There’s a shift happening in New York’s cannabis culture, and I believe we are still in the very early stages of it.

Cold-cure rosin is beginning to get the attention it deserves.

For those who have been around cannabis for a while, concentrates are nothing new. But there is a major difference between simply selling concentrates and creating a premium solventless experience that makes consumers want to come back for more. That is where cold-cure rosin enters the picture.

And if you ask OG Strain, the New York market is about to get very interesting.

FROM FLOWER TO THE DAB RIG

For decades, flower has been the foundation of cannabis culture. You bought an eighth, broke it up, rolled it, packed a bowl, or loaded it into a vaporizer. Flower isn’t going anywhere overnight.

But cannabis consumers are becoming more educated.

Today’s consumer is paying attention to extraction methods, terpene profiles, texture, flavor, potency, freshness and the overall quality of the experience. People who once considered concentrates something reserved for experienced smokers are now walking into dispensaries and asking questions about rosin.

That change matters.

New York’s legal cannabis market is still relatively young, and concentrates remain a small portion of total legal sales compared with flower, vapes and other major categories. But that also means there is enormous room for growth.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management has already identified a shift toward non-flower product categories, including concentrates, vaporizers and edibles, as an important part of the evolving market.

To me, that doesn’t look like a market that has peaked.

It looks like a market that is just getting started.

WHY COLD-CURE ROSIN?

Cold-cure rosin is a type of solventless concentrate made from cannabis and processed without hydrocarbon solvents. After extraction, the rosin is cured under controlled conditions, producing the creamy, scoopable texture that many consumers have come to associate with premium cold cure.

The appeal is easy to understand.

Flavor.

Aroma.

Texture.

Terpenes.

And the craftsmanship involved in producing a quality product.

Cold-cured rosin has increasingly been positioned as a premium concentrate because consumers appreciate its rich flavor, smooth texture and solventless production. Industry coverage has also pointed to growing consumer interest in rosin despite its higher price point.

That premium is important.

Because in an industry where everybody eventually starts competing on price, quality gives a business another way to compete.

THE E-RIG EFFECT

There is another piece of this puzzle that I think is going to become increasingly important: the rise of the modern electronic dab rig.

Consumers are spending serious money on their equipment.

A new generation of e-rigs has made concentrates dramatically easier and more approachable for people who might have been intimidated by traditional torches, glass rigs and complicated setups.

Instead of heating a nail with a torch and trying to figure out the perfect temperature, today’s consumer can press a button, select a temperature and experience concentrates in a much more controlled way.

And once someone spends $150, $300, $400 or even $500 on a premium e-rig, they’re going to want something worthy of putting into it.

That’s where I believe cold-cure rosin has a tremendous opportunity.

The equipment is getting better.

The consumers are getting more educated.

The interest in solventless products is growing.

And the market is still developing.

Put those things together and you’ve got the recipe for a category that could explode.

THE SUPPLY PROBLEM

Here’s where things get really interesting for New York producers and retailers.

If you’ve been around the cannabis community and have access to quality cold-cure rosin, you’ve probably noticed something:

Good rosin doesn’t tend to sit around very long.

I’m hearing more and more about consumers actively searching for quality solventless products, while selection can still be limited depending on where they shop.

That creates an opportunity.

The New York market has expanded rapidly, but concentrates are still a relatively small share of the legal market. Meanwhile, the state continues to add retailers and develop its legal supply chain.

This is exactly the kind of environment where an early mover can establish a reputation.

Imagine being the company that becomes known for having the best selection of cold-cure rosin in your region.

Not one strain.

Not two.

A real menu.

Different cultivars. Different terpene profiles. Different price points. Different experiences.

That is how you build a following.

THE FIRST ONES TO GET IT RIGHT COULD WIN BIG

I don’t believe the future belongs simply to whoever makes the cheapest concentrate.

I believe there is going to be tremendous opportunity for the producer who can consistently deliver quality, consistency, variety and value.

Because once consumers discover a product they love, they become repeat customers.

And when that product is something they can’t easily find everywhere else?

