Dispensary Dabs: The Best Washington Dab Strains of 2020

The Pacific Northwest remains a hotspot for the ultimate cannabis experience, and dispensary dabs are one of the reasons why!

As more states have legalized recreational and medicinal cannabis, the way we view and consume cannabis has evolved. The popularity of edibles and cannabis-infused soft drinks, for example, has skyrocketed in recent years.

While dabs are nothing new, they’ve gone through a renaissance of their own.

What Exactly Are Dispensary Dabs?

A “dab” refers to a dose of concentrate, which in this case is THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Concentrates can come in various forms including shatter, wax, budder, crumble, and sauce. In short, a dab is an umbrella term that covers these different types of concentrates.

Cannabis dabs are meant to be vaporized and then inhaled. This is commonly done through a dab rig, e-rig, or vaporizer. The process of inhaling vaporized cannabis is (of course) known as “dabbing”. Some people may also choose to use rosin in order to create their own edibles, having learned all sorts of useful things, such as the fact that it’s best to decarb rosin between 220 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit, before starting this process themselves. Of course, not everyone is going to want to do this, so dabs are one of many alternatives that people could choose in order to consume their cannabis. 

Why are dabs growing so much in popularity?

Dabs are much more potent than flower. The highly concentrated amount of THC means that it requires less to produce the same experience.

Cannabis connoisseurs may tell you that a good dab isn’t exclusively about the highest THC concentration possible, but potency is still a major consideration.

Dabs have a reputation for being flavorful. The process of creating the concentrate draws out the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally found in marijuana. This creates a flavor-packed experience as well as a very clean taste.

Some people claim dabbing is safer than smoking. When you smoke traditional marijuana flower, you’re also inhaling burnt plant matter. Carcinogens, which are considered dangerous, are released as plant fibers burn. On the other hand, some experts also say that dabbing is cleaner in a chemical sense.

Dabbing provides the best experience using concentrates. Dispensary dabs are free from pesticides and contaminants, and are made from the highest quality cannabis. This is why it is important to go to a dispensary you trust with high customer reviews!

How to Locate the Best “Dispensary Near Me”

You should never attempt to make dabs at home. The process of creating dabs is dangerous, especially since liquid butane can cause explosions, fire, and even asphyxiation. Creating a high-quality, safe-to-consume dab requires mastery in the chemistry of the process. This is why it is always recommended to go to a dispensary for your dabbing needs.

But with so many search results, how can you determine the best “dispensary near me” in your Google search?

#1: Customer Reviews

Clearly, the first thing to do is to examine the customer reviews. While it is possible for customer reviews to be “gamed”, this is the best method to find a local dispensary — if you know what to look for.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are the reviews consistently spaced out between a significant period of time?
• Do reviewers talk about the selection of products and is it favorable?
• Is there any information about the helpfulness of the budtenders and staff?
• In cases of misunderstanding or conflict, was the dispensary willing to work with customers?
• Are reviewers posting pictures so you can get a sense of the dispensary, and the quality of its products?

If you answered “yes” to the majority of these questions, then chances are that you’ve discovered a reputable pot shop with legitimate services and products.

#2: Check out the online menu

Another consideration is to look at the dispensary’s online menu. While you are likely looking for concentrates to dab, it’s worth checking into other products. If the dispensary sells quality flower, edibles, tinctures, pre-rolls, and topicals, chances are that their concentrates are high quality as well.

Plus, checking out the online menu might expose you to exclusive deals! Green Life Cannabis, for example, offers 20% off all online orders, which is why many Washington customers prefer to shop online and then pick-up in person.

The next time you search for the best “dispensary near me”, try implementing some of these tactics to find the best deals.

What Types of Concentrates Are Available?

The process through which THC is concentrated shapes the final product, which is why there are different kinds of dabs available on the market today. Below, we review the most popular types of concentrates sold at a reputable dispensary.

Oil

Just as trees ooze sap, plants extract oil. Butane Hash Oil (BHO) or Honey Oil is the oily base extract of marijuana. It is typically yellow or amber in color. Though it has an oily, sap-like consistency, cannabis oil can sometimes develop crystals, which gives it a chunky appearance.

Shatter 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, shatter is a solid concentrate that looks like amber or honey-colored glass. Just like glass, shatter is brittle and cracks easily. Though shatter is known for its high levels of THC content, there is also CBD shatter available for more medicinal-based users.

Wax

Wax can carry a wide range of appearances. Sometimes it looks like brown sugar – crumbly and course. Other times, however, it can even look like earwax both color and consistency wise.

To create wax, the oil from cured marijuana is purged of butane with little to no heat. Because there is hardly any heat, the product thickens in consistency without hardening into shatter or budder.

Live Resin

Live resin is widely considered to be the best dab available, as it is more aromatic than the other options. For this reason, it can be difficult to find, even in a well-stocked dispensary. Saying, if you just can’t go out then you can simply order from online Dispensaries in Canada right now.

Most other concentrates extract the THC from dead or drying cannabis plants. However, as the name suggests, live resin extracts oil that is made from fresh plants, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “the ultimate dab.”

Crumble

Also known as honeycomb wax, crumble is a concentrate that easily crumbles into a powder-like wax. It can reach THC potency rates up to 90 percent, so like all the other concentrates, a little bit of crumble can go a long way! Crumble is a little more versatile than the other concentrates, as it can be dabbed, smoked, vaped, and even incorporated into edibles.

What Are the Different Strains of Concentrates?

Not all cannabis is created equal! Beyond the two giant umbrellas of sativa and indica, there are different strains of cannabis that have nuanced experiences.

