What Is a Dab and How Is It Abused?

Dabbing has recently been growing in popularity as a different form of marijuana misuse, especially in states where marijuana use is legal.

Dabbing is the process of using a form of the drug called a “dab,” which is a small amount of cannabis extract (primarily butane hash oil). Dabbing can be more dangerous than other forms of cannabis use, which makes this growing trend especially concerning.

What Is a Dab?

Butane hash oil (BHO) is the main extract used in dab weed. The creation of this concentrated form of marijuana involves the use of butane, which is a very flammable chemical. This process can cause explosions and thus is dangerous.

The butane is then removed, resulting in a sticky, resinous dab. However, the consistency of this substance can vary, depending on the details of its creation. Other names used for BHO or dab include:

• Honeycomb
• Earwax
• Budder
• Honey oil
• Wax
• 710
• Shatter
• Black glass
• Errl
• Live resin

This extract can be 50-80 percent THC. Comparatively, regular marijuana is typically only about 12-13 percent THC. This means that less of the substance is needed to get the same high, but also that side effects can be more powerful.

What is Dabbing?

BHO can be smoked through a water pipe, oil pipe, or glass bong. It is also popular to use e-cigarette or vaporizers to vape the dabs. These provide an odorless, smokeless way to use marijuana that is easy to conceal. BHO can also be added to food or drink. Edibles with BHO make it possible for individuals to ingest highly concentrated THC. This is reported to result in a much more potent high than smoking, and it has potentially caused some issues with people suddenly passing out and having trouble breathing.

Effects & Risks of Dabbing

Because dabbing involves using marijuana with a much higher THC concentration, its physical and psychological effects may be more severe. Additionally, an article from Pediatrics states that, in creating the vapor to be smoked, the paraphernalia on which the dab is placed is often heated to temperatures greater than 400 degrees Celsius. Besides the obvious dangers of burns and starting a fire, this can also lead to the individual inhaling benzene, rust, and/or offgassing solder, which are associated with long-term health dangers. Furthermore, another study found that over 80% of the cannabis concentrates evaluated were contaminated with pesticides and/or residual solvent.

As mentioned before, because the process of creating BHO involves the flammable chemical butane, it can cause dangerous explosions. Some say that the dangers of making BHO are similar to those of making methamphetamine. A study from the Journal of Medical Toxicology evaluated a selection of cases where the patient had BHO burns. They found that the median burn size was 10 percent of a patient’s total body surface area. The median length that patients had to stay in the hospital was 10 days. Over 20 percent required intubation to protect the individual’s airway, and over 60 percent needed skin grafting.

Unfortunately, the side effects of dabbing and the potential risks of dabbing are not fully understood, because there isn’t enough research into it yet. It is speculated that dabbing may be linked to a higher risk of falls, accidents, and losing consciousness than regular marijuana use. However, further study is needed.

Dab Abuse and Withdrawal

Using marijuana as a teenager may negatively affect brain development and it is linked with a heightened risk of psychosis. Dabbing effects can be similar.

One study found that individuals reported higher tolerance and withdrawal from dabbing, which indicates that dabbing may increase the likelihood of addiction or dependence. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Restlessness.
• Depression.
• Insomnia and fatigue.
• Changes in appetite.
• Sweating, fever, and/or chills.
• Headache.
• Stomach pain.
• Shaking.

Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder

The false belief that marijuana is not addictive may lead people to not seek treatment for themselves or loved ones. However, it is estimated that over 4 million Americans age 12 and older had a cannabis use disorder in 2017. Signs that an individual is suffering from a cannabis use disorder include:

• Continuing using cannabis even though it is causing trouble with relationships or other social issues
• Stopping or decreasing other activities because of marijuana use
• Having problems fulfilling important responsibilities at school, work, or home due to regular marijuana use.
• Using marijuana repeatedly use in dangerous situations
• Continuing using cannabis even when faced with significant consequences
• Using the drug more or in larger amounts than intended
• Persistently wanting to or unsuccessfully trying to decrease or stop marijuana use
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from cannabis
• Craving marijuana
• Experiencing tolerance and/or withdrawal

Thankfully, addiction to marijuana is treatable. Research on cannabis use disorder treatments suggests that a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management lead to the best abstinence results. These interventions can help individuals avoid relapsing to dabbing and/or other marijuana use, as well as help them better function on a day-to-day basis.

If addiction to dabbing and/or other marijuana use is suspected, the individual or loved one should seek an evaluation by an experienced professional. If you are struggling with marijuana use, consider getting into treatment. Addiction treatment in Southern California can help you enjoy a healthier, more productive life. With research-based care, our substance addiction treatment center in Orange County can help clients stop dabbing and avoid relapse.

At Laguna Treatment Center, we offer different levels of care for addiction treatment. Our dedicated team uses a combination of evidence-based therapies and tailors treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs. For more information on our programs, ways to pay for rehab, or paying for rehab with insurance, you can contact us at . Our admissions navigators are available around the clock to answer your questions. You can also start the start rehab admissions process online.

Addiction is treatable. Take the first step toward recovery and call us today.