Now you’ve created demand.

New York’s legal cannabis market is already showing signs of rapid expansion. OCM reported that legal sales were approaching $1.5 billion by April 2025, while the number of operational adult-use dispensaries had climbed substantially.

At the same time, industry data shows rosin growing nationally, with one 2025 industry analysis reporting an 8% year-over-year increase in rosin sales and an 11% increase in the number of rosin products.

That’s not proof that every New York consumer is ready to abandon flower tomorrow.

But it is a very good reason to pay attention.

THIS ISN’T ABOUT KILLING FLOWER

Let me be clear: I don’t think flower is disappearing.

Flower will always be cannabis culture.

What I do think is happening is that the cannabis consumer is becoming more sophisticated.

Someone can love flower on Monday, enjoy a pre-roll on Tuesday, take an edible on Wednesday and dab some cold-cure rosin on Thursday.

Cannabis isn’t an either-or market.

It’s becoming a more-options market.

And the businesses that recognize where consumer curiosity is heading before the rest of the market catches up are the businesses that have the opportunity to establish themselves.

NEW YORK, PAY ATTENTION

New York is still writing the next chapter of its legal cannabis story.

There are hundreds of legal dispensaries now, hundreds of brands and thousands of strains and products competing for consumer attention. OCM’s market reporting has specifically highlighted product diversification and changing consumer preferences as the market matures.

That means simply having cannabis isn’t enough anymore.

You need something people want.

You need something people remember.

And most importantly, you need something they come back looking for.

I believe cold-cure rosin has the potential to become one of those products.

The consumer education is happening.

The technology is improving.

The demand for premium solventless products is growing.

And compared with mature categories like flower, the legal concentrate category in New York still has plenty of room to develop.

So here’s my message to the plugs, processors, cultivators and entrepreneurs watching this market:

Don’t wait until everybody is asking for cold cure before you start thinking about cold cure.

Because by then, the people who recognized the opportunity early may already have built the brands, relationships and customer loyalty you’re trying to establish.

I’m looking toward 2026 and 2027, and I see a serious opportunity in premium solventless.

If you can produce exceptional rosin, maintain consistency, offer variety and actually keep it on the shelves, you may have something special.

Because when consumers finally catch up with a trend that the early adopters already understand, the demand can move very quickly.

And right now?

I think New York is standing at the beginning of that curve.

Cold cure isn’t the future of cannabis.

But it very well may be one of the biggest opportunities in New York’s cannabis future.

And OG Strain is telling you now:

Keep your eye on the cold cure.

Because I don’t think this wave has even started breaking yet.

There I was, staring at three different electronic rigs and trying to convince myself that spending more money somehow meant I was going to get more high.

I was seriously considering dropping about $433 plus tax on a Puffco Peak Pro. Then I started looking at the Carta Sport, sitting around $310 plus tax. Both are established names, both have plenty of fans, and both looked like they could get the job done.

Then I found the DAKA TurboDak 3.

About $179.99 at regular price. Free shipping in the U.S. And with the promotional discount I used, my total came out to roughly $162 shipped.

At that point, my wallet looked at me and said, “Thank you.”

And my stoner brain said, “Buy it.”

So I did.

And after actually using it, I have one question:

Why the hell would I spend another $250 on an electronic rig if this thing is already doing everything I need it to do?

Now, before anybody gets their panties in a bunch, let me make something perfectly clear: I am not saying the Puffco Peak Pro or Carta Sport aren’t better-built devices. I haven’t owned either one, so I can’t honestly compare long-term durability, battery life, software, or every little feature.

What I can tell you is what happened when I put the TurboDak 3 to work.

And this little bastard impressed me.

THE $162 QUESTION

The biggest reason I chose the TurboDak 3 wasn’t because I thought it was the most technologically advanced e-rig on Earth.

It was because I couldn’t justify spending more than $300 on one.

I’m not rich.

Most of the people I know aren’t rich.

And if I’m going to spend $400-plus on something, I better be able to drive it, sleep in it, or at least have it make breakfast.

