Can you vape honey? Here’s what you need to know
Another July 10 has come and gone, but shatter, rosin, oil, and other high potency cannabis extracts are permanent fixtures in the wide world of weed all year long. That said, much has changed since “dabs” and “dabbing,” the practice of vaporizing super-concentrated cannabis extracts and riding the intense wave that follows, entered the lexicon within the past half-decade or so.
Dabs and Extracts
For one, dabs are no longer just for wooks. This cannabis subculture’s somewhat pejorative term refers to the (mostly) young and male apostles of the practice who crisscross the country carrying expensive hard cases for their elaborate glass rig setups. This is because dabbing no longer requires the use of a butane torch to superheat a glass or metal dab rig—an notable aspect of early dabbing that intimidated many cannabis consumers.
In fact, these days, you can load your favorite extracts into the same device you use to vaporize high-end flowers. All that’s required is knowledge of the technique and possession of a tiny bit of special equipment—which, if you’ve copped a DaVinci IQ2, you already have!
If we look a little more closely at how the early dab rigs work, we can see that they are essentially elaborate vaporizing devices, just with a much higher risk of accidental burns.
Traditional Dab Rigs
“Traditional” dab rigs work by waving a heat source. This is usually a butane torch, like the kind wielded by cigar smokers or pastry chefs making crème Brulee. Also, it’s over a surface of quartz glass, metal, or ceramic. Another alternative to the torch method is using an “e-nail,” a surface continuously hooked up to an electric current that heats the surface to a predetermined temperature.
Butane torch or AC, once the surface is sufficiently hot, the dabber places a dollop of concentrate onto the surface using a special tool: a re-appropriated dental pick, or, really, any length of heat and oxidation-resistant metal like stainless steel. The result is a plume of vapor that the dabber quickly inhales—emphasis on vapor. No combustion is required.
So what’s the problem? Why not just dab the old-fashioned way—what else would you possibly need? For one, traditional dabbing isn’t exactly a portable activity. Who wants to bother with packing a blowtorch and a whole dab rig setup for a quick trip or weeklong jaunt.
For another, old-school dabbing is just about the polar opposite of “discretion.” Large open flames, towering clouds, and racking coughs tend to draw attention. To say nothing of the Mothership Glass Faberge egg, treated with as much care as the nuclear football!. Nor can one easily “sneak a dab” without first going through the elaborate ritual of setting up your rig. This is a ritual that simply cannot be performed on a ski lift, at a concert or at your in-law’s house.
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What to Keep in Mind
And all that cumbersome gear can weigh you down. Plus, it’s expensive! For simplicity, discretion, ease of mind—and physical safety—it is entirely appropriate to seek an alternative dabbing method such as your IQ2, which is the first DaVinci vaporizer to master the technique of subtle, on-the-go “dabbing.”
Principle-wise, the overall method is akin to vaporizing dry herb. Heat circulates through the IQ2’s oven area, transforming the concentrated extract into a gaseous state. The vapor cools as it travels through the ceramic and glass components to your lips.
One main difference with the IQ2 is that you load your extract into a Dosage Pod rather than directly into an oven.
Another thing to note
Using a dual-use vaporizing device to consume shatter, oil, wax, and other concentrates means you’ll need to clean your device more often. This then allows for the sticky and resinous texture of concentrates. There will be resin build-up, which calls for frequent cleaning or multiple dosage pods.
The pod itself is a ceramic container with a lid that contains a filler, like organic cotton, along with a ceramic disc. You place the extract onto the disc and place the disc into the pod. Easy peasy. You can use cotton to fill up any excess space. You can also use dry flowers for this exact purpose, should the mood grab you.
Replace the ceramic pod’s top cap and load it into the oven—then use as normal. You also want to allow for a two-minute cool-down period between use. Then, reloading the pod to avoid touching the hot ceramic.
Summary
Another benefit of vaping extracts is that the hits are usually softer and smoother. Especially with vaporization evened out over the length of a session. You can really enjoy the experience of consuming a flavorful, terpene-rich extract. This can be without being too overwhelmed by the large, unwieldy draws you get from most traditional dab rigs. And ultimately, fully enjoying your experience is the name of the game.
Disclaimer: Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level but are still illegal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved
