Concentrates 101: tips for celebrating Dab Day

While 420 may have come and gone, another popular stoner holiday is just around the corner. Monday (July 10), cannabis enthusiasts across the world will celebrate 710, otherwise known as Dab Day. The story of how Dab Day first began is hazy, but the meaning behind 710 is clear. When you turn 710 upside down, it looks like OIL — the perfect number to represent cannabis oil and other cannabis concentrates.

“Dabbing” is a term used for the consumption of cannabis concentrates like resin, shatter and wax. Regardless of the consumption method, the goal is the same. Once heated, the “dab” of concentrate turns into a vapor that the consumer inhales.

In my experience as a budtender, one of the main reasons folks are hesitant to try cannabis concentrates is they’re intimidated by the product itself. The high concentrations of terpenes, THC and other cannabinoids found in dabs can cause the consumer to feel the effects of the cannabis much faster than other consumption methods. Concentrates are also available in a wide array of textures and consistencies, which can add an extra layer of confusion.

We’ll start this lesson with the basics: What’s the difference between cured resin and live resin?

Cured resin is created by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from flower that has been trimmed, dried and cured. The curing stage is kind of like aging whiskey or fine wine. Over time, the plant develops more flavor and potency.

Live resin, on the other hand, skips the curing stage and utilizes cannabis flower that’s flash frozen once it’s harvested. Flash freezing helps preserve freshness and terpene profiles. In my opinion, live resin is incredibly tasty and tends to have a lower THC level than cured resin, so it’s a great option for the rookie concentrate consumer.

One of the most popular ways to consume concentrates is with a dab rig, which I would describe as the cousin of a bong. While the style of dab rigs can differ, the basic setup generally stays the same.

The most important piece of this puzzle, aside from the rig itself, is the nail. Sometimes referred to as a banger, this attachment is used to vaporize the concentrate, and it looks very similar to the bowl of a bong.

Using a torch, heat the banger until it glows bright orange. Once the banger has been heated to the proper temperature, turn off the torch, place your mouth on the mouthpiece, grab a dab tool with a scoop of concentrate on it and rub the concentrate on the inside of the nail as you inhale. After that, sit back and enjoy your high.

I love dab rigs, but as a stoner on the go, I would be nothing without my trusty nectar collector. A nectar collector is a portable dab rig that functions similarly to a straw. Torch-heating nectar collectors, as the name implies, require the consumer to use a torch to heat the tip before dipping the hot tip in the concentrate as they inhale. Electric-heating nectar collectors and dab rigs allow consumers to simply click a button to start the heating process.

If you’re looking to get a head start on your 710 festivities, here are a few products in the Lansing area that are guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.

Double Bear Grapefruit Durban cured resin | $25/g at Bazonzoes

Grapefruit Durban is a sativa-dominant strain created by crossing Durban Poison and Grapefruit. It offers a powerful cerebral buzz that will have you up and ready to go faster than a cup of espresso. The wax itself looks like golden amber and has a texture that reminds me of sugar that has dried after previously being wet.

LightSky Farms Handlebar live resin | $15/g at Herbana

Get ready to cruise with this indica-dominant hybrid strain from Burton-based LightSky Farms. Created by crossing Biker Kush and Hashbar OG, Handlebar is earthy and floral with a punch of sweet citrus. The result is a euphoric high that makes you feel like you can take on the world.

Packwoods Apple Mintz infused blunt | $40/2.5g at Pure Canna

Apple Mintz has many possible parent strains, including Sour Diesel and Pure Kush, Blue Sherbet and Zkittlez or Apple Fritter and Kush Mints. With Packwoods’ formulation, the result is a floral hybrid strain that makes you super chatty. It’s a great option for parties, cookouts and other events that plague the socially awkward. Each blunt contains 2 grams of flower, which is infused with concentrate before being dusted in kief and rolled in a tobacco-free wrap with a glass filter. 

Lucas Henkel (he/him) is a columnist and advertising assistant for City Pulse. He is a cannabis enthusiast and advocate that has worked in the cannabis industry since 2019. When he’s not reviewing weed from across the state of Michigan (and beyond), he lives in Lansing with his wife and three cats. Have a suggestion for a cannabis product or brand to review? Want to shout out your favorite budtender? Email lucas@lansingcitypulse.com.