Dab straws are a trendy new way to enjoy your favorite cannabis concentrates. While some dabbers will always prefer a traditional dab rig, this handy tool is perfect for anyone who wants to take their experience on the go.
To use a glass dab straw, heat the tip with a butane torch or electric nail until it glows orange, and then touch it to your concentrate dish or container. Inhale the vapor that collects on the tip of the dab straw to consume your concentrate.
How to Use a Dab Straw
The dab straw, also known as a glass nectar collector, is a simple and effective way to consume cannabis concentrates. It is a long tube-shaped piece with a heated tip to vaporize the wax and a mouthpiece for inhalation.
It is typically heated with a brulee torch to supply the sustained high heat required to reach adequate dabbing temperatures. While you could use a lighter to heat your straw, this is not recommended as it can cause the tip to overheat and possibly burn you.
To use your dab straw, touch the tip of your concentrate dish and inhale as you draw. Be careful not to overheat the tip, which can create harsh flavors and waste your concentrate. After use, it is a good idea to clean your dab straw with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol to prevent bacterial growth and residue buildup. Some dab straws come with complete kits, including a dabber, a concentrate container to dab directly from, and a torch lighter to keep your kit mobile and ready.
What’s a Dab Straw?
A dab straw is a unique and innovative piece of concentrate hardware. Also referred to as a honey straw or nectar collector, it’s designed to heat, dab, and sip extract in one smooth hit.
The straw-like tip is heated with a brulee torch to the correct temperature to vaporize the wax. The torch can be placed directly on the tip for quick heating or positioned in the center to distribute heat evenly. It’s important not to overheat the tip as this will char and burn the terpenes and cannabinoids, creating a harsh hit.
Unlike traditional wax rigs, the dab straw is portable and convenient to use while on the go. The straw can be easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning. Doing a complete cleaning after every three or more uses is recommended. To make this process even easier, add a tablespoon or two of coarse salt to your isopropyl alcohol soak to act as an abrasive agent to scrub away stubborn residue.
How to Clean a Dab Straw
Dab straws offer a user-friendly alternative to traditional dab rigs. Their simple design and convenient portability make them easy to use anywhere. But just like any other piece of cannabis equipment, regular cleaning is crucial for optimum performance and hygienic consumption.
Cleaning a dab straw is easy and requires only a few basic supplies. Start by soaking the glass or silicone dab straw in isopropyl alcohol. Add coarse salt to the mixture to act as an abrasive agent and break down stubborn residue buildup. Shake and agitate the straw to help the solution reach hard-to-reach spots.
After soaking, scrub the straw using cotton swabs or pipe cleaners dipped in isopropyl alcohol. A Q-tip can also be used to clean hard-to-reach corners and crevices. Finally, rinse the straw with water to remove any remaining isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Gently dry the dab straw with a towel before reassembling it.
What’s a Nectar Collector?
Nectar collectors (also known as dab straws or honey straws) are a popular portable option for cannabis enthusiasts who prefer to dab at home but do not want the hassle of an entire dab rig and carb cap setup. They are essentially a vertical version of a regular glass bong, with a mouthpiece at one end to inhale the vaporized concentrates and a titanium, quartz, or borosilicate glass tip heated up by torch on the other end for contact with a dab of wax.
To use a dab straw:
- Hold it with the tip angled down and touch the end of your dab torch to the straw’s tip.
- Keep the flame on the tip until it glows, and be sure not to heat it any hotter as that can char the concentrates or destroy their flavor.
- Dab on your favorite wax or oil and inhale.
Most nectar collectors also feature a water chamber like those found in bongs to cool down the vapor and enhance the flavor of your concentrate.
