Cannabis How-Tos
How to Use a Vaporizer for Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates can be consumed by smoking, vaping and dabbing. Here’s what to consider when using a vaporizer specially made for concentrates.
Last updated August 28, 2025 | Published on April 29, 2020
Cannabis concentrates are a variety of solid or liquid products that are created by processing cannabis flower into a concentrated form. These products include hash, kief, live resin, rosin, shatter and wax — all of which can be consumed through inhalation using a vaporizer specifically made for concentrates. Here’s how.
How are concentrates consumed?
Depending on the form, cannabis concentrates can be consumed by:
- smoking, in a joint, pipe or bong
- vaporizing, in a dried flower vaporizer with a concentrate attachment or a concentrate-specific vaporizer
- vaping, in a vape pen that contains distillate
-
dabbing, using a dab rig
Because concentrates contain very potent amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, there is a risk for overconsumption. If you are using a concentrate-specific vaporizer, the recommended amount for hash or kief is a pinch (roughly the size of a dime); for shatter, rosin, wax or live resin, it’s less than the size of a lentil.
As always, use a “start low and go slow” approach when consuming cannabis products: Begin with a small amount and only consume more once you understand how it is affecting you.
What is a concentrate-specific vaporizer?
A concentrate-specific vaporizer is a vaporizer that’s intended for use only with concentrates. While smoking burns the cannabis product and produces smoke, a vaporizer heats it to the point where the active ingredients — such as the cannabinoids and terpenes — are released into a vapour, which is inhaled.
Types of vaporizers for concentrates
There are many types of concentrate vaporizers to choose from, each with its own features and benefits.
- Vape pen: Disposable or reusable option designed for cannabis oil (note that the OCS does not sell refillable vape pens)
- Dab or wax pen: Portable vaporizer made for concentrates like shatter and wax.
- Dried flower vaporizer: Primarily for use with dried flower, but some models include attachments for concentrates
- E-nail or e-rig: Used for dabbing and offers precise temperature control
- Honey or dab straw: Handheld device for dabbing concentrates such as wax, shatter and oil
Descriptive Video: How to Use a Concentrate-Specific Vaporizer
How do I use a vaporizer for cannabis concentrates?
There are five simple steps to using a concentrate-specific vaporizer, although you should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular device.
- Portion out the concentrate, keeping in mind the recommended amount.
- Load the concentrate into the chamber.
- Adjust the vaporizer’s airflow and temperature settings, if applicable.
- Turn on the vaporizer.
- Take small inhalations from the mouthpiece.
Keeping your vaporizer clean will extend its life and ensure it stays in proper working order.
