Not everyone knows how to handle concentrates right off the bat, which is why just the thought of dabbing can pull you to the brink of anxiety. What’s a rig? How do you use the torch? Is the “nail” really a nail? Well, if you are a first-time dabber wanting to use medical weed, then this article should help you out.
- Know Your Rig
Also known as a “bong,” the rig is the tool you use for vaping marijuana. What’s important, however, is that you can identify its other parts as well:
- The nail – a small tube with a slight ridge that goes inside the rig and is used to melt the concentrate.
- The wand – picks up the concentrate and presses it against the nail so that it can melt.
- The hand torch – a tool that eliminates the fire necessary to melt the concentrate.
Each rig works differently, so you may want to read the instructions of your device carefully. Essentially, it’s: heat, dab the concentrate on the nail using the wand and inhale.
- Start Small
While it may seem like a good idea to pour your entire stash of medical marijuana concentrate and go crazy, you may want to start small. By smoking regular weed, you get a 10-30% concentration in THC – which is enough to get you high. On the other hand, dabbing concentrates have around 60-85% THC levels – which might get you higher than you actually want.
- Don’t Make Any Plans
When dabbing for the first time, you may want to clear your schedule. Give your couch a nice wink and prepare for an evening in, because you won’t be going anywhere for a while. You might also want to stack up on munchies and liquids because it’s likely that you won’t be able to move much after that.
- Don’t Panic When You Cough and Sweat
It’s unfortunate, but if you are a first-time dabber, you are likely to cough. It’s different than smoking a regular cigarette – and it’s different than smoking those dank Indica flowers you accustomed your lungs with. You can read also story The First Time I Smoked Marijuana.
Similarly, don’t freak out if you start sweating like a maniac. Keep in mind that dabbing makes use of heat torches, and the coughing will also get you worked up. Just stay hydrated and remember: this will eventually pass.
- Keep the Rig Clean
After using your rig, make sure that you clean it properly. Heat the nail up and use alcohol wipes or a clean rag to get the residue off. Try not to scrape the nail, because this will eventually begin scraping metal into your concentrate.
Now all that’s left to do is: enjoy! Remember that in the entire history of the world, no one ever lost their life due to a cannabis overdose. Sure, you might get the spins, eat everything you have in your fridge, or sleep for days – but you won’t die.
“I have found in my study of these patients that cannabis is really a safe, effective and non-toxic alternative to many standard medications.” Philip Denney, MD
