The History of Dabbing: From Underground to Mainstream Culture

Dabbing — the act of vaporizing cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, or oil — has emerged as a powerful symbol of modern cannabis culture. Once an obscure underground practice, dabbing is now celebrated globally by enthusiasts and innovators alike. But how did we get here?

In this article, we explore the origins, evolution, and cultural rise of dabbing, tracing it from ancient hash traditions to today's high-tech rigs and concentrates.

Ancient Origins: Hashish and Early Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are nothing new. Thousands of years before the term “dab” even existed, civilizations were producing hashish, a sticky, potent resin derived from cannabis trichomes.

• India, Persia, and Northern Africa all used hashish for medicinal and ritual purposes.
• Traditional hash was often made by hand-rubbing fresh cannabis buds or using dry sifting techniques.

The Birth of Modern Extracts (1960s–1990s)

In the 1960s and ‘70s, during the height of cannabis experimentation, some enthusiasts began extracting THC using solvents like alcohol or petroleum products. These were rudimentary and often unsafe, but they laid the groundwork.

The game changed in 1964, when Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in Israel successfully isolated THC, allowing scientists to understand cannabinoids in a whole new way.

Rise of Butane Hash Oil (BHO) and "Dabbing" (Late 1990s–2000s)

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Butane Hash Oil (BHO) started making waves in underground cannabis circles. Using butane as a solvent, BHO offered extremely high THC percentages in a sticky, amber-colored oil.

This is when “dabbing” was born — vaporizing a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (like a nail), and inhaling the vapor through a rig.

Early BHO production was dangerous, with frequent explosions due to improper ventilation. These dangers kept dabbing underground for years.

Dabbing Goes Mainstream (2010s–Present)

Legalization in U.S. states and Canada changed everything. With regulated markets came safe, lab-tested concentrates — and the culture exploded.

Key Milestones:

• 2010: Online tutorials on "how to make wax" spread like wildfire.
• 2012: The Titanium Nail is showcased at the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup, revolutionizing dabbing.
• 2013–2016: Celebrities like Action Bronson and Wiz Khalifa popularize dabbing in media.
• 2017–Today: Legal markets see a boom in live resin, rosin, diamonds, and high-end tech rigs.

710: The Official Dab Holiday

Just like 4/20 is for cannabis in general, 7/10 (July 10) is now the official day to celebrate concentrates.

Why? Because "710" flipped upside down spells "OIL" — a perfect reference to cannabis oils.

Events, giveaways, festivals, and product drops all happen around 7/10 across legal markets.

Concentrate Technology: From Hot Knives to Smart Rigs

From the OG torch and titanium nails, the tech has evolved fast. Today, users enjoy:

The Future of Dabbing

Legalization continues to drive innovation in:

• Safer solventless extracts (rosin, ice water hash)
• Medical applications with consistent dosing
• Portable, discreet tech for everyday consumers

Expect even more microdosing-friendly options, lab precision, and educational content as the market matures.

Conclusion

Dabbing has gone from back-alley experimentation to the cutting edge of cannabis culture. It's a testament to innovation, community, and the global shift in attitudes toward cannabis.

Whether you’re a seasoned dabber or just curious, understanding where it all started helps you appreciate just how far we've come — and where we’re heading next.

 

Sources : 

• Yodabba Dabba : A History of Dabs : Where Did Cannabis Extracts Originate?
• La Hacienda : What Is Dabbing?
• HOC : Dabs : The History wof Cannabis Extracts
• PubMed Central : Butane hash oli and dabbing : insights into use, amateur production techniques, and potential, harm mitigation
• The Clear : The History of 7/10 : The Cannabis Concentrate Holiday