There’s a certain ritual to enjoying cannabis. Grinding flower, sparking up, sharing the moment with people you love—or taking a quiet pause for yourself. But when it comes to THCa concentrates, there’s another ritual worth exploring: dabbing. If you’ve ever wondered how to dab, how a dab rig works, or even how to use a dab pen, this guide is for you.

At Lucky Elk, we started as a small Oregon hemp farm, and today we work with our Guild of Growers across Southern Oregon and the Emerald Triangle to craft some of the finest solventless rosin and solventless live rosin available online. We believe in keeping cannabis clean, natural, and approachable—so let’s break down the basics of dabbing in a way that feels simple, safe, and welcoming.

What Does It Mean to “Dab”?

“Dabbing” is the act of vaporizing cannabis concentrates (like wax or THCa rosin) using a dab rig or a dab pen. Unlike smoking flower, where you’re combusting the plant itself, dabbing heats the concentrate to a temperature where cannabinoids and terpenes vaporize, creating dense, flavorful clouds and potent effects.

People often search for how to smoke wax or how to smoke dabs, but the key thing to know is: you’re not actually “smoking” in the traditional sense—you’re inhaling vapor, not burnt plant matter. That’s why many enthusiasts describe dabs as cleaner, smoother, and more terpene-rich.

What You Need to Dab

Here’s what most dabbers use, depending on the setup:

Dab Rig – A glass water pipe designed for concentrates (like a bong, but made for oils and resins). Explore our solventless rosin for the perfect pairing.

Nail or Banger – The part of the rig that you heat with a torch until it’s hot enough to vaporize your concentrate. Quartz bangers are especially popular for flavor.

Torch – A butane torch is used to heat the nail.

Carb Cap & Dab Tool – Tools for handling sticky concentrates and controlling airflow.

Dab Pen (Alternative) – For those looking for a more portable option, a dab pen simplifies the process. We’ve written a full guide on how to use a dab pen, and you can check out our rosin vapes and carts for ready-to-go options.

How to Take a Dab (Step by Step)

Whether you’re learning how to dab for the first time or just want a refresher, here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Heat the Nail – Use your torch to heat the banger or nail until it’s glowing red.
2. Let It Cool Slightly – Wait 30–60 seconds (quartz cools down fast). Too hot and you’ll burn terpenes; too cool and you won’t get vapor.
3. Load Your Dab – Use your dab tool to pick up a small amount of concentrate—think rice-sized for beginners.
4. Touch & Inhale – Gently place the concentrate into the warm nail while inhaling slowly through the rig. Use a carb cap if you have one to trap heat and vapor.
5. Exhale & Enjoy – You’ll notice the difference right away: pure THCa flavor, full-spectrum cannabinoids, and smooth clouds that hit harder and cleaner than flower alone.

Dabbing vs. Smoking Flower

If you’re used to smoking weed the traditional way—whether it’s sungrown THCa flower from the Emerald Triangle or indoor-grown buds—dabbing will feel more concentrated. Just a small amount can go a long way. Many of our community members use dabs for fast-acting relief or to enjoy the full terpene expression of our craft rosin.

Dabbing Made Easy: Try a Rosin Vape

Not ready to dive into torches and glass rigs? A dab pen offers a simple, portable alternative. You get the same solventless rosin experience, but in a sleek, battery-powered device. Perfect for when you’re on the go, winding down after work, or easing into concentrates.

👉 Check out our Rosin Vapes and Rosin Carts for an easy entry point into the world of dabs.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to take a dab is less about chasing potency and more about appreciating the artistry behind THCa concentrates. Whether you’re pulling a dab off a glass rig at home, experimenting with baddertek to revive your live rosin, or puffing on a convenient dab pen, each session is an opportunity to reconnect with the plant in a new way.

At Lucky Elk, we’re honored to work with small family farms across Southern Oregon and Northern California to bring you terpene-rich, solventless cannabis you can trust. However you choose to enjoy it, we’re here to make sure your journey is rooted in quality, care, and community.