Written by Shepherd King

There are plenty of terms to learn when you’re starting your cannabis journey, and it might all feel a bit overwhelming at first.

We’re here to help you sort through some of the most important terminology for any aspiring cannabis enthusiast: cannabis concentrates, dabs, and extracts.

Here’s everything you need to know about these cannabis products, including the many different forms they come in.

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What Is Dabbing?

Dabbing is the term cannabis enthusiasts use for smoking concentrates, which are highly potent cannabis extracts.

To smoke dabs, you’ll need a dab rig, a water pipe that looks quite a bit like a bong.

However, instead of a bowl, a dab rig features a metal nail or banger, which heats a concentrated form of cannabis and vaporizes it when you inhale.

Dabbing can produce a powerful high, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy high-quality cannabis concentrates.

If you decide to add a rig to your cannabis setup, you’ll end up with a versatile tool that lets you enjoy the incredible types of concentrates we’ve listed below.

Cannabis Concentrates vs. Extracts vs. Dabs

You might hear the terms “concentrates,” “extracts,” and “dabs” used interchangeably in the world of cannabis.

However, these words don’t mean the exact same things. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between concentrates, extracts, and dabs:

• A concentrate is any cannabis product that has been processed to remove plant material. What’s left over are the cannabinoids and terpenes — the compounds that give cannabis its aroma, flavor, and effects.

• An extract is a specific type of concentrate made with chemical solvents like butane, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.

• A dab is a hit of a concentrate using a rig.

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What are the Different Types of Wax Dabs and Extracts?

There are plenty of different concentrates to choose from, each with its own unique texture, flavor, and potency.

Here’s a flyover view of 16 of the most popular options:

1. Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil includes any concentrate that comes in liquid form. These oils can either be made using a solvent-based extraction process or solventless extraction.

2. Wax

Cannabis wax concentrates are soft and flexible, and their texture is close to what you’d expect from hot candle wax.

This type of concentrate is easy to apply to the end of your rig for a hit.

3. Budder

Budder, also referred to as badders, has a whipped consistency and is known for its high terpene content.

Like wax, budders are easy to use with a rig and are known for their powerful flavors and aromas.

4. Sugar Wax Dab

Sugar wax has a consistency similar to granulated sugar, and its extraction process preserves cannabinoids and terpenes exceptionally well. It’s usually used for dabbing but is sometimes an ingredient in edibles.

5. Crumble

Crumble has a high cannabinoid concentration and a dry, flaky texture. It falls apart easily, but it’s convenient and mixes well with cannabis flower in a joint or bong.

6. Honeycomb

Honeycomb wax has a crumbly texture similar to THC crumble. Like crumble, it falls apart easily but loads into a dab rig well. It has a rich flavor profile, as it’s made from dried cannabis oil with high terpene content.

7. Pull ‘n’ Snap (Taffy)

Pull ‘n’ Snap, AKA taffy, is a sticky concentrate that you can break into small pieces without much effort. It’s made using butane extraction or another solvent-based extraction method and typically has a nice amber color.

8. Shatter

Shatter has a glass-like consistency (hence the name), and it’s one of the most potent forms of cannabis concentrate that you can find at a dispensary or online. Shatter breaks apart relatively easily, making it ideal for dabbing small amounts.

9. Diamonds

Diamonds and liquid diamonds are one of the purest concentrates out there, and they’re made almost entirely from isolated cannabinoids.

10. Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

Rick Simpson Oil is a full-spectrum cannabis product, which means it contains multiple cannabinoids working in tandem. It’s highly potent and is a staple at many dispensaries.

11. Live Resin

Live resin is a potent concentrate made using flash-frozen cannabis plant matter. It’s a relatively new addition to the world of cannabis and is known for its intense flavor.

12. Terp Sauce

Terp sauce gets its name from its high terpene content, which gives it an abundance of distinct flavors and aromas. This high-potency product usually contains a combination of multiple cannabinoids mixed with about 70% terpene extract.

13. Butane Hash Oil

Butane hash oil (BHO) is made using a clean, pure version of butane gas, which is used to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant material. The result is an ultra-concentrated product that can sometimes reach THC levels of up to 90%.

