Do Dabs Smell - Everything You Need To Know

Smoking marijuana is one way to reap its benefits, but it is not the only way. Those who do not want others to know they smoke will most likely prefer a different method of absorption to avoid detection more easily.

But what are your other options? Rather than smoking, one excellent method is to take dabs with a nectar collector or dab rig. Dabbing is becoming increasingly popular over the last decade as extracts and concentrates have entered the mainstream. If you're new to dabbing, you've probably got a lot of questions. Do dabs, for example, smell? The distinct smell of marijuana makes it obvious when someone is smoking inside. Dabs, on the other hand, are not the same as fresh flowers and do not produce the same effects or smells.

Let's get to the bottom of it, whether you're trying to be sneaky and discrete or you're just a really considerate roommate.

What Are Dabs?

Dabbing is a new trend among marijuana users. Dabbing is a method of getting high from a concentrated cannabis substance. The substance is also known as wax, shatter, crumble, budder, or, more colloquially, butane hash oil. THC and other chemicals are extracted from cannabis using a solvent such as butane or carbon dioxide. When completed, the sticky oil will contain between fifty and ninety percent THC.

The majority of people dab with a dab rig. This is a dabber accessory that looks like a bong or water pipe but is designed specifically for dabs. Concentrates are heated on a nail before inhaling the vapor through the mouthpiece.

The keyword here is vapor. When you heat cannabis extracts on a dab rig, they become so hot that vapor is produced. They do not, however, become so hot that they combust and emit smoke. Because there is no smoke, many people believe that dabs are odorless. However, is this true?

Do Dabs Smell?

Yes, dabs have a distinct odor. It's a common misconception that there's no smell if there's no smoke, but this isn't true. Do dabs smell like bud? No, dabbing emits far less odor than smoking and can be a far better alternative if you have roommates or other people around who dislike the smell of cannabis smoke.

Dabs smell like the predominant terpenes in the concentrate you're using. They don't usually smell harsh or like something is burning, but rather have a herby, natural odor.

The quality of your concentrates will significantly impact the smell they produce because terpenes and other compounds are not destroyed during processing. The stronger the smell is, the better your product will be.

Of course, other factors may contribute to the odor produced by dabbing. A large dab, for example, will create far more of a commotion than a small one. The space of the room you're in, and the concentrates you're using will influence how strong the dabs smell.

Dabbing vapor dissipates faster than smoke. Although dabbing will always produce some odor, it should dissipate within a few minutes if you have adequate ventilation.

How About Dabbing With Dab Pens Or Electric Nectar Collectors?

Dab pens and electric nectar collectors emit a distinct odor as well. They are much smaller than dab rigs and do not produce large clouds, so they do not smell as strong as dabbing from a rig.

One puff from a dab pen or electric nectar collector is unlikely to stink up the room, but the odor will linger for a few minutes. Of course, before taking this as advice, you should test out whatever device you use. Savvy housemates may be able to figure out what that distinct odor is all about.

How To Reduce Dabs Smell?

While dabs produce far fewer odors than weed smoke, they still have a distinct odor. There are some things you can do to minimize odor if you have a roommate, a nosy neighbor, or another reason to keep your consumption private.

Open The Window

To avoid alerting others that you're dabbing, open a window and direct the vapors to the window with a fan or blow the vapor directly out the window. This way, the vapor doesn't have a chance to congregate in one spot or soak into your surroundings. That being said, make sure you're blowing it out of a window that isn't near another person's room, where they might catch the smell from their own window. This may not be a big deal for some dabbers, but you should think about it if it applies to you.

Use A Candle Or Incense

Yes, dabs stink. It is, however, not nearly as potent as smoking weed. Scented candles are an excellent way to mask dab scents, especially if you light them briefly before dabbing so that their scent is already permeating the air. If you really want to amp up the scent of your dabs, you can always add some essential oils to your candle to enhance the scent and make it stronger. The more candles you use, the less likely that someone will smell your concentrates. Don't get too high and forget to blow them out when you're done. 

Use A Sploof

A sploof is a homemade or store-bought product that contains a carbon filter or a dryer sheet to filter the odor of your vapors as they pass through the cylindrical device. This is typically used for smoking, but it can also be useful for dabbing.

Final Thoughts

Dabs have an odor. But they don't have the same odor as weed smoke, making them a good substitute. Dabs emit vapor, so their odor is not harsh or reminiscent of something burning. Instead, it has an earthy, herbaceous odor. The vapor smell dissipates much faster than marijuana smoke, but it can still linger.

You can do things to reduce the odor of dabbing, such as using ventilation, other smells, or even devices such as a sploof. Whether or not you need to go to these lengths to mask a relatively minor odor will depend on your circumstances.

Dab pens and electric nectar collectors may be an even more discreet option for those who want to keep smells and sounds to a minimum. Because they are small enough to fit in your pocket and can be used alone without a torch, you can take them with you and use them whenever it is convenient. Furthermore, their odor dissipates even faster than standard dabs.