How to Properly Dab with THCA

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) has become quite a sought-after cannabinoid on the hemp marketplace. How come? Well, mostly because THCA is practically a legal workaround to strict laws against delta 9 THC. THCA is just raw THC, and once it’s heated, it transforms into delta 9. Found in raw cannabis flower, THCA comes in product forms that must be heated to be consumed, including vapes, flower, and dabs.

Speaking of dabs, THCA dabs are flying off the shelves right now, especially here at The Calm Leaf. This is all thanks to their unbelievable potency that basically guarantees a phenomenal high. Let’s talk about how you should dab with THCA so that even total beginners can look forward to nothing but pure satisfaction.

What Exactly is Dabbing?

Dabbing is the process of flash-vaporizing cannabis concentrates (aka “dabs”) at high temperatures. Cannabis concentrates are highly concentrated products that are processed through various ways to yield extremely high concentrations of active cannabinoids. Popular types of dabs include wax, shatter, sauce, diamonds, and rosin. They have to be flash-vaporized at high temperatures because their consistencies are inherently thick due to how they’re made, and so they need to be properly melted into oils to properly convert into vapor.

Dabbing must be done with a special type of device that can both reach and handle high temperatures. This is why you can’t, say, smoke cannabis wax out of a standard pipe. There are two main types of dabbing setups:

Analog: Analog setups include dab rigs and nectar collectors. They’re non-electronic and use a nail or banger which is heated with a torch, before the concentrate is applied to it, so that it melts instantly.

Electronic: Electronic devices like e-rigs, dab pens, and e-nails, use electronic components to allow the dab compartment to reach the ideal temperature.

The Basics on THCA Dabs

Now, let’s talk about THCA dabs. Easily, the most popular type of THCA dabs you will find are diamonds. Concentrating the THCA-rich cannabis eventually converts the THCA cannabinoid into a crystal form, and these are known as diamonds because of their appearance. They’re extremely pure, and that’s a big part of their appeal.

A byproduct of making THCA diamonds is sauce – a thick, saucy concentrate of the terpenes in the plant. That’s why most THCA diamonds available on the market also contain sauce, giving the appearance of crystals mixed into a thick, dark liquid. THCA diamonds + sauce comes in just about every strain you could imagine. Plus, is totally free of additives. Again, since it’s a concentrated product, you have to keep in mind that dabbing THCA concentrates will get you extremely high, which isn’t necessarily ideal for beginners.

How to Choose the Right THCA Dab

Now, we can cover how to choose the right THCA dabs to know that you’re getting the best-quality product possible. Essentially, here’s what to look for.

Quality of Concentrate: Use high-quality THCA crystals or extracts from a reliable source. The purity of your concentrate can, in fact, significantly affect your dabbing experience, as impurities can lead to unpleasant experiences or health risks.

Lab Reports: Never buy THCA concentrates before checking those third-party lab reports on the company’s website. This is a way to prove that the product is safe, pure, potent, and legally compliant. It comes from an unbiased laboratory, so you can trust that the information is truthful and objective.

The Strain You Want: Again, most THCA dabs come in a variety of strains, so make sure that you’re going with a strain that appeals to you.

A Description of the Process: A brand should make a point to share on their website how they actually produce their dabs, like whether or not they use solvents, and the types of purification methods they use.

A Reputable Manufacturer: Of course, only buy your dabs from a company that’s already trusted in the hemp industry.

Key Tips for THCA Dabbing Success

Dabbing is an art and a science, and there are ways to get it wrong the first time since it’s a bit more involved than, say, smoking flower. Let’s cover a few quick basic tips that will help you become a master of dabbing in no time flat.

Tip #1: A Little Goes a Long Way

With dabbing, it’s all about pacing yourself. Especially if you’re new to it, you can easily underestimate its potency, and get way too high. Go with a single dab hit and wait 15 minutes before going in again.

Tip #2: Do Not Burn Your Dabs

Remember, hotter doesn’t always mean better in the dabbing universe. A lot of times, the highest temperatures at which you can set your hardware will end up burning your product, which is why we always recommend that you start with a low temperature and work your way up as needed. This way, you can gradually increase your temp until you find your sweet spot, without the risk of destroying your dabs.

Tip #3: Know Your Equipment

All dabbing equipment is unique, and it’s important to get a good handle on how yours works. Whether you’re using an analog or electronic piece, you want to be aware of the different components and how they need to be maintained, how often your system needs to be cleaned to keep airflow and flavor optimal, and, if you’re using an electronic setup, how different settings affect your overall experience.

The General Steps to Dabbing

Finally, we want to go over the basic steps involved in dabbing, to give you an idea of what the process is like. Take note, your unique setup, as well as any accessories you’re using (carb cap, banger, etc.), can all affect the more specific process that you need to follow.

1. Turn on your device, if it’s an electronic one. Locate the nail, chamber, or banger, onto which you place your dabs.
2. Next, it’s time to heat your nail, chamber, or banger, either electronically if you’re using an electronic system, or with a torch if you’re using an analog rig. Everyone has their own temperature preference, and like we said, it’s always better to go under and work your way up, then start off too hot and risk burning your dabs.
3. Now, use your dab tool (a small tool that transfers your concentrates from their package to your device) to place your dabs onto the preheated nail/chamber/banger.
4. Wait for the dabs to melt into an oil, and inhale through the mouthpiece to take a dab hit. Like we said, it’s best to wait about 15 minutes if this is your first time, as you may be surprised by how strong the THC hits you.
5. After your session, make sure to clean your nail and dabber tool. Regular cleaning will help prevent the buildup of residue and ensure a clean, flavorful experience each time.

Tip: Always dab in a comfortable and safe environment. Since dabbing can be very potent, particularly with a substance like THCA, it's best done in a relaxed setting where you can sit or lie down if needed. Also, have water on hand to stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to take a break or stop if you feel overwhelmed. Dabbing in general can be intense, even for experienced users.

Dabbing with THCA: An Awesome Way to Get Your ‘Dab On’ with a Federally Legal Cannabinoid!

Overall, THCA dabs are a fantastic way to experience a totally legal, ultra-powerful delta 9 high, and of all of the types of concentrates out there, THCA diamonds reign supreme. Still, always remember, the effects of dabbing can be powerful and fast-acting, so it's important to approach this method of consumption with caution, especially if you're inexperienced.

Now that you have a good understanding of the basics of dabbing, you can check out the THCA diamonds available at The Calm Leaf, which come only from trusted industry names, and offer a variety of top-shelf strains to choose from.