Cannabis has long been used for its calming properties in illegal recreational settings and legal, medical settings. With easier access to cannabis, also known as marijuana, experimentation with methods of use is increasing.
One such use of the drug is known as dabbing, which has recently gained attention for the increased risk it brings to the user in comparison to smoking the dried leaves from a cannabis plant.
Dabbing refers to a specific way of using marijuana where the user consumes high concentrations (cannabis concentrates) of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana.
Dabbing is a method of consuming high concentrations of THC derived and extracted from the marijuana plant. Users inhale or smoke the vapors from the concentrate, which produces an intense high.
To extract THC from the plant, users typically pour butane over the dried marijuana leaves. Once the chemical compound is dissolved, it produces a sticky paste, or wax, containing extremely high levels of THC.
This sticky paste is then heated with a lighter or blow torch, releasing a vapor that the user inhales. Butane hash oil can also be used to dab when added to vape devices. Teens commonly use this method as it can be more inconspicuous in settings such as school or at home, given that the oils don’t produce an obvious smell.
It is thought that these cannabis concentrates, or dabs, contain up to 80% THC, which in comparison to normal weed is around eight times the strength. A joint with regular marijuana flowers will typically contain somewhere between 5% to 25% THC.
The effects of smoking dabs are much faster than smoking weed, which has a slower progression. This brings higher risks and more powerful side effects than smoking marijuana.
Cannabis concentrates have many different names, including:
Dabs are considerably stronger than marijuana and can be much more damaging to a person's physical and mental health. When cannabis concentrates are dabbed, risks include:
Because of the higher levels of THC, both short and long-term use of dabs can considerably increase the chances of developing an addiction.
For users who become physically or psychologically dependent on cannabis, it is common to experience distressing withdrawal symptoms. These are typically stronger when dabbing rather than smoking regular weed, making quitting even more challenging.
The process of extracting THC brings an added element of danger for the user. This is not a physical side effect of dabbing itself but rather a potentially dangerous part of obtaining the chemical.
Butane is an extremely dangerous gas, so using fire in tandem with it could result in severe burns and also the risk of an explosion.
The amount of wax needed to feel intense highs can look like an insubstantial amount, which is misleading even for those who regularly use marijuana.
Taking highly concentrated forms of marijuana extracts is risky, especially given the difficulty of accurately knowing how much is being taken. Unfortunately, this can result in an overdose.
Although overdosing on cannabis is not known to be lethal, it can give rise to some distressing physical and psychological side effects.
Dabbing typically results in a more intense high than smoking marijuana. This high usually includes a more potent range of side effects that may be associated with marijuana.
The physical symptoms and effects of dabbing include:
In addition to physical symptoms, the psychological symptoms and effects of dabbing can include:
Dabbing withdrawal symptoms share similar features to that of smoking marijuana. However, the side effects produced are stronger in comparison to smoking normal weed. There are typical stages of withdrawal a user will go through:
The first withdrawal symptoms tend to appear within the first three days after last use. These initial symptoms include:
Typically these symptoms will last around one week.
Three to six days after the last concentrates are inhaled, it is common to experience:
These symptoms might be at their strongest around the fourth day after use and can take a couple of weeks to wear off.
Around the fifth day after last use, it is common to experience a new set of symptoms. Generally, these symptoms include irritability, restlessness, anger, disturbed sleep, nightmares, and vivid dreams.
Stage three is often the most challenging stage for individuals. It is also when many people are likely to relapse. Considering the freedom on the other side of this stage can help during this challenging time.
The withdrawal symptoms from dabbing can be intensely unpleasant and make it very difficult to stay on track. For some people, the temptation to ease symptoms by using and engaging in drug abuse is very strong. Choosing a quality recovery center like Cirque Lodge can be the difference between making a full and sustained recovery and relapse.
The strength of cannabis concentrates can quickly lead to dependence and difficult withdrawal when a person stops using. The effects increase considerably if they also live with any additional mental health issues.
Although most people dab recreationally, in party scenarios, or following the use of medical marijuana to treat chronic pain, the reality can become much darker when stronger forms, such as dab wax, are used.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one is in the grips of marijuana addiction, don't hesitate to call us today. In doing so, we can offer professional help and talk you through our treatment plans.
We believe that everybody deserves a life free of addiction, and we are here to support you.
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