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If we’re talking about the dance move, dabbing is pretty safe. But dabbing has an entirely different meaning on the drug scene.
This type of dabbing is the inhalation of concentrated cannabis extracts. This method of getting high involves using a vaporization rig—a glass chamber that looks similar to a bong. The high potency of dabs, with THC concentrations much stronger than traditional marijuana, can lead to a quicker dependence and more intense withdrawal symptoms. This makes it particularly risky for those vulnerable to substance use disorder.
We know that cannabis use is on the rise in the U.S. with the surge of legalization and widespread availability. As marijuana’s popularity increases, so do that of new cannabis products and methods of intake. While more research is needed to accurately assess dabbing effects, we do know that dabbing weed has some adverse effects. It’s important to educate yourself on the potential dangers of dabbing and seek help if needed.
Dabs & Dabbing—What Is It?
Dabs are small amounts or “blobs” of cannabis extracts. The principal extract used in dabbing is butane hash oil (BHO). BHO is a waxy, nonpolar extract of the cannabis plant made with butane as a solvent.
BHO has active ingredient (THC or cannabidiol) contents ranging between 50% and 90%, with terpene content ranging from 0.1% to 34%. Because these blobs are made up of highly concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes, dabs can be very flavorful and attract young users.
Marijuana concentrates, or dab weed can be made in a commercial environment or prepared at home. The cannabis concentrate is volatilized through an application to a hot platform; the vapor then passes through a water glass pipe device, similar to a bong, and inhaled. The concentrates can be produced in various ways including:
- Dry processing (kief, finger hash)
- Dry ice processing
- Water-based processing (bubble hash)
- Combining pressure with heat
- Using non-flammable carbon dioxide solvents
- Using flammable solvents, including butane (lighter fluid), propane, ether, or alcohol
The method of intake of dabs, vaporizing, has a very clean and smooth taste if done properly. The pure method of delivery is one reason for the rising popularity of dabbing.
Other names for dab weed are:
- Budder
- Shatter
- Sauce
- Crystalline
- Crumble
- Wax
- Live resin
- Rosin
- Honey oil
Why Dabbing is Popular
The main reason dabs are preferred over other routes of cannabis intake is that less material is needed to get the desired dab effects, which results in a “cleaner high.” Users consider dabbing to be a form of vaporization, so they see it as easier on the lungs than smoking.
Another device that can be used in dabbing weed is a dab pen. Dab pens are devices that fall somewhere between a dab rig and a vape pen. Dab pens are more expensive than regular marijuana vape pens, and when it comes to vaporizing cannabis oil, dabbing is one of the more labor-intensive ways. However, it gives the user complete control over the process.
Dabbing weed allows you to:
- Pick your marijuana concentrate and preferred type, texture, and quality
- Set the exact temperature
- Choose the amount of oil
Despite apparent advantages to dabbing versus other methods of cannabis intake, there are several disadvantages, including harmful dabbing effects on your health.
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Is Dabbing Weed Dangerous?
Research shows that marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the United States, with about 19% of people 12 years of age or older reporting use in the past year and particularly high rates of use among younger people. Adverse short-term and long-term effects are associated with marijuana use depending on how it is used and in what form.
Adverse Short-Term Effects of Marijuana Use
If you dab, there are some negative effects you’ll experience, including:
- Impaired memory
- Impaired motor skills, interfering with driving with the possibility for injuries
- Altered judgment, inability to make sound decisions
- Paranoia and psychosis in high doses
Adverse Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use
If you dab or smoke marijuana regularly, you may end up with some negative lasting effects, such as:
- Marijuana addiction
- Stunted brain development
- Negative impact on academic progress, usually dropping out of school
- Cognitive impairment and lower IQ
- Chronic cough or bronchitis
- Depression and lack of life satisfaction
Dependence and Addiction
Recent research by the CDC reveals that roughly 30% of the people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder. Research also tells us that using cannabis before the age of 18 increases the risk of developing cannabis use disorder. Frequent use or long-term use is also linked to an increased risk for schizophrenia and psychosis.
What makes dabbing particularly dangerous? Beyond the usual risk for addiction and other negative health effects, dabbing also introduces some additional dangerous substances to the body.
Harmful Additives
Dabs that are homemade or obtained on the street may contain harmful residual solvents (i.e., butane, pesticides, or other contaminants). You don’t always know what you are getting if you get dab weed from unreliable sources.
BHO, a sticky extract of the cannabis made using butane as a solvent, cannot be taken orally and must be vaporized for users to experience the dabbing effects. The process of BHO production can be harmful if it is done at home by inexperienced chemists.
The real danger of dabbing is found in the terpenes found in cannabis concentrate extracts. Terpenes create carcinogens when they are burned. Myrcene is one the most common terpenes in cannabis, comprising up to 50% of the terpene profile. This means that any extract of cannabis that preserves the terpenes (BHO and rosin) will generate higher levels of myrcene and benzene than regular pot smoke.
Dab smoke contains an irritant (methacrolein) and a slightly elevated benzene level compared to cannabis flower smoke. Benzene is an aromatic chemical that can increase your chances of cancer, although at doses not found in dabs. This scenario is similar to the toxic chemicals found in coffee beans during the roasting process. The toxins don’t necessarily appear in the final coffee product but may be present at some point in the refinement process.
That said, there are a few reports of psychosis, neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity associated with dabbing weed but not among most users. Any drug, illicit or otherwise, if abused, can pose dangers to your health and well-being. Prolonged cannabis use may lead to dependence or addiction. In such cases, treatment may be necessary to reclaim your health and life.
Treatment for Dabbing Abuse and Addiction
Drugs like marijuana can alter the dopamine reward system, so being able to stop using dabs if the habit is problematic is just one part of the recovery process. You also need to reprogram deeply entrenched thought patterns to form new positive behaviors.
When you attempt to break behaviors, some challenges may arise including losing friends, needing to fill your time, and experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Stopping cannabis use has also been known to cause withdrawal, making it difficult to quit completely.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Dysphoria
- Craving
- Anxiety
Detoxing from cannabis and dabbing might be difficult initially, but help is available. Because recovery occurs in different ways for each person, treatment may include :
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment
- 12 Step support groups
- Faith-based programs
- Medication assisted treatment (MAT)
- Job skills training
- Psychosocial interventions
How to Choose the Right Rehab Program
When researching treatment options, it is important to look for programs that address your specific needs. Consider the rehabilitation facility itself, the individual practitioners, the demographic of the clients in the program, and the treatment program method. Research each program and speak with the admissions department to get a clear sense of each facility. Treatment is an investment in your future, so choose wisely.
To help you decide which treatment option is best for you, start by asking yourself a few questions, such as:
- How long have you been addicted to dab weed?
- Do you have medical or mental health concerns?
- Does your insurance cover addiction treatment?
- Do you need detox?
- Are you interested in a program that serves a specific population (teens, elderly, faith-based, LGBT, etc.)?
- Do you have other treatment needs, such as job skills training, family or couples therapy, the ability to complete schoolwork in treatment, etc.?
- Do you want to stay close to home for treatment, or would you rather put some distance between your treatment and your current environment?
It’s up to you to assess whether or not your dabbing habit has gotten out of control. It’s helpful to research treatment options if you feel you need more support. Contact us today at
800-681-1058
(Sponsored)
. Help is available.
