Concentrated forms of CBD – or dabs – are ideal when regular CBD products can’t get the job done. Wax, shatter, crystals, and crumble have emerged as popular dabbing products and deliver super-high doses of CBD efficiently and conveniently.
If you’re ready for a more intense CBD experience, this is the post for you! In this guide, I’ll showcase the different CBD dabbing products on the market and assess the pros and cons of each. But before we delve into the finer details, here are my top five CBD dabs of 2023!
1. Pinnacle Hemp – CBD Crumble
Dab directly or strengthen your joints and bowls with CBD Crumble from Pinnacle Hemp. This malleable, workable CBD concentrate is easy-to-use and perfect for on-the-go consumption – as the name suggests, it’s more crumbly than sticky!
Pinnacle uses full-spectrum extract in its crumble, taken from US-grown, non-GMO industrial hemp. The finished product has a 40% cannabinoid concentration or 400mg in this 1-gram crumble.
In addition to CBD, the full-spectrum extract also gives you the benefit of secondary cannabinoids and aromatic terpenes. Pinnacle Hemp’s CBD Crumble is Farm Bill compliant and third-party tested by ACS Laboratory.
2. Active CBD Oil – Shatter Plus Terpenes 95-97%
Are you looking for a THC-free concentrate? The Active Shatter Plus Terpenes dab from Active CBD Oil promises potent effects and intense flavor while keeping you in the clear with drug tests.
Active CBD Oil’s shatter boasts an astonishing 95 to 97% CBD – that’s 950 to 970mg of CBD in every gram of the product! However, as a CBD-isolate product, no secondary cannabinoids are present, eliminating the prospect of an entourage effect.
The 95%+ pure CBD crystals combine with up to 5% terpenes, which provide flavor and therapeutic benefits. This shatter consists of organic, non-GMO hemp with no residual solvents or preservatives. Third-party tested with no detectable THC.
3. Steve’s Goods – Rocket Pop CBD Wax
Relax and unwind with this high-quality concentrate from Steve’s Goods. Rocket Pop CBD Wax contains CBD-rich broad-spectrum hemp extract mixed with CBG-isolate and plant-derived terpenes. Made without any THC, you don’t need to worry about drug tests!
Many CBD dabs and concentrates focus entirely on CBD, but by adding a hefty 5% of CBG, this Steve’s Goods product amps up the relief. The natural terpenes ensure that each hit you take bursts with flavor, leaving a lovely lingering aftertaste.
This brand has become a favorite in the industry, with its attention to detail and unique spin on classic products, as is on display here with the premium Rocket CBD Wax. All Steve’s Goods products are third-party tested by ACS Laboratory.
4. A Gift From Nature – CBD Wax
A Gift From Nature keeps things simple with this broad-spectrum, THC-free CBD Wax. With an impressive 80% cannabinoid content and an array of botanical terpenes to boot, expect all-around hemp benefits and delightful flavor when vaping.
They only use organically-grown hemp when making this wax, cultivated and filtered with dabbing in mind. The wax has a bright, orangey appearance, a gorgeous aroma, and a sticky consistency.
A Gift From Nature’s CBD Wax is suitable for dabbing and oral consumption. The third-party test from SC Labs confirms the company’s claims about CBD strength and terpene content.
5. Metta Hemp – CBD Sugar Wax (Zero THC)
Enjoy a THC-free dabbing experience with CBD Sugar Wax from Metta Hemp. These guys combine CBD-rich hemp extract, taken via supercritical CO2 and ethanol extraction, with terpenes. This company has prioritized purity and taste – and the gamble has paid off!
Metta Hemp aims for maximum terpene preservation, extracting these aroma molecules using steam when the hemp is fresh or frozen. Keeping the terpenes in tip-top shape results in a more flavorful and beneficial experience than you get from regular CBD wax.
Metta Hemp makes third-party lab reports available via a QR code on the product packaging. I prefer the results to be more accessible, but at least the testing is taking place.
Strains: Hawaiian Haze (Sativa), Special Sauce (Indica)
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis-derived compound noted for its non-psychoactive nature and therapeutic effects. CBD is a cannabinoid – a class of more than 100 substances, which includes the psychoactive and somewhat notorious THC.
CBD shot to prominence in the early 2010s, and hemp-based CBD products obtained legal protection after the Farm Bill was passed in 2018. The bill de-scheduled hemp-derived CBD, meaning cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
Over the past decade, CBD products have thrived as natural remedies and supplements, even though scientific evidence of their benefits remains limited. Research shows that people take CBD products for several reasons, from alleviating pain to reducing anxiety to even managing asthma symptoms.
CBD’s unique effect on the body explains why it’s so intriguing. Like many cannabinoids, CBD affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex biological network that modulates mental and physical well-being.
Crucially, unlike THC, the beneficial properties of CBD come without psychoactive side effects – hence why CBD is going mainstream. Those who would once have balked at the idea of taking cannabis-based products – as a supplement or alternative medicine – are now thinking twice.
That’s not to say CBD doesn’t cause side effects. Large quantities can induce sleepiness and drowsiness, something which plays out more often with super-strength dabs. CBD can also affect certain prescription medications.
But generally, scientists consider CBD a safe substance and have found that it’s well-tolerated, even in big doses – which is excellent news when it comes to CBD dabs!
What are CBD dabs?
CBD dabs are highly-concentrated products intended for dabbing or vaporizing. If 20%+ CBD flower or potent e-liquids aren’t cutting it, contemplate upgrading to dabs.
