“Dab Art” - Cannabis Concentrates that Are a Real (and Smokeable) Art Form

There are a variety of forms, produced by genuine artists, delicate pieces that have been made for more than a decade, with different resins, now having gained visibility among those who are passionate about marijuana. Why? They are being created with hashish extracts and take shape (literally) thanks to their own users.

Now these concentrates are popping up on the social networks: from Pinterest to Tumblr to MassRoots (the Instagram of marijuana) but also at the most important cannabis events worldwide (like the recent Cannabis Cup), with many users sharing their first creations with friends. The fad of artistic and “green” (metaphorically) dabbing has really boomed, above all, in the United States - especially in Northern California and Colorado - as a result of legalization there.

The figures are crafted from very small amounts of concentrated cannabis resin, and their main components are the cannabinoids THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, elements that furnish the marijuana with flavour and aroma.

These are concentrates that are regularly put to medicinal use, as they are able to provide the exact amounts and doses that patients should consume (these types of products appeared in clinics just over a year ago). In fact,they are very potent for therapeutic use, as they allow those who suffer from acute and chronic pain and nausea to enjoy immediate and effective relief.

But they are also useful for recreational use, making possible the ingestion of less smoke, and less inhalations are required than is normal, which also favours a healthier way to smoke.

“Dabs” tend to be doses of concentrate that are heated up with the aid of a blowpipe (on a surface that is also hot (normally a “nail” of titanium or borosilicate glass). Later one inhales using glass bongs, where the smoke accumulates.

The concentrates can be of three types: glass, wax, or honey oil (the latter also called butane hashish oil, or BHO), as the resin can be extracted using butane, nitrogen or CO₂. Depending upon each of these elements, different treatments are used.

Experts in this art warn the less experienced that if they want to make their own little figures, before letting their imaginations get carried away they must make sure that the cannabis extracts they are using come from totally clean plants without any traces of the solvents and pesticides often found in cannabis resin.

If the concentrate is intended for consumption, the experts note that it is not advisable to use “homemades,” as they require great care to assure that the final product is totally healthy. Hence, some concentrates that could harm the health of consumers have been banned. 

Those dedicated to the professional extraction of concentrates are companies with major financing, which they later sell for 50 - 70 euros. However, if the only thing you aim to do is create elaborate works of art and collect them… then get working!

Others, the biggest aficionados, tend to consume extracts that are industrially produced, and, while discovering new techniques to create their own concentrates, they practice by creating little figures. It is no wonder these have become the new “in” adornments: butterflies, giraffes, flowers, traffic signals, bees and honeycombs (in fact, due to the colour and texture of these concentrates, they could be taken for dry honey) and lollipops - all types of creations for those who want to make their worlds a little bit richer in cannabis and closer to Nature.

And always with a unique touch. You can create a pretty pair of “lovebirds” made with cannabis resin, and give them a personal touch. Or how about a small bud in the form of an original bouquet of flowers? More than one woman would be delighted to receive such a special gift.

If you're a super hero buff, we suggest you make your own Superman symbol.

Or a very special Star Wars creation.

 

 

If you've run out of Playmobil pieces, perhaps you can create a more customised character (or does this look more like a Power Ranger?)

Fruit can be very pretty, like this pineapple (just remember not to eat it!)

The "Dab Art" group on Facebook, dedicated to compiling images of this art form, features little figures like this Bob Marley, which more than a few people would love to have.

A snake on the verge of attacking a little mouse (will it get away?)

This pretty elephant also seems to be in a bind.

This snail, on the other hand, seems quite comfortable.

There are those who even try their hand at creating the Statue of Liberty (I guess some are more fortunate with regards to legalisation).

And you can´t deny that you'd love to use a Play Station with this controller.

Or even open the door to your house with this elegant key.

Or make your own homemade robot: small, smiling and adorable.

By the way, in case you didn't know, there are those who have grown so fond of these little figures (and smoking their own concentrates) that they've decided to proclaim “Dab Day.”It is on 7 October, and started to be observed in 2013. Were you aware of that?

If what you want it is to enjoy some art while you smoke, remember: it’s always better to consume those made by a professional; they'll be healthier and of higher quality than yours, at least at the outset. In the meantime you can give free rein to your most Bohemian side.