How to Choose the Best Delta 8 THC Dabs: My Top Picks! by Natalia Salamanca at CBD Origin

At this point, we’re all familiar with THC. And if you regularly consume cannabis, you’re likely consuming Delta 9 THC. But many people don’t know there is another type of THC called Delta 8. 

Delta 8 exists in marijuana and hemp plants but isn’t as prevalent as Delta 9 THC. So, why is Delta 8 THC popular? As long as it’s derived from hemp, it’s federally legal.

With Delta 8 THC emerging, there are many ways to consume this cannabinoid. 

Dabbing is one of the most popular methods. When cultivators extract the Delta 8 and other cannabinoids/terpenes from the hemp plant, the result is a concentrate of these compounds (which is nicknamed dabs). 

There are different types of dabs. You’ll need a vaporizer; but we’ll discuss all of this later.

But first things first, let’s find out how to choose the best Delta 8 THC dabs.

TL;DR? 

Before you start dabbing, know what separates a high-quality product from a less-than-reliable one. There are so many D8 companies out there, and not all are of great quality.

I recommend Diesel Hemp the most. They’re one of the most unique brands out there and cultivate their own hemp. Because of this, they have more control over their product and offer the most transparency.

How to Choose the Best Delta 8 THC Dabs

I love dabs, but you definitely need to choose the best ones to get the desired results. Here’s where to start!

Type of Dabs

As stated previously, dabs all have different forms. The consistency is different, and that affects how you take it. There’s no one dab type better than the other; it’s all based on preference. Here are the different types of dabs:

  • Shatter: shatter is a solid extract. You have to break it into small pieces before using it, which is why it’s called shatter. It has a glass-like texture and is one of the most popular concentrates.
  • Wax: this is what most people think of when dabbing. Wax, often referred to as distillate, has a sticky consistency, where the dab gets its name. Think of the consistency of a balm such as Vaseline. This is another popular concentrate.
  • Sauce: Sauce is similar to wax in that they both have a sticky consistency. However, sauce is more terpene-rich than wax. It also has a more crystal-like texture, so think of the texture of marmalade.

These aren’t the only types of dabs. Crumble, badder, and sugar are other examples. However, you’ll mainly see shatter, wax, and sauce Delta 8 THC dabs.

Lab Testing

Before buying any Delta 8 product, always look at the certificate of analysis (COA). 

These tests are conducted by a third-party lab. This proves the quality of the product and ensures there are no dangerous toxins or solvent traces left on the product. You should also ensure the product contains less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

Most Delta 8 brands have the COA available on their website. 

Company Reputation

More Delta 8 brands are emerging. That’s why it’s even more integral to buy from a reliable brand. While Delta 8 is still a new industry, some brands have more experience and recognition than others. Prioritize those brands.

Another good way to judge company reputation is by looking at their products. Experienced brands will sell a variety of Delta 8 products and may even sell other products, such as CBD. 

Keep in mind that some brands specialize in Delta 8 dabs. You should also consider these companies if they make quality products.

Reviews

This should be obvious, but reading its product reviews is an easy way to gauge a company’s reputation. 

Make sure their past customers have been satisfied with the product. Most companies let verified customers leave reviews on the company website. It’s also beneficial to check Delta 8 forums and even Reddit to find company recommendations.

Ingredients

As with any product, make sure the ingredients list is short, and you can read all of them. You should also ensure that you can vape/inhale the ingredients. For example, you can digest MCT oil but can’t smoke it.

Delta 8 Source

Make sure the brand is transparent about the Delta 8 they’re using. They should be sourcing the cannabinoids only from legal and organic hemp. 

It’s also important to check the extraction method. Many dabs are extracted using dangerous solvents. Solventless extraction methods are the safest option.

Price

Delta 8 THC can get expensive. That’s because the extraction methods are complicated and extensive. Be wary of cheap Delta 8 dabs. These products may contain impurities, solvent traces, and other toxins.

At the same time, you shouldn’t pay a high price for your Delta 8 dabs. As with all industries, some companies may attempt to rip you off. Since you only need a little bit, 1-3 pieces are enough for most people. You shouldn’t pay more than $100 for a product of that size.

What to Know Before Taking Delta 8 THC Dabs

Please understand that Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid. There are best practices that all users should know before using Delta 8 THC dabs.

Your Experience Using Cannabis

First and foremost, don’t use Delta 8 dabs unless you’re experienced using cannabis. 

