Cannabis How-Tos
What Is Dabbing and How Do You Do It?
Dabbing is one way to consume cannabis concentrates, which include shatter, rosin, wax, live resin and distillate. Learn what dabbing is and how to dab cannabis.
Last updated June 25, 2025 | Published on May 8, 2020
Cannabis concentrates can be consumed by inhalation. One way to inhale cannabis concentrates is by using a dab rig. Read on to learn more about what a dab is and how to dab concentrates, plus some tips to dab safely.
What is dabbing?
Dabbing is one method of consuming cannabis concentrates that involves bringing a concentrate into contact with an extremely hot surface, causing it to undergo flash vaporization. The vapour is then inhaled. Dabbing is typically done using a dab rig.
What is dab rig?
A dab rig is a specialized piece of equipment designed for dabbing cannabis concentrates. It's essentially a water pipe, but with some key differences that make it ideal for vaporizing concentrates.
You can either use a standard water pipe and swap out the components or purchase a specific dab rig.
A basic dab rig involves four components:
- water pipe: Similar to a traditional bong, it's a glass or ceramic chamber filled with water to cool and filter the vapour.
- nail or banger: This is the heating element that vaporizes the concentrate, typically made of titanium, ceramic or quartz. A banger is shaped like a bowl and traps the vapour. If you’re using a nail, it will require a glass dome.
- carb cap or dome: A carb cap is a small cap that sits on top of the nail or banger to trap the vapour and control the airflow when the concentrate hits the nail. A dome serves the same purpose but is an older-style component used with traditional nails.
- dabber: A dabber is a small metal or glass tool used to pick up and place the concentrate onto the heated nail without burning yourself.
There are variations on this standard “torch and dab” dab rig. These include:
- domeless nails: These are made of titanium and do not require a dome to trap the vapour, as the nail itself features small holes that draw the vapour through it.
- e-nails: These are similar to domeless nails but are also self-heating, eliminating the need for a torch.
Tools needed to dab with a dab rig
Along with a dab rig, you’ll also need a few tools and accessories, including:
- small torch: This is commonly used to heat the nail or banger to the required temperature.
- trays and mats: These accessories are for placing dab tools on, preventing them from sticking to or damaging surfaces and making cleanup easier.
- cleaning supplies: Alcohol and cotton swabs are ideal for cleaning the nail or banger after each use to maintain its condition.
How to dab using a dab rig
Dab rigs may differ in terms of components, but the basic process is the same. Here’s how to dab using a rig with a domeless quartz banger.
Descriptive Video: How to Dab Cannabis Concentrates
- Add water. Fill the water pipe to the recommended amount for your particular pipe. If you inhale through the mouthpiece, the water should bubble. If it splashes into your mouth, there’s too much water in the chamber.
- Heat the banger. Hold a torch (such as a butane kitchen torch) to the side of the banger to heat it for about 45 seconds. Wait about a minute for it to cool.
- Dab the concentrate. Use the dab tool to collect a small amount of concentrate (no more than the size of a lentil) and place it inside the banger.
- Pull lightly on the mouthpiece at the same time as adding the concentrate.
- Finish with the carb cap. Place the carb cap on top to capture all of the low-temperature vapour. Inhale on the mouthpiece again.
- Clean it. Use a cleaning solution to swab out the banger.
What are the pros and cons of dabbing?
Dabbing is considered a smoke-free consumption method because it produces vapour instead of smoke. Only a small amount of concentrate is required for use, however, dabbing does require quite a few tools and caution in terms of temperature, as the nail or banger can get dangerously hot.
It is also important to consider dosing: Health Canada warns that certain types of cannabis concentrates, such as hash, kief, wax and shatter, contain high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Always check the label for the product’s strength. To minimize the risk of overconsumption, Health Canada recommends starting with a low amount — no more than the size of a lentil — and proceeding slowly until you understand how your body reacts.
Which concentrates can be dabbed?
Cannabis concentrates are produced by processing cannabis flower into a concentrated form. Dabbing can be done with the following concentrates:
- shatter
- wax
- rosin
- live resin
- distillate
- full melt or six star hash
What to consider before dabbing concentrates
The main consideration when purchasing concentrates for dabbing: Always buy legal. As required by the Cannabis Act, every product sold by OCS.ca and Authorized Cannabis Stores, including concentrates, must go through rigorous quality assurance processes. And only those cannabis concentrates that are produced by a processor with a licence from Health Canada may be sold.
In addition to buying legal, here are other important considerations:
- Start with a small amount: Concentrates contain high levels of THC. Always read the product label and be mindful of how that fits your tolerance level and experience, especially if you’re new to dabbing.
- Understand your product: Know whether you’re purchasing shatter, wax, live resin or another type of concentrate. Each one has a different texture, terpene profile and ideal temperature for vaporization.
- Use appropriate tools safely: Dabbing requires specialized equipment that can reach high temperatures. Make sure you're familiar with how to use your rig, torch or e-rig safely, and follow manufacturer guidelines.
- Be mindful of setting: Because dabbing produces fast-acting effects, it’s best consumed in a safe and comfortable environment , especially for first-time consumers.
