Marijuana and THC use is rising in the United States. Up to 44% of people agees 19 to 30 reported past-year marijuana use in 2022.[1] As more states begin to decriminalize or legalize marijuana, more people are gaining access to THC products. It is essential to understand the risks associated with cannabis use and where to find treatment when necessary.
While many people believe marijuana use is relatively safe, there are risks associated with THC use. The method people use to ingest cannabis can impact its safety. One method, called “dabbing,” has additional risks.
This article will explore dabbing. You will learn:
- What dabbing is
- The dangers of dabbing
- How to identify cannabis abuse and addiction
- Where to find substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
If you or someone in your life dabs or abuses cannabis, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Best Treatment to learn about our comprehensive rehab and support programs.
What is Dabbing?
Dabbing is a way to consume cannabis products. It involves ingesting cannabis concentrates using a “dab rig” (a glass pipe, straw, or pen) or a portable vape pen. Using dabs involves heating cannabis concentrates with high concentrations of THC and inhaling the vapors.[2]
Cannabis concentrates are different than other forms of marijuana. They are more potent and have a greater risk of marijuana addiction and other health problems.
Common slang terms for cannabis concentrates include:
- Wet sugar
- Batter
- Rosin
- Live resin
- Crumble
- Pull ‘n’ snap
- Shatter
- Hash
People create cannabis concentrates by using a solvent like butane to separate THC resin crystals from the marijuana plant’s parts. They add the solvent to the cannabis flower and other parts of the cannabis plant material. This produces a sticky resin substance that contains high levels of THC. Concentrates also contain traces of residual solvents and other chemical contaminants.
Cannabis concentrates contain higher concentrations of THC than regular marijuana. People who dab cannabis may experience a more intense high than other ways of using THC products. Addiction experts believe dabbing is more likely to lead to addiction and other problems.[3]
People who use cannabis may turn to concentrated forms to get a different “high.” They may experiment with several types of concentrate with varying potencies.
What are the Dangers of Dabbing?
People use chemicals to extract THC from marijuana plant parts. This process produces a highly concentrated, sticky substance with high levels of THC. People who dab experience a more intense high than other ingestion methods. The risk of harmful side effects and addiction is also higher than when using different methods.
Here is an overview of some of the negative effects associated with dabbing cannabis.
Mental health symptoms
People who dab ingest a much higher amount of THC than with other methods. The extraction process produces a highly concentrated substance that contains greater levels of THC. People who dab may experience mental health symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Panic attacks
Frequent or long-term dabbing can lead to increased, long-lasting mental health symptoms.
Lung damage
The extraction process requires chemical solvents. Some of these chemicals end up in the end product. People who dab cannabis ingest chemical contaminants each time.[4] Over time, this can result in lung damage and other health risks.
Addiction
High levels of THC in cannabis concentrates can lead to an increased risk of addiction. People who dab cannabis may be more likely to develop symptoms of addiction, including:
- Tolerance (needing to use more to get the same effects)
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms
People who dab must follow safety precautions and watch for signs of physical dependence or addiction.
Understanding Cannabis Abuse and Addiction
People who use marijuana may experiment with other methods of using it, including dabbing. The active compound in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Ingesting THC can lead to side effects that include:
- Sensory perception changes
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Psychosis
- Excessive laughter
- Increased hunger
- Altered sense of time
Research from 2021 showed that an estimated 52.5 million people in the United States used cannabis in the previous year.[5]
Addiction experts warn that frequent marijuana use can have risks, including addiction. Dabbing cannabis can lead to an increased risk of addiction. Some signs of addiction (cannabis use disorder) include:[6]
- Using THC products or cannabis more than you intended to
- Experiencing cravings for marijuana
- Taking risks while using cannabis, like driving while high
- Developing tolerance (needing more cannabis to get high)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or stop using cannabis
- Having legal, social, or financial trouble related to your cannabis use
People who use marijuana frequently or heavily may develop symptoms of physical dependence or addiction. Many people with addiction require comprehensive treatment to stop using addictive substances and avoid relapse safely.
Treatment may include detox programs, mental health treatment, education, psychotherapy, and other supportive therapies.
Find Help Now
If you or someone you love dabs cannabis or needs treatment for cannabis addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment specialists to learn about our holistic treatment and support programs. You may also contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Marijuana and hallucinogen use, binge drinking reached historic highs among adults 35 to 50
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Cannabis dabbing
- Science Direct: Adult use of highly-potent Δ9-THC cannabis concentrate products by U.S. state cannabis legalization status, 2021
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Cannabis (Marijuana) Concentrates DrugFacts
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder
