarbon residue.
- Ethanol: food-grade ethanol washes the plant. Heat evaporates the ethanol.
- Solventless: a rosin press uses heat and pressure. Ice water hash uses water and agitation.
Forms of concentrate
- Shatter: glass-like sheets, brittle at room temperature.
- Wax, budder, crumble: opaque solids with different textures.
- Live resin: made from fresh frozen plants. Holds more terpenes.
- Distillate: refined oil that runs 90% or higher in one cannabinoid.
- Isolate: CBD powder at 99% purity. No terpenes, no THC.
CBD dabs
CBD dabs use hemp extract. Federal law caps hemp THC at 0.3% on a dry weight basis. CBD isolate dabs contain no THC. Full-spectrum CBD dabs carry trace THC plus minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN. CBD vapor forms at 315 F to 450 F. THC needs more heat. A CBD dab does not produce the head high tied to THC.
Dose and effects
New users start at 0.02 grams to 0.05 grams. Concentrate hits raise heart rate and can cause coughing, chest tightness, and anxiety. Tolerance builds fast with daily use. High THC intake links to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which causes repeated vomiting and abdominal pain.
Risks
Vitamin E acetate in unregulated THC vape carts caused EVALI lung injuries. The CDC counted 2,807 hospitalizations and 68 deaths as of February 18, 2020. Black market dabs can also carry pesticides, heavy metals, and residual butane.
US law
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. Hemp means cannabis with 0.3% THC or less. THC dabs remain Schedule I. State rules differ. Some states ban all cannabis concentrates. Others allow medical or adult use with purchase limits. Check state law before you buy.
How to check a CBD dab product
- Find the batch number on the label.
- Match it to a certificate of analysis from a third-party lab.
- Read the cannabinoid panel: CBD, THC, CBG, CBN.
- Check the contaminant panel: solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, microbials.
- Confirm the THC number stays at or under 0.3%.
Storage
Store concentrates in a sealed glass jar away from light and heat. Distillate and isolate keep 12 months or more. Terpene-rich products lose flavor in 3 to 6 months.