Wax, crumble, and shatter products may contain anywhere from 40% to 80% CBD, whereas CBD-isolate crystals can exceed 95% CBD! This makes dabs between twice and five times more potent than powerful hemp flower products – and they are still non-intoxicating!
You could increase your intake of CBD tinctures, edibles, or capsules. But none of these products deliver the hard-hitting, instantaneous effects of smoking or vaping. For the fastest relief, you must inhale CBD, hence the appeal of dabbing.
Types of CBD dabs
Wax: Sticky and viscous, wax is easy to dab with and can deliver large doses of CBD into your bloodstream within seconds. Some find CBD wax a little too sticky, but it clings to the dabber better than other concentrates, in my experience.
Dabbing wax generates much less of a smell than smoking CBD flower, which is ideal if you need to be discreet.
Crumble: Dry and flaky, CBD crumble is more malleable and versatile than wax, although perhaps a little fiddlier to dab. But if you want a concentrate that you can effortlessly add to joints and bowls as well, crumble works a treat.
Shatter: Shatter is a hardened CBD concentrate and shatters – quite literally! – when you break it up. Some prefer shatter over other dabs as they find it easier to dose precisely with.
Crystals: The most potent of all concentrates, CBD crystals typically consist of CBD-isolate extract and no other cannabinoids or terpenes. You can dab crystals, but they are also effective when taken under the tongue or mixed into beverages or e-liquids.
How to take CBD dabs
Dabbing: You’ll need a dab rig, a dabber, a nail, and a torch to dab CBD concentrates. The rig, or water pipe, is like a bong, except you heat the concentrate against the nail instead of a bowl.
Apply your wax or crumble to the dabber, heat the nail with the torch, press the concentrate against the red-hot nail, and inhale the CBD-rich vapor! Consider investing in a dab mat to keep your table clean and a carb cap to regulate airflow while dabbing.
Vaping: Classic vaping is preferable to dabbing for on-the-go concentrate consumption. You’ll need a vaporizer designed for concentrates or a multi-purpose device like the PAX.
Add your shatter, crumble, or wax to the appropriate compartment, fire up the vape, and enjoy!
Smoking: Old habits die hard; if smoking is your preferred consumption method, you can still benefit from concentrates! Malleable and workable crumble is perfect for mixing into a joint or blunt or sprinkling on top of your bowl before taking a bong rip!
Eating: While you probably want dabs for the fast-acting effects, it’s worth noting that you can eat them, too. Oral consumption has a delayed response time but ultimately results in a much longer duration of effects.
Maybe you require all-day CBD relief from a single dose or need a slow and steady release of CBD to stop you from waking up during the night. Eat the concentrate as it is or melt some into a hot beverage, and settle in for the long haul!
What to Look For When Buying CBD Dabs
Third-party lab reports
With no government oversight in the CBD industry, it’s up to honest companies and third-party laboratories to ensure customers get access to safe, potent, and legal products. The transparency provided by independent testing helps distinguish genuine brands from scammers.
A good third-party lab report for CBD dab products should have a breakdown of the amount of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids present. The best tests also check for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and other impurities.
Type of hemp extract
A CBD dab product could contain CBD-isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum hemp extract. There’s no “best” type of extract – it all comes down to personal preference and your needs.
However, if you require a product that won’t give you drug test problems, choose concentrates with CBD-isolate or broad-spectrum hemp, which doesn’t have any THC.
But if you want to maximize the health benefits, you’ll need a full-spectrum dab that promotes the entourage effect.
Terpenes
Most CBD dabs contain terpenes as part of a full-spectrum hemp extract or as an added ingredient to CBD-isolate dabs. It doesn’t matter how the terpenes get there, but make sure they match up with your needs.
CBD dabs with an indica terpene profile produce deep relaxation. In contrast, concentrates with sativa terpenes have more invigorating and cerebral effects.
Extraction method
I recommend purchasing dabs from brands that utilize supercritical CO2 extraction. Gone are the days when we had to rely on inferior methods, such as butane hash oil (BHO) extraction.
The supercritical CO2 method preserves cannabinoids while minimizing impurities. Products made using this gold standard form of extraction may be more expensive. Confirm that companies really are making products this way by double-checking the third-party report.
How to Store Your CBD Dabs
Store CBD dabs in an airtight container and always keep them in cool, dark, dry conditions. Potency loss is detrimental to any CBD product, especially high-strength concentrates.
Oxidation and light degradation pose the biggest risks to waxes, crumbles, and shatters. Failing to reseal containers or leaving products on the kitchen counter will significantly reduce their lifespan.
How Long Do CBD Dabs Last?
On average, well-kept CBD dabs will last for up to 12 months. Your product could last even longer, but a reduction in effectiveness is inevitable over time. Much depends on the initial manufacturing process – poorly produced dabs may expire more quickly.
Purchasing CBD Dabs Online vs. Shops Near Me
With CBD dabs and other products only becoming more mainstream, many shops are trying to make a mint. But rather than placing your faith in a questionable brick-and-mortar store, you are better off purchasing dabs from a reputable online CBD vendor.
We looked at how essential product safety and legality is. Unfortunately, not all physical stores care about whether the CBD they sell is any good. After all, a convenience store won’t go out of business for selling shoddy CBD.
However, online stores specializing in hemp and CBD products have a reputation to maintain. These guys prioritize stocking high-quality, third-party-tested products and building up a loyal customer base.
