There’s a huge trend in the weed world right now to graduate from custom bongs to dab rigs. Searching for a better high, a different taste, a new experience, and more- these adventurers need to first learn the ropes.

Dabs create a more potent and flavorful hit no matter what kind of concentrate you use. Because it is so strong, dabbing is a favorite method among medical consumers. For some purposes - such as pain relief- patients need a large amount of THC to experience therapeutic benefits.

But with this influx of usage has come a lot of confusion. Between finding the right rig, knowing what concentrate to use, and deciding on your temperature, it's hard to find high-quality information on the web.

Even veteran dabbers are still puzzled by all the moving parts!

This guide from Puffr's online smoke shop team will give you an unbiased account of the differences between high and low-temperature dabbing so you can choose what's best for you.

High Temperature Dabbing 101

High temperatures are a lot higher than low temp dabbing. Some people heat their nails from our wholesale head shop to around 750 degrees F, while others go as far as a jaw-dropping 1,000 degrees F.

While that may sound crazy, well...it is!

If you’re dabbing at a high temperature then you definitely need to use titanium nails. They heat up and cool down more quickly, which is perfect for a fast, intense gale of heat.

Put your torch at its highest heat setting and the nail will get hot in seconds. Take the heat source away and add your dab.

It will immediately start to vaporize- at which point, start smoking!

Pros of Dabbing at High Temperatures

• High temp dabbing creates an incomparable rush, nothing like low temp dabbing or using a custom bong. The flavor will knock your socks off and is paired with a smoky aftertaste. We really can’t overstate how intense the flavor is.
• All of the wax on your nail will combust the second it hits the scolding-hot nail. So there is little or no cleaning required and almost no wax will be wasted.
• You don’t need to get a carb cap.
• The whole process takes about a minute so it's a great way to wake and bake when you’re in a rush to get to work.

Cons of Dabbing at High Temperatures

• All of the terpenes will be burnt at such high temperatures, and you also run the risk of burning the THC and CBD.
• Because there is no way to absolutely control your temperature, you might accidentally scorch your dab and damage your rig.
• Naphthalene and benzene get released at 700 degrees F, creating a toxic smoke that poses serious health risks.
• The smoke is much harsher and is best left for more experienced smokers.

Low Temperature Dabbing 101

When dabbing at low temperatures, the dab nail is heated to anywhere between 250 and 320 degrees F for cannabis extracts, and no higher than 400 degrees F for CBD extracts. CBD boils at around 350 degrees F.

If you go any higher than these temperatures, you risk burning off the terpenes in the concentrate. If you want those sweet, sweet cannabis aromas and flavors, these are the perfect temperature ranges for you.

Low-temp dabbing is ideally done on a ceramic or quartz nail. The nail is heated up slowly, the wax is placed on the nail, and then you inhale. Our wholesale head shop has a wide variety of nails, so you’ll find what you need whether you’re choosing high or low temp.

Pros of Dabbing at Low Temperatures

• Low temperatures create more refined flavors because the plant terpenes get released at roughly 300 degrees F without being burned. Cannabinoids can only be tasted when dabbing at low temperatures.
• The flavor won’t overwhelm you. The hit is smooth and lasts a long time, which is great for beginners or anyone who likes longer hits.
• Fewer harmful chemicals are released because there is less combustion.
• There is minimal stress on the throat.

Cons of Dabbing at Low Temperatures

• Some people find the flavor too weak and the vapor too cold- similar complaints that custom bongs illicit.
• Because the concentrate gets heated up slowly, it doesn’t completely evaporate. This means some residue will be left behind, so you will have to clean it more often and thoroughly.
• You’ll need to get a carb cap to prevent wasting oil and to help the nail retain its heat for a longer period of time. But our wholesale smoke shop has you covered in that department.
• It’s a slow-going process. It takes anywhere from two to three minutes to heat up, add the dab, and smoke it.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to consider when deciding whether you want to dab at a high or low temperature.

If you’re putting your safety first, definitely opt for a low temp. The toxic chemicals from combustion at high temps aren’t good for your body and might not be worth it.

If you want a sudden rush of hot smoke and an intense high, high temps are the best choice. They’re incomparable and will leave you wondering what happened to you!

Flavor is debatable. Some people like the subtle, refined flavor of low temps, while others swear by the out-of-this-world flavor that high temps bring. It’s really a matter of preference. Consider how strong you like your coffee, and that might lead you in the right direction!

The best way to find the right temperature for you is to experiment. You might surprise yourself with your discoveries!