The TurboDak 3 gives the average consumer a chance to step into the world of water-filtered electronic rigs without dropping several hundred dollars.

DAKA currently lists the TurboDak 3 at $179.99 and describes it as featuring a metal-alloy body, glass water chamber, 300°F–650°F temperature control, 360-degree surround heating, adjustable airflow and a 22mm ceramic atomizer.

Those specifications sound good on paper.

But here’s what matters to me:

Does the damn thing hit?

Oh, it hits.

SIXTY SECONDS TO FREEDOM

The TurboDak 3 is ridiculously simple.

Press the button, wait for the indicator to tell you it’s ready, and you’re off to the races.

For my sessions, the heat-up time has been around 60 seconds, which honestly doesn’t bother me at all.

In fact, I kind of like it.

You know why?

Because I’m a grown man with the attention span of a Labrador when somebody drops a steak.

I can load the rig, hit the button and have approximately a minute to do whatever the hell I need to do.

Need to take a piss?

Go.

Need to grab a drink?

Go.

Need to find your lighter even though you don’t need a lighter anymore?

Old habits die hard.

By the time you get back, the TurboDak 3 is ready to rock.

No torch. No lighter. No heating a banger while staring at it like you’re performing open-heart surgery.

Just press the button and let the machine do the work.

And that’s exactly what I wanted from an e-rig.

490°F HAS BECOME MY SWEET SPOT

I’ve been running mine around 490°F, and so far I’ve been extremely happy with the results.

I’m getting substantial vapor while still getting the flavor I’m looking for from the concentrates I’ve been using.

And that’s important to me because I’m a terpene guy.

I don’t want to turn my rosin into a science experiment where everything tastes like burnt regret.

At 490°F, I’m getting what I consider a very satisfying balance between flavor and vapor production.

The TurboDak 3 offers temperature control from 300°F to 650°F, so you can experiment with different settings depending on what you’re trying to get from your concentrates.

Lower temperatures can be useful when flavor is the priority.

Higher temperatures can produce bigger clouds.

Me?

I’m hanging around that 490°F neighborhood, and apparently I’m paying rent because I keep coming back.

AND YES… IT HAS WATER

This was actually a big selling point for me.

There are plenty of dry electronic devices out there that can provide a convenient experience, but I wanted water filtration.

There’s something about watching those bubbles roll through the glass while you’re taking a hit that just makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

And with the TurboDak 3’s transparent glass chamber and LED lighting, it looks pretty damn cool while you’re doing it.

Let’s be honest.

Half of the fun of cannabis technology is watching the thing work.

It’s like buying a sports car and then standing in the driveway revving the engine.

You know you’re not going anywhere.

But damn, it sounds good.

DAKA describes the TurboDak 3 as having a high-transparency glass chamber and a smart LED status ring, along with its portable electronic design.

THE CLEANING TEST

Here’s where a lot of products lose me.

If something is a pain in the ass to clean, eventually I’m going to start treating it like a teenager treats their bedroom.

I’ll pretend the mess isn’t there.

Fortunately, cleaning the TurboDak 3 atomizer has been surprisingly easy for me.

After a session, I use a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol to clean the atomizer, usually going over it once or twice. Then I follow it with a dry Q-tip to pick up any remaining moisture or residue.

And that’s it.

Clean.

I’m talking about getting that thing looking damn near spotless without turning the process into a weekend project.

The TurboDak 3 comes with cotton swabs, and its 22mm ceramic atomizer uses 360-degree surround heating. DAKA says the ceramic chamber is designed for consistent heating, flavor and vapor production.

My advice?

Don’t be lazy.

Clean your equipment regularly.

Your future self will thank you.

Your concentrates will taste better.

And your rig won’t eventually start looking like it survived a small industrial accident.

WAKE, BAKE AND DON’T TORCH YOUR HOUSE

This might be my favorite part.

The TurboDak 3 is perfect for a solo morning session.

You wake up.

You load it.

You hit the button.

You have roughly a minute.

You make your coffee.