While you may read that Delta 8 is less potent than Delta 9, I honestly think that’s terrible advice. Delta 8 THC still gets you high, and the experience is very similar to Delta 9. For example, one puff of a Delta 8 vape definitely gives me a buzz.

What if you never used cannabis but want to try Delta 8? I would try Delta 8 flower first. Delta 8 flower looks like a nug of marijuana. What I like about marijuana flower is it gradually gets you higher with each puff. You can better control yourself and your dose this way. 

Dabs are literally just cannabis concentrates, so you feel the effects faster. This may be too much for a beginner.

Potential Side Effects

Delta 9 THC comes with side effects, and so does Delta 8. The side effects also increase if you take too much. The most common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Coughing
  • Numbness
  • Confusion
  • Fast heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Anxiety

Please don’t drive or operate machinery when taking Delta 8 THC.

How to Use Dabs

To use dabs, you’ll first need to know your dose. You can’t dose dabs the same way you dose edibles and other consumption methods, so the best course of action is to take a small amount at a time.

To dab Delta 8, you need one of two items: a dab rig or a vape pen. I prefer vape pens because they’re easier to use and are discrete, but dab rigs definitely hit harder.

If you’re using a vape pen:

  1. Open the pen to expose the coils. 
  2. Take a dab tool (you can buy one separately) and pick up a little piece of the concentrate. 
  3. Place the dab on the coils. 
  4. Close the pen and turn it on. 
  5. Inhale. 

Keep in mind every pen has different usage instructions, so make sure you read the manual first.

You can also buy Delta 8 vape cartridges. These are usually disposable will come filled with a half to a whole gram of distillate. You need a vape pen or battery with a 510 thread connector on the end. You simply screw the cartridge into the pend and puff, similar to loading your own pen. 

Disposable vape pens, which include the battery and cart all in one. These usually can’t be recharged or have a limited number of re-charges. Once the cart is empty, you can throw the entire thing away. Due to waste, these aren’t very popular unless people are traveling. 

To use a dab rig:

  1. Pick up the dab using the tool. 
  2. Set it to the side. 
  3. Grab a torch and ignite the nail, which is the metal or quartz glass part on the side of the rig. 
  4. Once the nail is hot, place the dab on the nail. 
  5. Inhale from the mouthpiece. 

This should be common sense, but don’t touch the nail. It will still be scalding hot.

There are other methods of dabbing like cold start or low temp, along with different glass and extension pieces. Dabbing allows for a lot of flavor but a harsher high. 

How We Chose These Products

I used all of the previous information to choose the best Delta 8 THC dabs. However, I specifically focused on this information the most:

  • Lab testing
  • Brand reputation
  • Customer reviews

My Favorite Delta 8 THC Dabs

Exhale Wellness Delta 8 Crumble in OG Kush

I hear only great things about Exhale Wellness. Their products are high-quality, and they have five-star reviews across the board. They use CO2 extraction, one of the safest forms of cannabinoid extraction. 

Their products are created from natural hemp with no added additives or preservatives. They also don’t contain any VG, PG, or form of the two, and no MCT.

I chose the strain OG Kush, for this crumble because it’s a popular hybrid strain. They have several other options. 

Crumble is a form of wax that’s similar in consistency to honeycomb. It falls apart easily, why it’s called “crumble.” Since this is a softer extract, you can easily add it to Delta 8 cigarettes or a bowl.

Keep in mind Exhale Wellness is selective in where they ship their products. Most people see this as a downside. It actually makes me feel better knowing that this brand is legally compliant.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • OG Kush is a popular hybrid strain
  • Variety of other strain options
  • Natural and safe ingredients
  • Third-party lab testing

Cons

  • More of a “head high” than other Delta 8 products

3Chi Comfortably Numb: Delta 8 THC: CBN Sauce

3Chi is one of the first brands that produced Delta 8 products and is one of the best-known companies. A biochemist formed the brand with 15 years of experience in hemp product formulation.

3Chi focuses on making products that enhance your overall well-being but safety is their biggest concern. They follow legal compliance across the board, so this is a brand that you can trust.

This product is interesting because they use a unique blend of Delta 8 and CBN. With these cannabinoids plus CBD and a specific terpene complex, this sauce is best for those who want to relax.

Sauce is a concentrate with a liquid consistency. It’s easy to administer but is very sticky. Because of its consistency and unique extraction process, it’s more terpene-rich compared to other concentrates.

