Dabs are pretty much the purest (and most potent) cannabis delivery system available, with some reaching 90% THC by volume or higher.
So why aren’t they more popular?
Partly because many people find them simply too powerful. But widespread adoption of dabbing has also been stymied by the cumbersome tools used to ingest these high-potency, sticky extracts, which are traditionally “heated on a hot surface, usually a nail, and then inhaled through a dab rig.”
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Fortunately, innovators in the field have recently introduced many new products designed to make ingesting concentrates safer and more convenient, while making an intimidating delivery method more approachable for the new user. Our highlights include a wide range of options at various price points, including devices intended for vaporizing extracts, handling sticky concentrates, maximizing the output of a vapor cart, and just plain looking cool.
MJ Arsenal’s the Hydra VE—$30
(Courtesy of MJ Arsenal)
Want to transform an ordinary vape pen into a dab rig? Try “carting” with the Hydra VE, a small piece of glass that delivers large hits of vapor filtered through water. Simply insert the mouthpiece of almost any vapor pen into the Hydra’s downward-facing bowl, hold the button on the pen, and puff away through the glass. It’s a fun way to make vaping more social, as well as a portable way to maximize the power of your favorite cart.
Nuggy Smoker’s Multi-Tool—$33+
(Julia Sumpter/Leafly)
Ever wondered: What if Swiss Army made a dab tool? Well, don’t hold your breath waiting. Just pick up the Nuggy, a multi-functional product that combines a wide variety of useful dab tools in a convenient teardrop-shaped metal casing. Durable and versatile, it features dab tools specially designed for various textures and types of cannabis extracts, with some models containing more tools than others. Tuck one into your bag and you’re ready for anything.
Yocan Portable Torch—$53
(Courtesy of Yocan)
This ingenious unit converts any waterpipe into a dab rig. A portable e-nail designed for maximum adaptability, it fits snuggly onto 10mm, 14mm or 18mm glass-on-glass ground joints. And just flip over the adapter to connect with either male or female downstems. With many modular options, this battery-powered electronic “torch” lets you swap in different coils—either quartz or ceramic—for smooth-tasting dab hits.
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Vuber Portable Dabber—$100
(Courtesy of Vuber)
This portable electronic rig is a self-contained dab unit that won’t break the bank. And it comes with titanium, quartz, and ceramic nails, so you can use whichever material your prefer. Temperature settings can be regulated by pushing the button either three or five times, but be warned that it only provides enough battery life for 10-15 hits, so more for solo medicating than being the life of the party. Most important, it’s simple and intuitive for beginners, all you need to do is add a little water to the pipe and get dabbing!
Whitney Harmon Thermochromic Bucket—$250
(Courtesy of Whitney Harmon Glass)
Marketed as the “first color-changing quartz bucket,” this high-quality glass changes its hue as it gets hotter, letting you know when it’s at optimal temperature for dabbing (and also when it’s safe to touch). You’re still going to need a butane-powered torch, though, so it’s geared primarily for those already living that dab life. Colors range from yellow (cold) to red (too hot), with perfect dabbing temperatures found at various shades of orange in between.Little Dab Will Do Ya?
PuffCo Peak—$380
(Julia Sumpter/Leafly)
Combining sophisticated design, quality technology and dependable performance, the PuffCo Peak has become the darling of Leafly’s Avid Dabber, who writes that his “glass rigs are quickly collecting dust” after adopting this versatile new platform. Digital temperature control makes dabbing simple, producing flavorful hits every time. Wonderfully portable, a fully-charged PuffCo can be taken on the road, lasting up to 20 – 30 dabs for fun seshes at parties. Artistic glass attachments and quartz buckets can also be integrated to fully customize your PuffCo, with an upcoming gallery show dedicated to exploring the creative possibilities of this already artful platform.
Switch by Dr. Dabber—$400
(Courtesy of Dr. Dabber)
This large tabletop unit comes with separate induction cups designed to handle either flowers or concentrates. Either way, Dr. Dabber uses induction heating to quickly bring your cannabinoids to temperature, delivering smooth hits of vapor through an elegant glass attachment. Long-lasting battery allows for up to 100+ hits, and while it’s not as portable as other options, it is a quality machine with incredible temperature control.