You come back.

It’s ready.

And then you take your hit.

And here’s where things can get dangerous—in the best possible way.

When you’re smoking alone, you don’t have somebody sitting next to you saying:

“Hey man, save some for me.”

So what happens?

You start taking another puff.

Then another.

Because the light is still going.

And before you know it, you’re sitting there thinking:

“Why did I do that?”

I’ll tell you why.

Because you could.

That’s why.

The TurboDak 3 makes it ridiculously easy to keep your session going, and the combination of water filtration, controlled temperature and a simple button-operated design makes it an extremely convenient solo setup.

THE TEST THAT SOLD ME

Now this is where I need to give credit where credit is due.

I didn’t just stumble across the TurboDak 3 randomly.

Woodz Treez and Sammy Woodz recommended it to me, and they actually let me test their TurboDak 3 before I bought my own.

And when I say we tested it, I mean we TESTED it.

At the time, I was creating a video for my YouTube channel, Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis), called “The Most Elite Rosin Strains & Distributors In Upstate N.Y.”

We put the TurboDak 3 through a serious real-world test while reviewing roughly ten different cold-cure rosin strains.

And Sammy wasn’t just sitting there getting high with us—although I’m sure she wasn’t complaining about that part.

She was taking notes.

She was keeping track of the different dabs we were reviewing so she could rate them, compare them and ultimately put together a ranking from her favorite or best strains down to her least favorite, including the reasons behind those rankings.

That made the whole experience even more useful to me.

We weren’t simply taking a couple hits and saying, “Yeah, this thing is cool.”

We were putting it through an extended session involving a whole lineup of cold-cure rosin, taking a ridiculous number of hits between the three of us and seeing how it performed strain after strain.

It wasn’t exactly a scientific laboratory.

There were no white coats.

There were no clipboards with government funding.

But there were notes, ratings, comparisons and a whole lot of cold-cure rosin.

And that experience gave me a real opportunity to see what the TurboDak 3 could do before I spent my own money on one.

By the time I finished that testing session, I already knew I wanted one.

THE BIGGEST COMPLIMENT I CAN GIVE IT

Here’s the thing about expensive cannabis technology.

Sometimes you pay for engineering.

Sometimes you pay for features.

Sometimes you pay for the brand name.

And sometimes you pay for all three.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

If you’ve got the money and you want a premium e-rig, go for it.

But that’s not where I’m at.

I’m looking for value.

And that’s where the TurboDak 3 absolutely shines for me.

At its regular listed price of $179.99, it’s already inexpensive compared with many premium e-rigs. With the promotional discount I used, I got mine for approximately $162 shipped. DAKA currently lists free U.S. shipping on the TurboDak 3.

That’s a completely different financial conversation than $300 or $400-plus.

And when you consider what you’re getting—water filtration, temperature control, 360-degree surround heating, a ceramic atomizer and a portable electronic design—the value proposition becomes pretty damn interesting.

NO MORE TORCH

That might be the simplest way I can explain why I like this thing.

No more torch.

I don’t have to heat a banger.

I don’t have to guess whether it’s hot enough.

I don’t have to sit there counting seconds after heating.

I don’t have to carry a torch around.

I don’t have to look like I’m about to solder copper pipe every time I want to take a dab.

I press a button.

The TurboDak 3 heats.

I take my hit.

That’s it.

And sometimes the best technology isn’t the technology with the most bells and whistles.

Sometimes it’s the technology that makes you say:

“Damn. That was easy.”

IS IT BETTER THAN A $400 E-RIG?

I can’t tell you that.

And I’m not going to pretend I can.

I’ve never owned the Peak Pro or Carta Sport, so it would be dishonest for me to declare the TurboDak 3 the undisputed champion of the e-rig world.

But here’s what I can tell you:

I didn’t need to spend $400.

I wanted a water-filtered electronic rig that was easy to use, produced good vapor, preserved the flavors I was looking for, was simple to clean and didn’t make my bank account cry.

The TurboDak 3 checked those boxes.

And then some.

