With the legalization of marijuana use across many states, many are starting to experiment with weed and its derivatives.
One such form of marijuana is known as dabs and has gained attention for its significantly more dangerous side effects than smoking the dried flowers from a regular marijuana plant.
What Is Dabbing?
Dabbing refers to the inhalation, or “smoking,” of the vapors or smoke emitted from a highly concentrated form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana that produces the sought-after high.
Most people who dab will extract THC from marijuana by pouring butane over the dried flowers. The chemical compound dissolves into the butane and produces a gummy paste containing extremely high levels of THC
This paste or gum is then heated with a blow torch or lighter and releases a vapor that the user inhales. Dabbing can also use hash oil, which is often added to vape devices and widely used by teens in school or at home since the oils don’t produce a telltale smell.
Different Forms of Dabs
The THC concentrate or “dabs” come in many forms, which include the following:
- Wax
This concentrate has a texture akin to ear wax and is one of the most popular forms. Wax is opaque and less brittle than some other forms, such as shatter. - Shatter
Characterized by its translucent, glass-like appearance, shatter is named for its tendency to break easily. It is often lauded for its purity and high potency. - Budder
More pliable and softer than wax, budder has a creamy consistency similar to peanut butter. It is created by whipping the extract under heat, which incorporates air and results in a lighter, fluffier texture. - Crumble
This form is similar to budder but has a more crumbly texture. Crumble is dried longer than other concentrates, which helps it maintain its structure when handled. - Live Resin
Made from plant material that was immediately frozen after harvesting, live resin preserves the original flavors and aromas of the cannabis, resulting in a concentrate that is both high in quality and rich in flavor. - Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
BHO is a potent oil made using butane as the extraction solvent. This process involves passing butane through cannabis material to extract the active components, which are then purged to remove the solvent.
What Are Dabs Made Of?
Dabs are concentrated doses of cannabis that are made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using solvents like butane or carbon dioxide.
These concentrates not only contain cannabinoids but also other substances that can vary depending on the source material and extraction methods used.
Here are some common components found in various types of dabs:
- Cannabinoids: The primary active ingredients, such as THC and CBD (cannabidiol), are what most users are seeking. These compounds are responsible for the psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabis.
- Terpenes: These are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. Terpenes are responsible for the distinct smells and flavors of cannabis and also contribute to the effects through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
- Residual Solvents: Depending on the extraction method, residues from solvents like butane or CO2 might remain in the concentrate, although these are typically purged using various techniques to meet safety standards.
- Pesticides: If the cannabis plant was treated with pesticides, traces can be concentrated in the final product. This highlights the importance of sourcing dabs from reputable producers who adhere to strict cultivation and extraction standards.
- Contaminants: Other contaminants such as microbes, fungi, and heavy metals can also be present, especially if the cannabis was grown in contaminated soils or handled improperly during production.
- Flavonoids: Similar to terpenes, flavonoids are another group of compounds that contribute to the color and nuanced flavor profiles of cannabis, and they too may play a role in its therapeutic effects.
Marijuana vs. Dabs
Compared to normal weed, which contains 10-15% THC, these concentrated marijuana extracts contain up to 80% THC.1
Unlike smoking marijuana, dabbing can instantly make you feel high. It bypasses the slow build-up commonly associated with smoking joints. The potency of dabs and their high THC concentration means they can also bring on much more powerful side effects and potentially be far more dangerous than regular weed.
Side Effects of Dabs
Since dabs are so much stronger than marijuana, they can cause far more serious adverse effects to your physical and mental health, including:2
1. A Higher Risk of Becoming Addicted
Dabbing is not the same as smoking marijuana. Due to its higher THC concentration, short- or long-term use of dabs can lead to a much higher chance of becoming addicted or dependent on marijuana.
Physical or psychological dependence on dabs may lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, which might include:
- Irritability and mood swings
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Difficulty sleeping, including insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Cravings for cannabis
2. Explosions
One of the most significant dangers of dabbing stems from the extraction process. Although not a direct side effect of dabbing, trying to extract THC from marijuana can be tricky and potentially harmful. Butane is a highly volatile gas, and using heat alongside butane to extract THC could not only cause severe burns but possibly produce an explosion if handled incorrectly.3
3. A Much Stronger High
Since the high from dabbing is so much stronger than that of smoking marijuana, it’s not uncommon to experience the effects of marijuana, both positive and negative, at a much more intense level.
These effects include:
- Blackouts: Although losing consciousness from smoking cannabis isn’t very common, after inhaling the vapors from heated dabs, many people may experience blackouts.
- Anxiety and panic attacks: Anxiety is a common side effect of smoking marijuana, but since the effects of THC are elevated when dabbing, the usual anxiety can become unbearable and even lead to panic attacks.
- Uncontrollable shaking: Also known as the cannabis shakes, twitching and tremors may increase in frequency and severity after dabbing.
- Psychosis: Severe psychosis may not only be caused by the increase in THC in cannabis concentrates but also the other, often unknown, chemicals the paste is laced with during extraction.
- Vomiting: Unlike the effects of smoking a joint, dabbing can cause sudden, uncontrollable vomiting, especially if you inhale too much vapor at once. This is also known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.
- Hallucinations: Severe, long-lasting hallucinations are not uncommon when dabbing and can cause confusion and uncontrollable behavior.
- Paranoia: One of the most significant side effects of THC is paranoia. Considering the high levels of THC found in dabs, it’s not surprising to learn that dabbing can cause bouts of severe paranoia and paranoia-related behavior.
4. Respiratory Illnesses
Besides the side effects produced by the large amount of THC present in dabs, the chemicals used to extract the THC and the extreme heat levels used to produce the vapors can cause lung injury and other respiratory diseases. Many people who dab also report developing a dry, wheezing cough that would later lead to serious illness if their lungs become irritated or infected by bacteria.
We Offer Specialized Treatment
If a loved one or you are suffering from addiction or dependence on marijuana, Adelante Recovery Centers offers a specialized marijuana addiction treatment program to help you overcome your problem. With modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy and group counseling, Adelante does not only focus on your addiction but on treating and stabilizing every facet of your life affected by substance abuse.
Contact our experienced team today at (949) 427-9099 to get the help and advice you need to take your first step toward lifelong recovery.
Sources:
- https://www.verywellmind.com/marijuana-dabbing-4797506
- https://www.bustle.com/wellness/169238-6-health-risks-of-doing-dabs-you-should-know
- https://archives.drugabuse.gov/blog/post/dabbing-dangerous