CBD Dabbing: Benefits, Effects, How to Try It & More

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Everything you need to know about CBD dabbing, including important safety precautions

Co-authored by Tony Robinson and Annie Johnston

Last Updated: April 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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What is CBD dabbing?

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Effects and Benefits

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How to Dab CBD

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Types of CBD Concentrates

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Safety Precautions

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What Is CBD Dabbing?

The popularity of CBD has skyrocketed over recent years as people have caught on to its relaxing effects. But when the mildness of CBD doesn’t seem like enough, some people turn to CBD dabbing, which involves inhaling a more concentrated form of CBD. Many find the effects to be more noticeable. Read on to learn more about CBD dabbing, its benefits, and any potential risks you should be aware of.

CBD Dabbing: Quick Overview

CBD dabbing is the process of inhaling high concentrations of CBD for potential benefits like better sleep, relaxation, and pain relief. The CBD is placed on a dab rig and heated to a vapor, which can then be inhaled. CBD dabbing does not have psychoactive effects like THC.

Section 1 of 5:

What is CBD dabbing?

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CBD dabbing is the process of inhaling concentrated CBD vapors. A highly concentrated form of CBD is placed on something called a dab rig. Then, the device is heated and the CBD becomes a vapor, which can then be inhaled.^{[1]
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Research source} Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects, meaning you won't feel "high" from dabbing it.
- Dabbing is typically done with CBD products like CBD oil, wax, or shatter.
- Unlike other methods of consuming CBD, the effects of dabbing are purported to come on stronger and faster due to the high concentration of dabbing products.
- Since CBD dabbing involves such potent vapors, this is a method that may best be reserved for those who are used to CBD products already.
- Take our CBD quiz to find out if CBD might be a good option for you!

Section 2 of 5:

Potential Effects and Benefits of CBD Dabbing

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Many CBD users agree that its main attraction is its ability to calm them. While it doesn’t get you high and is different from a cannabis calming effect, it may provide relief during anxiety-inducing situations. It has also been shown to provide similar effects to certain antidepressants.^{[2]
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For those living with chronic pain, CBD can help relax the muscles by reducing inflammation. It may also help to reduce pain altogether and provide arthritis relief.^{[3]
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CBD may help with lowering cravings for tobacco and heroin-related addictions. Animal studies show even more evidence that it can help other cravings like alcohol, cannabis, opiates, and stimulants.^{[4]
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Because of its calming nature and lack of psychoactive effects, CBD may be a great relief for those experiencing PTSD. While it’s recommended to use therapy as the main form of treatment for PTSD, CBD can be a great addition to counseling.^{[5]
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Section 3 of 5:

How to Dab CBD

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Gather your supplies. The supplies you need for dabbing include:^{[6]
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- A dab rig
- A carb cap
- A dabber tool
- A nail/banger
- A butane torch
- CBD concentrate
- Water
A dab rig is made up of a mouth piece, a chamber, and a downstem—which includes a nail and a carb cap. The chamber holds water, allowing the CBD to turn into a vapor.^{[7]
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When scooping out the concentrate, you’ll only need about a pea-sized amount. Leaving the concentrate on the dab tool, set it aside to a place where you can easily reach it.^{[8]
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To access the nail of the rig, remove the carb cap from the downstem. The nail is located directly inside the downstem.^{[9]
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Research source} Apply the torch’s flame directly to the nail and allow the temperature to rise. Once it’s reached optimal temperature, place the carb cap back over the nail.^{[10]
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Picking up your dab tool with CBD concentrate on it, stick it down the stem until it meets with the nail.^{[11]
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While you rotate the dab tool, slowly inhale at the same time. Because dab hits are far more potent than other forms of CBD, only inhale small amounts at a time.^{[12]
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Section 4 of 5:

Common Types of CBD Concentrates

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CBD isolate is basically just pure CBD. It can be purchased in a variety of different forms—such as gummies, tinctures, and capsules; however, concentrated isolate products like shatter and wax will be the most potent.^{[13]
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CBD shatter is a type of CBD isolate, meaning it contains CBD and nothing else. It gets its name from its texture because it breaks and shatters easily. ^{[14]
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CBD crumble is a highly potent form of CBD that comes in a dry, crumbly form. A lot of people find it quite easy and simple to use.^{[15]
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CBD wax is a CBD isolate that is highly potent. It gets its name from its soft, pliable texture.^{[16]
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CBD resin is produced from hemp flowers that are processed as soon as they’re harvested, making the texture thick, sticky, and viscous. As it’s heated, it will melt into a buttery liquid.^{[17]
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Section 5 of 5:

Safety Precautions

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CBD is generally safe, but the high dosage of dabs can cause side-effects. Because dabbing involves a higher amount of CBD going into your system, the side-effects will likely be more noticeable and common. This video can help you figure out the best dosage for you. Typically, anything higher than 1,500 milligrams may cause:^{[18]
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- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Disorientation
- Additionally, more serious side-effects may occur such as liver damage and interactions with certain medications like blood thinners, heart rhythm medications, thyroid medications, and seizure medications. Always speak to your doctor before adding CBD to your healthcare regimen.