THE OG STRAIN VERDICT

So after all the research, all the price comparisons and all the internal debate about whether I should spend $433, $310 or roughly $162…

I’m glad I went with the DAKA TurboDak 3.

For my needs, it was the right decision.

It feels like a luxury experience without requiring a luxury budget.

And that’s what makes this product interesting.

The average cannabis consumer shouldn’t have to choose between a cheap device that feels disposable and a premium device that costs as much as a used refrigerator.

The TurboDak 3 sits in that sweet spot where you can get something that looks cool, hits hard, uses water, gives you temperature control and doesn’t require you to sell a kidney to pay for it.

At roughly $162 with the promotional deal I used, I honestly feel like I got more than I paid for.

Would I recommend it to somebody who asked me whether they should spend $400-plus on an e-rig?

I’d say:

Before you spend that money, at least take a look at the TurboDak 3.

Because sometimes the smartest purchase isn’t the most expensive one.

Sometimes it’s the one that leaves enough money in your wallet to actually buy something to put in the damn thing.

OG Strain Approved.

Product note: This article reflects my personal experience and opinion after using the DAKA TurboDak 3. Prices, promotions, availability and product specifications can change. DAKA currently lists the TurboDak 3 at $179.99 with free U.S. shipping; the approximately $162 price mentioned above reflects the promotional deal I personally used, not necessarily the current price. Promo code Trailblazerz for the discount I got! And if you use it then be sure to Thank Woodz Treez and Sammy Woodz for it!

There comes a moment in every dabber’s life when you look at your torch, your butane, your banger, your carb cap, your timer… and think…

“There has GOT to be an easier way to get high.”

I think I’ve officially reached that moment.

Now before everybody starts lighting their torches to come after me in the comments, hear me out.

I’ve been dabbing the old-school way for years. Torch. Glass rig. Quartz banger. Wait thirty seconds… or was it forty-five? Was that too hot? Too cold? Did I just burn a perfectly good glob of rosin that cost more than my lunch?

We’ve all been there.

But after spending time around some of the biggest concentrate lovers in New York’s cannabis community—and after watching friends use modern e-rigs—I finally had to ask myself a question…

Am I making dabbing harder than it needs to be?

The Case for the Classic Torch Rig

Let’s give respect where respect is due.

The traditional dab rig built this culture.

Without it, concentrate culture probably wouldn’t be where it is today.

And believe it or not, there are still some legitimate reasons people refuse to give theirs up.

For starters…

Nothing beats complete control.

Experienced dabbers can heat their quartz exactly how they like it.

Some want screaming hot clouds.

Others chase low-temperature terpene heaven.

A manual setup lets you control every part of the experience if you’ve mastered your timing.

There’s also something satisfying about the ritual.

Heating the quartz…
Watching it cool…
Dropping the dab…
Watching the vapor explode…

It’s almost therapeutic.

Many concentrate purists also argue that a quality quartz banger still produces some of the biggest, hardest-hitting dabs possible. Even today, plenty of experienced users continue to prefer torch-and-banger setups for maximum vapor production and customization.

And here’s another advantage…

If you break your glass?

Replace the glass.

Most decent rigs cost well under a hundred dollars.

That becomes important later.

But Then Reality Shows Up…

Here’s where my personal situation comes in.

I’m disabled.

I’ve only got one working hand.

I’m clumsy.

If you’ve watched my videos…

You already know I’m basically a glass company’s favorite customer.

I swear I break a rig every other month.

Now imagine me knocking a $450 electronic rig off my dresser.

That hurts.

Financially…

Emotionally…

Spiritually…

Meanwhile my regular glass rig?

Annoying?

Absolutely.

Replaceable?

Usually.

So yes…

That’s actually one point for traditional rigs.

Then I Tried Looking at the Bigger Picture

The more I watched people use e-rigs…

The more I realized something.

The question isn’t…

“Can an e-rig dab?”

The question is…

“Why am I still making life difficult?”

Because honestly…

The advantages start stacking up pretty quickly.