14. Kief

Kief is the term used by cannabis enthusiasts for trichomes. These resin-like glands are the source of the CBD, THC, terpenes, and other key compounds in cannabis. When harvested, they can be smoked in a bowl, joint, or vape pen.

15. Hash

Hash is concentrate made by processing the trichome glands to get high THC levels and tons of flavor. It can be smoked or vaped on its own or mixed with flower.

16. Moonrocks

Moonrocks are a unique combination of THC distillate, kief, and THCa flower, which turns into Delta-9 THC when heated. Versatile and flavorful, moonrocks are ideal for a potent high.

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How Are Concentrates Made?

There are multiple ways to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. In fact, there are almost as many unique extraction methods as there are concentrates.

Some of the most popular ways to create concentrates are solvent-based, which means they use a gas like propane or butane to separate the plant material from the cannabinoids and terpenes.

Other methods are solventless and use processes like dry sifting, rosin pressing, or ice water extraction (bubble hash) to get a final product that can be just as powerful as a solvent-based concentrate.

When it comes to the different extraction and production methods for concentrates, there’s no wrong choice; each process gives you a unique product with its own set of flavors, aromas, and cannabinoids.

It’s up to you to find the best fit for your personal preferences.

If you need help, make sure to visit the Mood Shop and check out our selection of Cannabis Concentrates.

What Gear Do I Need To Dab?

Dabbing can seem complicated at first, but it’s not too different from using a standard water pipe like a bong.

Here’s what you need for a successful, enjoyable dab:

Dab Rig

A dab rig looks like a bong for the most part, but it features a durable metal piece called a banger or nail instead of a bowl.

This nail can hold up against high temperatures, making it safe to use for vaporizing concentrates and releasing the cannabinoids and terpenes locked inside.

Dab Tool

Since a dab rig will be hot when in use, you’ll need a special tool to handle your concentrate and deposit it on the nail.

Get a handy Dab Tool for just $10 from the Mood Shop.

Carb Cap

The carb cap is an optional accessory, but we recommend it to beginners and pros alike. This small mechanism regulates airflow and temperature during dab sessions, optimizing your hits.

Nail or Banger

You may have to buy a separate nail or banger to use with your dab rig, but some come with one attached.

Butane Torch

You’ll need a powerful heat source to vaporize your concentrates, and a butane torch is usually the way to go.

Cleaning Supplies

You don’t want to leave any residuals on your nail after dabbing. A simple cleaning kit with some cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol inside should be all you need to keep the nail in good condition.

FAQs About Wax Dabs

Q: Are wax dabs legal?

A: The Farm Bill changed the way that hemp products, including wax dabs, are regulated.

Under this bill, concentrates under 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight are considered hemp, which can now be purchased in many states.

However, any wax dabs and other concentrates over 0.3% are deemed marijuana under the Farm Bill, which means those products are still illegal.

Q: What do wax dabs taste like?

A: Wax dabs can vary in flavor and smell based on their terpene content. Different strains of cannabis are used to create wax dabs and other concentrates, and the strain has a big impact on the flavor.

If you don’t notice distinct tastes while dabbing, be patient; your palate might need some time to develop.

Q: Will wax dabs make me fail a drug test?

A: Wax dabs contain psychoactive cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, which can make you fail a drug test. Traces of these cannabinoids can show up on a urinalysis drug test for as long as 90 days.

Find the Best Concentrates in the Mood Shop

The Mood Shop features a curated selection of high-potency concentrates, including some unbelievable dab badders. Whether you’re just getting started with concentrates or a seasoned vet, we have everything you need:

THCa Tropical Storm Dab Badder

With 82.43% THCa content, this dab badder is powerful and versatile.

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THCa London Pound Cake Dab Badder

With a whipped, buttery consistency and moderately high THCa content, this dab badder is fantastic for experienced cannabis enthusiasts.

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THCa Ice Queen Dab Badder

Made to boost creativity, this concentrate sits at 27.56% THCa for an invigorating high.

Grab 1g of THCa Ice Queen Dab Badder for just $49. Subscribe and save 15%.