Where is cannabis culture heading, and what does the future hold for the growing dab culture?

The cannabis industry is based largely on the concept that natural solutions to the problems we face are a better alternative, such as pharmaceutical products. So, it makes sense that as cannabis concentrates improve, there is an increased focus on getting concentrates are pure, clean, smooth, and as close to their natural flavor and genetic composition as possible.

Simply throwing organic on the label isn’t enough for the exceedingly high standards of many cannabis concentrate connoisseurs. These customers are looking for cannabis companies that go above and beyond to create amazing concentrates that not only meet expectations but exceed them.

What challenges are cannabis companies facing in today’s market?

The legalization and regulation of the cannabis market throughout Canada hasn’t gone exactly as many cannabis producers and growers thought it would. Cannabis companies face a regulated cannabis market with many challenges, including high taxes, excessive fees, packaging and labeling requirements, and legal barriers that have prevented many companies from even entering the market in the first place.

Where it may have once been possible to produce high-quality and profitable products for the black market, many producers are finding the legal market profit margins too slim. This has forced many companies to seek an alternative way of making money, such as producing the largest amount of low-quality products to make a profit.

What many companies have found out very quickly is that cannabis customers, and in particular concentrate enthusiasts aren’t willing to pay for low-quality. They don’t want impurities, leftover pesticides, heavy metals, and added ingredients in their cannabis concentrates.

The rise of quality over quantity in the concentrate market and community awareness!

We are now seeing the rise of pure, high-quality, potent, and premium cannabis concentrates as consumers look for quality over quantity irrespective of the cost. We also see the community consciousness aspect of the cannabis market is beginning to drive awareness about different cannabis products such as cannabis dabs.

Where once upon a time cannabis experimentation was done behind closed doors with very limited public awareness, now with the legalization of cannabis in Canada, we’re seeing a lot more promotion of things like dabbing.

When you walk into dispensaries, there are a variety of additional dab and concentrate devices on display, information on how to use them, along with the different concentrates that can readily be purchased. When you combine that with online information, tutorials, and in-person education from budtenders and dispensary employees, you’re seeing a huge growth in concentrates and dibs, which for a long time were seen as ‘too complicated and too hard’ for the average cannabis consumer to grasp.

Dab rigs and where they’re heading!

When you first look at a glass dab rig, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was some sort of complicated little scientific device used to split atoms. Part of the problem slowing down the expansion of cannabis concentrates is the devices (dab rigs) used to consume. Once you take five minutes to learn how dab rigs work, you’ll be kicking yourself for being intimidated by the entire process.

There are two things that you’ll need to decide if you choose to start dabbing; what type of concentrate you like and the right device to suit the concentrate. Luckily, there are various concentrates to choose from and a wide choice of devices you can use.

In the beginning, dab rigs were complicated-looking glass devices that were all designed for high-temperature dab techniques. Now, low-temperature dabbing has largely replaced high heat, and many enthusiasts have welcomed the additional flavor and smoother taste you get from low-temperature dabbing.

High-temp dabbing involves heat between 600-900 °F, but low-temperature dabbing is a lot lower, coming in at 350 to 450 °F. Low-temperature dabbing is easier on your lungs, your lips, and also your taste buds. With the addition of a strategically placed carb cap, you can get a better hot from your dab rig.

The main types of dab rigs include:

• Glass Dab Rigs – These include those large glass dab rigs which look like they’re being used in scientific experiments but are the original dab rigs for concentrate enthusiasts.
• Mini Dab Rigs – Work the same way as regular glass dab rigs, but they’re a lot smaller in size and great if you’re traveling around with friends or enjoying concentrates in a variety of different locations.
• Silicone Dab Rigs – If you’ve ever dropped a glass dab rig and smashed it, then you might appreciate the rugged sturdiness of 100% silicone dab rigs.
• Recycler Dab Rigs – Recycler dab rigs continually cycle the water through a percolator to create continuous filtrations while you dab.
• Electronic Dab Rigs – Electronic dab rigs don’t require a heating torch. Instead, they rely on current from a power source heating the chamber where the concentrates are. If you aren’t afraid of taking a modern approach to dabbing, an e-rig or e0nail may be perfect for you.

How are vape pens influencing the concentrate scene?

The dabbing revolution continues to grow, but one of the most popular ways for people to consume cannabis products is with a vape pen that uses distillates. Distillates are usually made by using a solvent to extract the cannabinoids such as THC and CBD from the cannabis bud or flower. This liquid is then running through further processing, which involves turning the liquid into a vapor and then returning it to a liquid again. Almost all flavors and terpenes are removed during the process.

Producers now have the choice to add back in natural terpenes and flavoring or the less expensive option of artificial flavoring and terpenes. Now, the end product of this process isn’t the highest quality. Still, it is a cost-effective way to produce concentrates that are more suited to what people believe cannabis to taste like rather than that natural skunky and dank flavor of real cannabis.