Temperature Matters More Than Most People Think

This is probably the biggest difference.

With a torch…

You’re guessing.

Sure…

You get better with experience.

But you’re still estimating temperatures.

Heat it too much…

Goodbye terpenes.

Too cool…

Now you’ve got puddles.

Modern e-rigs remove almost all of that guesswork by electronically maintaining a selected temperature. That consistency helps preserve flavor, avoids overheating concentrates, and delivers repeatable sessions from one dab to the next.

My Rosin Goes WAY Further

This one surprised me.

I watched people load tiny little dabs…

Tiny.

I’m talking “Is that really enough?” tiny.

Then somehow…

They’re still getting flavorful hits…

Third hit…

Fourth hit…

Sometimes longer.

Meanwhile…

With my torch setup…

By hit number two…

I’m usually tasting…

Well…

Let’s just say “campfire terpenes.”

The controlled heating of an e-rig means you’re less likely to scorch expensive concentrates, which many users say helps stretch their stash further.

Considering what premium rosin costs these days…

That matters.

Convenience Wins By a Mile

Let’s compare.

Traditional setup:

Torch.

Butane.

Rig.

Carb cap.

Timer.

Lighter.

Hope you remembered everything.

E-rig:

Push button.

Wait a few seconds.

Enjoy.

No butane.

No giant flame.

No wondering if your torch decided today was the day it wouldn’t ignite.

For travel, many users also prefer battery-powered e-rigs because they’re easier to pack than carrying both a glass rig and a torch.

Let’s Talk About Safety

This one’s personal too.

When I’m cleaning my rig…

I’ve usually got an open container of 91% isopropyl alcohol nearby.

Now combine that with…

A torch shooting flames that can reach hundreds of degrees.

Yeah…

Maybe that’s not my smartest life decision.

E-rigs eliminate the open flame entirely, reducing burn risks and avoiding many of the hazards associated with butane torches.

And let’s be honest…

Most of us have accidentally touched a hot banger at least once.

If you haven’t…

Congratulations.

You’re apparently the chosen one.

But What About Cleaning?

Honestly?

It’s basically a tie.

Whether you’re using glass or an e-rig…

You’re still buying Q-Tips.

You’re still buying 91% isopropyl alcohol.

You’re still cleaning after your sessions if you want your concentrates tasting fresh.

No shortcuts there.

So…Which One Am I Buying?

I’ve spent weeks thinking about this.

Originally…

I figured I’d eventually buy a Carta.

Then I looked at the current prices.

Then last weekend I spent time with Woodz Treez and Sammy Treez.

They introduced me to the Daka Turbo 3.

Now I’m sitting here asking myself…

Do I really need Bluetooth?

Do I need to control my dab rig from my phone?

Can I survive the emotional trauma of standing up and pressing one button?

I think I’ll manage.

The Puffco Peak Pro is an incredible piece of technology and has earned its reputation for premium features and precise customization—but it also comes with a premium price tag. The Carta remains another highly respected option in the middle of the market.

For me, though?

The Daka Turbo 3 checks the boxes that actually matter.

It’s affordable.

Portable.

Simple.

And with Woodz Treez’s “Trailblazerz” code, I can grab one for around $162 before tax and shipping.

Considering what I’m saving compared to the premium models…

That leaves a whole lot more money…

For rosin.

And let’s be honest…

I’d rather buy more concentrates than buy an app I’ll probably use twice.

OG Strain’s Final Hit

After years of torch dabbing…

I never thought I’d say this.

But I think it’s finally time.

Will traditional rigs disappear?

Not a chance.

They’re part of cannabis culture.

They’ll always have their place.

But for my everyday sessions?

Safety.

Consistency.

Flavor.

Convenience.

Efficiency.

I think the e-rig wins.

Now I want your help.

If you’ve owned a Puffco Peak Pro, a Carta, or a Daka Turbo 3, tell me why you love it—or why I should avoid it.

By the time this magazine hits your hands, my goal is to have my first true e-rig sitting on my desk.

So convince me.

Which one should become OG Strain Approved?