How to dose cannabis dabs
Start with 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) of THC. Wait 15 minutes. Do not take a second dab until you feel the full effect. A dab the size of a grain of rice, about 25 mg of concentrate at 80% THC, contains about 20 mg of THC. That is 4 to 10 times a starting dose.
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Know the THC percentage
Concentrates range from 60% to 90% THC. Some test above 90%. Flower ranges from 10% to 25% THC. A 1-gram jar of 80% concentrate holds 800 mg of THC. A 1-gram jar of 20% flower holds 200 mg of THC. The same dab weight hits four times harder from concentrate.
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Measure the dab
A standard dab tool holds 10 to 30 mg of concentrate. At 80% THC, that is 8 to 24 mg of THC. Use a scale that reads 0.001 grams (1 mg). Weigh the dab before you heat the nail or banger.
- Low dose: 2 to 5 mg THC
- Medium dose: 5 to 15 mg THC
- High dose: 15 to 30 mg THC
- Very high dose: 30 mg THC or more
Wait 15 minutes
Inhaled THC reaches the brain in seconds. Peak effects arrive in 5 to 10 minutes. Effects last 1 to 3 hours. A second dab before the peak stacks THC. Stacking raises the risk of anxiety, paranoia, and nausea. Set a timer for 15 minutes after each dab.
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Set a session cap
Decide the total THC for a session before the first dab. A common cap for a new user is 5 mg. A cap for a user with tolerance is 20 to 30 mg. Track each dab on paper or a phone note. Stop when you reach the cap.
Use low temperatures
High-temperature dabs (above 600°F / 315°C) can irritate the lungs and throat. Low-temperature dabs (400°F to 500°F / 204°C to 260°C) release THC with less smoke. Lower heat also makes the vapor less harsh. A harsh hit can trigger a cough and a larger inhale than planned.
Choose the right product
Convenience formats include pre-filled dab pens, single-dose packets, and pre-measured jars. These products list THC content per unit. Read the label. A 0.5-gram cartridge at 85% THC holds 425 mg of THC. A 3-second pull can deliver 4 to 8 mg of THC. That fits a low starting dose.
When to stop
Stop a session if you feel a racing heart, chest tightness, or panic. These effects peak in 30 minutes. They fade in 1 to 2 hours. Do not take more THC to counter them. Drink water. Sit in a calm room.
Who should not dab
People with a history of psychosis, heart disease, or pregnancy should avoid high-THC concentrates. Federal health agencies report links between high-THC products and anxiety, paranoia, and impaired coordination. Talk to a doctor before use if you take prescription drugs.