Consider this: why is it that some people turn into a couch potato after smoking while others go on artistic, creative trips? It surely can depend on personality, but at least some of this can be attributed to the strain.

Cannabis is part science, part art. Because we’re all unique individuals with different genetic makeups and preferences, finding the right strain for you can take some experimentation.

A Word About Potency

Remember, when it comes to cannabis, it is not always about the highest THC level possible. Rather, it is the combination of terpenes and THC that determine the psychoactive effects. Some of the most common terpenes include limonene, pinene, myrcene, linalool, and caryophyllene. Below are the known effects of each of these common terpenes:

• Limonene produces stress relief and an elevated mood.
• Pinene produces creativity, alertness, and euphoria.
• Myrcene produces sedation, body high, and relaxation.
• Linalool producing a calming relaxation.
• Caryophyllene has no noted effects.

It’s not unusual for weed to have a combination of various terpenes, so you’ll want to look at the ratio of terpenes to determine which effect will be most prevalent. If this seems like too much to keep track of, just remember the benefits of dabbing concentrates: higher potency, greater efficiency, faster relief, and better, cleaner flavor. Weed resin is golden in color and has a granular appearance.

Ready to dive into the best strains of 2020? Below is a summary of the most popular strains of the year to help guide you in the right direction!

The Most Popular Strains of 2020

#1: Wedding Cake

This indica-dominant hybrid is much more calming than it is energetic. While it certainly has a relaxing effect, it also provides some euphoria, which keeps you from completely becoming one with the couch! This particular strain naturally has extremely high THC content, so we encourage a double dose of care when dabbing.

As the name suggests, Wedding Cake tastes like cake dough with hints of fruits and sweet earth. This strain is known for triggering the munchies, so if you suffer from a lack of appetite, this might be a strain to consider. The calming effects benefit both the mind and body, so you will find yourself totally relaxed but still able to focus.

#2: Animal Cookies

Two of the most popular strains of all time, GSC and Fire OG, are crossed together to create Animal Cookies. The heavy, full-body effects make this a popular strain for veteran recreational users and medicinal users alike.

Need some extra help with severe pain and insomnia? Animal cookies is worth the consideration! The heavy effects have been compared to an almost narcotic feeling, so it is recommended to use this strain at night, at home, and when you are looking to relax and unwind. The flavor is described as sweet and sour, reminiscent of a sweet and minty cookie.

#3: Blue Dream

This dispensary dab provides full body relaxation while stimulating your mind and creativity. The Blue Dream Dab Wax itself is 90 percent pure, making it one of the purest forms of cannabidiol available on the market today. It also boasts 10 percent terpenes and traces of other cannabinoids.

Because this strain generally invigorates the mind, it is safe to use during the daytime without having to worry about excessive sedative effects. Most users report a “level-headed” experience, so the risk of an energy crash is low.

The flavor is dominated by a flowery perfume mixed with a sweet berry (perhaps blueberry) aroma. This strain is most popular in Northern California and the greater Pacific Northwest, making it a classic Washington dab!

#4: Green Crack

Also known as “cush”, Green Crack is a sativa strain that is popular for its effects that heighten energy and focus. Don’t worry about the name, though, there is no crack involved – just smooth, all-natural cannabis.

This is another strain that is great for use during the daytime. It also provides an invigorating mental buzz that keeps you from “zoning out”. Users say that Green Crack tastes like mango, skunk, and citrus.

The origins of Green Crack are hotly debated. It is said to have originated from Athens, Georgia in the 70s, but experts speculate that it might have some Afghani landrace indica in its genetics. In fact, the name itself has gone through an evolution. “Cush” was actually its original name until cannabis connoisseur Snoop Dogg called it “Green Crack”.

As with most things Snoop Dogg, the new name has stuck around ever since.

#5: Granddaddy Purple

This shatter wax typically has a potency of around 80.02 percent THC and just 0.08 percent CBD. As the name suggests, the taste is a complex grape and berry flavor. This classic indica cross of Purple Urkel and Big Bud produces an extremely calming effect.

Just how calming? Well, don’t be surprised if you find yourself glued to a single spot during the experience. While the body high is extremely heavy and relaxing, there’s a bit of a cerebral buzz that will leave your thoughts drifting, not racing.

Due to these effects, Graddaddy Purple is popular among both recreational and medicinal users, especially those looking to manage pain, stress, and insomnia.

#6: Sunberry

This perfect hybrid mix of Blueberry (50%) and Chernobyl (50%) is considered to be an underrated strain. The blueberry strain is indica-dominant, which promotes relaxation, while the Chernobyl strain stimulates nervous system activity.

In other words, the Sunberry experience is one of full-body relaxation with mental clarity. The flavor is a mix of earth, lemon, and pine, which is why it’s often described as having a sweet yet pungent aroma. The strain originated in Northern California, making it right at home in the Pacific Northwest.

#7: Grandpa’s Breath Diamonds.

If you’re a fan of the popular strains OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple, then you’ll probably love Grandpa’s Breath, which is a special breed combining both these strains. It is recommended to fire up Grandpa’s Breath in the evening so you can fully enjoy its deep relaxing effects. Earthy terpenes dominate, though observant users will notice the slight hint of fruitiness.

In Conclusion

The next time you shop at a Washington dispensary, check to see if they have any of these popular cannabis strains! If you are new to the world of dabbing, these strains are a good starting point to find the experience that is right for you.

With the above tips in mind, we hope that you will make the most of your experience at a Washington dispensary. Be safe, and enjoy!