Dabbing is a fun, relaxing way to enjoy cannabis concentrates. These highly potent extracts are packed with cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and more, along with flavorful, aromatic terpenes.

When you dab, you get all of these incredible elements of the cannabis plant in an ultra-compact form.

If you’re interested in dabbing for the first time, we’re here to help you get started. Read below to learn about the best types of concentrates to smoke, how to set up your dab rig, and more.

Explore our selection of high-quality THCa concentrates in the Mood Shop.

What Is a Dab?

“Dab” is a term used by cannabis enthusiasts for powerful THC concentrates.

These uniquely potent products come in a variety of forms, and you can enjoy them all with a dab rig — a handy tool that’s somewhat similar to a water pipe like a bong.

In the world of cannabis, we call these concentrates “dabs” for one simple reason: you only need a small amount to get very high. If you’re just getting started with cannabis concentrates, keep in mind that a little goes a long way!

Types of Concentrates Explained

Cannabis concentrate comes in many forms — kief, hash, moonrocks, and beyond — and you can enjoy each of these forms using your dab rig.

Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of concentrates that we offer in the Mood Shop:

• Moonrocks: Moonrocks feature a combination of THCa flower, which converts to Delta-9 THC when heated, with THC distillate and CBD kief.

• Diamonds: Liquid diamonds are ultra-concentrated crystalline structures that are 97.85 percent THCa.

• Hash: Hashish is an iconic extract made by compressing and processing the most resin rich parts of the cannabis plant.

• Badder: Sometimes called budder, this concentrate has a whipped, buttery consistency that you can enjoy with a vape, dabber, or pipe.

Pick up 3.5g of THCa Moonrocks for just $49. Subscribe to recurring shipments to save 15%.

The Parts of the Dab Rig: Everything You Need

A dab rig has a very similar structure to a typical bong.

Like a bong, a dab rig features a mouthpiece and a chamber. However, instead of a bowl, you’ll find a fitting for a nail or a banger, which you’ll use to enjoy your favorite concentrates.

These are some of the essential parts of your dab rig that you’ll need alongside the rig itself:

Dab Nail or Banger

The dab nail or banger is the part of your dab rig that vaporizes the concentrates by exposing them to heat.

These nails are usually made from highly durable, heat-resistant materials like quartz or titanium.

As the name suggests, nails are long, thin pieces of metal that hold up under high heat. For extra convenience, try an e-nail, which contains its own heat source for vaporizing concentrates.

Bangers, your other option, are tools that look vaguely like the bowl component on a bong. You might run into some folks using “banger” and “nail” interchangeably, but the key difference here is the shape.

Carb Cap

This helpful tool controls temperature and airflow while you smoke concentrates using your dab rig. It’s usually made of glass and conditioned to withstand high temperatures.

Not every dab rig has a carb cap — it’s an accessory that you’ll probably need to add later. However, if you’re in the market for an upgrade to your rig, it’s one of the best.

Dab Torch

A dab torch is usually a butane blow torch shaped like a gun for easy use. You can grab one at a local dispensary or order online.

Make sure you pick up some butane refills as well; the last thing you want is a torch without any juice in it.

Dab Tool

Dab tools are small pieces of metal that you can use to load up a precise amount of concentrate.

This tool also protects your hands while you enjoy a dab — you use it to bring your concentrate in contact with a heat source like a torch, helping you avoid burns.

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

Dab Pen

Sometimes called wax pens or wax vaporizers, these tools are often confused with vape pens. However, unlike a vape, these pens act as standalone dab rigs loaded with concentrate using a metal dab tool.

Q-Tips and Isopropyl Alcohol

When you start dabbing regularly, keeping cleaning supplies handy is a must.

A few cotton swabs and some rubbing alcohol are all you need to clean off any leftover buildup from your concentrate and keep your dab rig in solid condition.

Grab 1.5g of Classic Hash for just $46. Subscribe to save 15%.

A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide To Smoking a Dab

These are all of the basic steps to follow when you smoke a dab for the first time:

Step One: Assemble Your Dab Rig

Set up your dab rig in a safe, comfortable space. You’ll need your rig, a nail, a dab tool, a torch, and, if you have one, your carb cap. You can use an e-nail for extra convenience, but we recommend starting out with a regular torch instead.

Before you can start smoking, you need to add water to the chamber of the dab rig. Once it’s filled, test it out by inhaling without the nail attached to your rig’s stem.

If water starts splashing back into your mouth, it means your chamber is too full. No worries; just pour some out and try again.

