The cannabis industry is chock full of handy tools to help you make the most of your top shelf herb and concentrates. Depending on what you’re looking for, you might even find things you’ve never heard of before — like nectar collectors. And with so many options, you’re sure to find countless opinions on which is the best. So let’s answer the question, what is a nectar collector? So you can judge for yourself if it’s the best option for you.
Before We Begin
Before we define what a nectar collector is, we have to first explore if it’s going to be relevant to how you like to smoke. Nectar collectors work to vaporize concentrates like wax, shatter, budder, and more. If you’re curious about concentrates or are an experienced user, read on, because the nectar collector might be the perfect choice for you.
The Basics of Nectar Collecting
Let’s start to answer the “ is a nectar collector” question by breaking down its components.
The nectar collector is shaped like a tube and made up of 3 basic components:
- Mouthpiece: where you’ll draw the vapor from.
- Water Chamber: the reservoir, or chamber, used to hold water which will filter and cool your dab.
- Tip: the part which will be heated to draw your dab, often made of ceramic, quartz, or titanium.
A nectar collector usually comes in a kit that includes a small glass container for your concentrate. Unless you opt for an electric nectar collector, you’ll also need a torch to heat the tip to a temperature which will vaporize the cannabinoids in your dab.
How to Use a Nectar Collector
If you’re new to dabbing, you’ll find that what you need to use a nectar collector is relatively straight forward. Similar to traditional dabbing, where you heat the nail, you will heat the tip of your nectar collector and then place it into your concentrate. But before you do this, be sure to follow these steps:
- Place a small dab of concentrate in the glass container that came with your nectar collector.
- Fill the chamber with water.
- Using a torch, heat the tip of your nectar collector for about 45 seconds. You may want to go longer, or shorter depending on your personal flavor preference. This step might take some trial and error before knowing exactly how long you like to heat your tip.
- Let your tip cool for about 15 seconds. This will help to reduce the risk of burning your concentrate and ruining the cannabinoids and terpenes. Now get ready to inhale.
- Prior to carefully placing the heated tip into your concentrate, place your mouth on the mouthpiece so you are ready to inhale when the vapor forms.
- Place the tip in your concentrate and take your hit.
Perks of Collecting Nectar
When someone asks what a nectar collector is, one of the first answers that comes to mind is “an easy way to dab on the go.” These are an extremely efficient and portable way to vaporize concentrates with a sleek design that comes apart easily.
Unlike traditional dabbing, which definitely has its place, knowing how to use a nectar collector gives you quick and easy access to vaping concentrates. While using a nectar collector isn’t as streamlined as using a vape pen, it is an easy way to dab with very little waste.
Caring for Your Nectar Collector
Another perk of using a nectar collector is how simple they are to clean. Whether your honey straw is silicone or glass, they disassemble easily, so you can ensure that each part is clean and clear of any buildup and ready for your next sesh.
To clean your nectar collector simply disassemble the pieces, drain any water, and soak in a good cleaner. Make sure to read the instructions that come with your piece for any special details about proper cleaning.
Vaporize
The most important aspect of what a nectar collector is is its distinction as a vaporizer. There is a difference between smoking and vaporizing. Smoking cannabis, or anything for that matter, causes combustion. When you light up, you burn the plant as well as the cannabinoids and terpenes. This can waste some of your herb, but it’s necessary to create the smoke which is inhaled. But there are many people who would prefer not to inhale smoke.
Vaporizing, or vaping, is different. It heats the cannabinoids and terpenes into a vapor which can be inhaled. If you know how to use a nectar collector, you can inhale more of the compounds of your extract in the end.
Time To Decide
Now that you know what a nectar collector is, it’s time to determine if it’s the right choice for you. First and foremost, you have to ask yourself if you’re down to dab. Dabbing packs a powerful punch, so you need to be sure you’re ready for the high it delivers.
Next you will want to consider how portable you would like your dab. A nectar collector is perfect for on-the-go, as well as at-home use, plus it is much less cumbersome than a traditional dab rig. In the end, it really depends on how you like your sesh. Some people like the ritual of a dab session, while others don’t mind the sleek, no-nonsense performance of a nectar collector.
Sweet Honey
Knowing both what a nectar collector is and how to use one can help you decide on whether you want to try dabbing. But what if you like your flower? There are vape options for those who are flower aficionados, as well. A dry herb vaporizer will heat your flower to a specified temperature that will vaporize the cannabinoids and terpenes off the leaves for you to inhale. The remaining flower is decarbed and able to be used to infuse butters and oils.
No matter what tool you choose to deliver that sweet honey, you can rest assured that a good online smoke shop will have what you’re looking for to make your next smoke your best smoke.