Four jars of cannabis concentrates on a blue background

How to Smoke Concentrates

Now that you’ve learned a bit about what cannabis concentrates are, you may be interested in the various consumption methods available; specifically, consuming concentrates. The ways in which concentrates are consumed are slightly different then what you may be used to, so here’s a primer to get you started.

  • What are the Different Ways to Consume Concentrates?
  • What Are the Best Temperatures to Smoke Concentrates?
  • How to Store Cannabis Concentrates?
  • Questions About Smoking Concentrates
     

What are the Different Ways to Consume Concentrates?

While our complete guide to cannabis concentrates covers everything you need to know about the product itself, here’s our guide to consuming concentrates.

Dab Rig

The most common method of consuming marijuana concentrate is by “What is dabbing” which uses a device called a dab rig. Dab rigs are a lot like glass pipes, but they work a little differently. Instead of using a lighter to heat the flower while inhaling, you need to heat a nail - also called a “banger” - that you can then use to heat and inhale your concentrate.

 

Learn more with our guide to dab rigs.

Dab Pens

Also called a wax pen, dab pens are a more portable way to enjoy concentrates. These tools work similarly to vape pens, although the concentrate needs to be manually added during each session. Purchase your concentrate of choice, and load it into the chamber. Your pen will then heat the concentrate - some dab pens allow you to set the temperature and some don’t - and then you can inhale.

 

Learn more with our guide to dab pens.

Vaping

Vaping is a popular method for people who want a simpler way to consume concentrates. Instead of adding the concentrate yourself, you can purchase a pre-filled cartridge that screws onto the vaporizer. You can choose between reusable and disposable.

 

Learn more with our guide to vape pens.

Nectar Collector

Nectar collectors are a bit easier to use than a dab rig, but it offers the user less control over external factors like temperature and flavor. Because of the straw-like way in which it is used, it is also referred to as a dab straw or a honey straw. The tip of the nectar collector is heated and then placed on the concentrate. As the concentrate melts, it can be inhaled by sucking through the straw.

Learn more with our guide to nectar collectors.

E-Rig

Nectar collectors are a bit easier to use than a dab rig, but it offers the user less control over external factors like temperature and flavor. Because of the straw-like way in which it is used, it is also referred to as a dab straw or a honey straw. The tip of the nectar collector is heated and then placed on the concentrate. As the concentrate melts, it can be inhaled by sucking through the straw.

Learn more with our guide to e-rigs and e-nails.

What Are the Best Temperatures to Smoke Concentrates?

Selecting the perfect temperature for your concentrates depends on what type of experience you want: high flavor, high impact, or both. Here is a guide for selecting the right temperature. 

High-Temperature Concentrates: 570 - 600 Degrees Fahrenheit
Setting your concentrate consumption tools to high temperatures will encourage maximum cannabinoid - THC, CBD, etc. - extraction, leading to a more powerful experience. However, since terpenes boil off at these temperatures, you won’t be able to experience as much of the flavors and aromas of the concentrate.

Standard Temperature Concentrates: 500 - 570 Degrees Fahrenheit
When in doubt, use a standard temperature for just about all concentrates. Extracts like live resin, shatter, and crumble that are heated to this temperature will remain flavorful and potent without scorching the valuable terpenes.

Low-Temperature Concentrates: 400 - 500 Degrees Fahrenheit
Selecting lower temperatures for concentrates will provide you with the most flavorful experience as the concentrates will melt without boiling the terpenes. However, since not all of the concentrate will be hot enough to vaporize, you’ll likely end up with more waste.

It’s best to start somewhere in the middle and adjust from there to find your ideal temperature setting.
 

How to Store Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates should be stored in a cool, dark area where there is little-to-no moisture. You’ll want to tailor your storage container to the type of concentrate you purchased. For example, budder is easy to scoop out of a glass jar, but shatter will become very sticky and difficult to remove. If you’re unsure of the best method for the product you purchase, check out our guide for tips on how to store different types of concentrates.
 

Questions About Smoking Concentrates

Are concentrates more potent than flower?
Consuming concentrates produces a much different experience than flower, largely due to the extraction methods and how terpenes are maintained throughout. However, it’s important to note again that the psychoactive effects in consuming concentrates will be much stronger. This means it’s especially important to start low and go slow. A single gram of concentrate can be split into 20 doses, while a gram of flower is typically split into six or eight doses.

How do concentrates make you feel?
One of the biggest differences between concentrates and flower or concentrates and edibles is that concentrates can take effect much faster. It may take a while to feel the effects of edibles, but you’ll likely feel the effects of shatter or any other concentrate almost immediately. Cannabis concentrate is also much stronger, so it’s important to start slow so you can figure out what you can tolerate.

Concentrates do come with a learning curve, which is why our expert budtenders are always on hand to answer questions.

Can you smoke THC concentrates? 
Yes, cannabis concentrates contain THC. In fact, concentrates often contain very high levels of THC, which is why they are not recommended for cannabis beginners.

What temperature is needed to smoke concentrates? 
If your dab rig or vape pen allows you to set a temperature, we recommend starting somewhere between 500 - 570 degrees fahrenheit. This standard range will provide you with a flavorful experience, and you can adjust accordingly from there.

Do you need a dab rig to smoke concentrates?
There are a variety of tools available to smoke concentrates, including dab rigs, dab pens, nectar collectors, and vape pens. If you’re unsure of which tool to choose, ask a budtender at your local dispensary.
 


Explore why premium flower is potent all on its own with our guide.


Purchasing Concentrate Consumption Tools

Getting started with cannabis concentrate can be a little overwhelming, but it’s simple as long as you understand the basics. If you have any more questions about concentrates, you can visit your local dispensary and speak to an expert budtender.
 


Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.