Step Two: Introduce Heat

Now, it’s time to heat up your nail. Using your butane torch, apply a generous amount of heat to the outside and bottom of the banger.

If the nail is too hot, it will start glowing red. That means it needs some time to cool down before you add in your concentrate.

Let the nail cool for between 30 and 45 seconds to avoid scorching your dab. Some folks prefer using a terp timer for precise cooling, but you can always use the clock app on your phone.

Step Three: Scoop Up Your Dab

Once your nail reaches the ideal temperature, use the dab tool to scoop up the amount of concentrate that you want to smoke.

Apply the concentrate to the hot nail with the dab tool, then slowly inhale through the mouthpiece to distribute the heat and vaporize the dab.

Step Four: Using the Carb Cap

If you have a carb cap, now is the time to cover up the dab with the cap to control airflow. Keep inhaling once the carb cap is on to vaporize the dab fully.

Finally, exhale and wait a bit before your next hit. Pacing yourself will make the whole experience as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

Step Five: Post-Dab Cleanup

When you’re done, you can clean your nail using the heat from your torch. This method will get rid of any residual carbon left behind from dabbing, and it’s the easiest way to give the nail a deep clean.

If there isn’t much buildup on the nail, you can clean it off with cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol without using heat.

For a more intense clean, soak the nail in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes. This little routine can help you maintain your nail and stop caked-on resin from wearing it down or altering your smoking experience.

What Are the Biggest Benefits of Dabbing?

Dabbing feels amazing.

The rich aromas and flavors of cannabis concentrate are a feast for your senses, and the intense potency produces a long-lasting high. Plus, dabbing is a blast either on your own or with friends.

In addition, the process of setting up and hitting a dab rig can be grounding and relaxing. It takes a bit of work, especially at first, but dabbing is a rewarding way to enjoy cannabis that never gets old.

Get 1g of THCa Diamonds for just $55. Subscribe to save 15%.

FAQs About Dabbing

Q: Are dabs legal?

A: The Farm Bill changed the way that dabs are regulated.

Now, harvested hemp and hemp derivatives, including dabs, meet the Farm Bill’s definition of hemp as long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC based on dry weight.

All of the concentrates and other high-quality cannabis products in the Mood Shop comply with the Farm Bill and come from trustworthy, USA-based farms.

Before ordering for the first time, make sure you know your state’s specific regulations for concentrates.

Q: What does smoking a dab feel like?

A: Smoking a dab produces an intense high that can vary depending on the cannabinoid content of the concentrate you choose.

The best way to find a concentrate that you love — one that makes you feel amazing — is to test plenty of different options.

Q: Can I smoke a dab if I’m new to cannabis?

A: Dabs are highly potent, so they’re not always the first recommendation for new cannabis users. However, if dabbing sounds like the best cannabis consumption method for you, you can always start off small with about 25mg of THC.

Q: What do I need to smoke a dab?

A: The most basic dabbing setup is a dab rig, a dab tool, and a torch. You can go without accessories like a carb cap, but a fully loaded dab rig is easier — and more fun — to use.

Dab Badders and More From the Mood Shop

The Mood Shop has everything you need for an incredible dabbing experience. These are some of our favorite concentrates to use in your next dabbing session:

THCa Tropical Storm Dab Badder

With 82.43% THCa content, this versatile concentrate is high-potency for a happy high. It has that nice, whipped, buttery consistency that makes hitting a dab so enjoyable, and the high terpene content makes it aromatic and flavorful.

Pick up 2g of THCa Tropical Storm Dab Badder for just $89. Subscribe to save 15%.

THCa London Pound Cake Dab Badder

At 62.54% THCa, this high-potency dab badder is relaxing and full of flavor. If you prefer a chill high, you’ll love how our THCa London Pound Cake Dab Badder makes you feel.

Grab 2g of THCa London Pound Cake Dab Badder for just $89. Subscribe to save 15%.

THCa Ice Queen Dab Badder

Carefully crafted to enhance creativity, this 27.56% THCa concentrate is ideal for deep conversations, making your best art, or enjoying some music. Its buttery texture makes it easy to apply to your dab banger without any hassle.

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

Enhance Your Dabbing Experience With Mood

The Mood Shopis your go-to spot for all things cannabis, from edibles and flowers to the incredible concentrates listed above.

Whether you’re new to dabbing or a seasoned vet, our dab badders will blow your mind. No matter what mood you’re in, we have exactly what you’re looking for.

Discover more hemp-derived products from Mood today.

Prices subject to change.