Pros

  • Variety of other dabs
  • Delta 8 plus CBN, CBD, and terpenes
  • COA is available on their website
  • Fast shipping
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Strict return policy
  • Not ideal for those who want to be active
  • Poor customer service

Diesel Hemp Lemon Abacus Full-Spectrum + D8 Crumble

Diesel Hemp has many unique qualities, so I mentioned them on this list. What I really like is how they grow their own hemp strains in-house. This means they control every aspect of product production: the hemp cultivation all the way to the final formulation.

They also create unique terpene-rich strains, such as Lemon Abacus. This not only has an intense lemon flavor but is made with specific terpenes that will give you a nice buzz. They also have a strain available is, Abacus Diesel, but that strain is in low supply now.

Pros

  • Not super strong high but will give you a pleasant experience
  • Flavorful terpenes
  • Strain made by the brand
  • Affordable
  • Great customer service

Cons

  • D8 content is low compared to other brands

Binoid Delta 8 THC Wax Dabs

Binoid has some of the strongest D8 dabs on the market, so proceed with caution – especially if you’re a beginner. Each container is 92% D8 plus terpenes. There are six “flavors” (terpene varieties) for you to choose from.

Pros

  • Six terpene varieties
  • Extremely potent
  • Free shipping

Cons

  • Not a good product for beginners

Delta Extrax Tropical Candy Kush Delta 8 THC Dabs

Anyone who knows me knows I love Indicas, and I realized I haven’t suggested an indica here yet. But it’s not a couch-lock indica. Rather, this strain, tropical candy kush, gives a relaxing vibe and is more of a head high.

Plus, this concentrate is potent and contains delicious terpenes. While I can’t find anything that confirms this directly, it does seem like Delta Extrax also creates their own hemp strains for their Delta 8 products. They also sell this same product in Pineapple Express.

These dabs are in shatter formula, which is my personal favorite. Breaking the shatter is a pain, but I would rather deal with hard concentrate than liquidy and sticky concentrate that causes a mess.

Pros

  • Delta Effex is a high-quality brand
  • Potent dabs
  • Tropical Candy Kush is a flavorful Indica strain

Cons

  • Not as much strain variety as other brands
  • Not everyone will like the shatter formula

FAQs

Question: What is Dabbing?

Answer: Dabbing is the method of vaporizing Delta 8 THC concentrates. This method is popular because concentrates only contain Delta 8 and other cannabinoids that give the user the desired effects. Keep in mind these products are best for experienced users.

To dab, you’ll need a vaporizer. Dab rigs are popular, but I prefer vape pens for ease of use and convenience. When dabbing, only use a small amount of product.

Question: What Does Delta 8 THC Feel Like?

Answer: Delta 8 THC will get you high as any other THC product. 

Don’t listen to the sources that say Delta 8 gives you a mild high. Delta 8 THC can give you an intense high the same way that Delta 9 does, especially when dabbing. If you take a large dab or smoke a lot, you’re going to get high.

The only thing I will say is I experience fewer side effects with Delta 8. But if you’re not careful, you can experience the same side effects as you do with Delta–9. These include grogginess and anxiety. 

I experience a rapid heartbeat with both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, but that’s really it.

Question: I Don’t Like Dabs. Can I use Delta 8 Flower Instead?

Answer: Absolutely! Many brands sell Delta 8 flower. I’m actually interested in trying some, myself. I don’t like dabs and vaping as much because the effects hit you instantly. 

I like smoking flower because the effects gradually build, resulting in a more comfortable high. Even my Delta 8 vape pen slaps me after a minute or so of just one vape (why I said not to trust the sources saying Delta 8 gives a mild high).

I will only say to use brands that cultivate their own hemp, such as Diesel Hemp. Since Delta 8 is available in small amounts, brands usually spray Delta 8 extract on the hemp buds. As always, only buy Delta 8 flower from reputable brands.

Conclusion

Delta 8 THC has exploded in the past year. Literally, I discovered Delta 8 about a year ago. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped seeing it. 

There are many ways to consume D8, and dabbing is one. You should know how to choose the best Delta 8 dabs for you, such as knowing which type to buy and always look at the lab tests. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our recommendations!

CBD Origin is the premier source for CBD knowledge and information. Find informative articles, helpful guides, the latest news, and more at CBDOrigin.com


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