Dab Drug Side Effects
Get Informed: Learn about dab drug side effects, and how it can potentially be life-threatening
With the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in different States throughout the country, the increase of its popularity and use was expected. However, new trends on methods of consumption pose a greater health risk to users and abusers. Dab drug side effects can go from mild to severe in a matter of hours, and even be the cause of an accidental overdose.
Many marijuana aficionados may know what the concept entails but; what is dab drug, really? Dabs, known as butane hash oil (BHO), is an extremely higher concentration of marijuana that is obtained after placing marijuana trimmings into a metal or glass pipe and blasting them with butane gas to obtain the THC extract from the leaf.
That sticky, waxy-like substance is the butane hash oil that is later smoked using a pipe or a bong. Dangers of dabbing are far greater than smoking pot alone, because of the chemicals used in the mix to obtain the BHO.
When dabbing – inhaling the vapors of the concentrated marijuana extract – you receive a dose of cannabis four to ten times more potent than a regular join, with a high that hits you all at once. Some users have described the reaction as a hallucinogenic trip that happens in a matter of seconds.
Recognizing what is dab drug and how it is obtained, is an important step into understanding why dab drug side effects are extremely dangerous, to the user and to anyone around them. Starting from the actual production process, to its consumption, dabs pose a great health risk to teenagers and adults alike.
Some of the dangers of dabbing during production come from the possibility of explosions and fire hazards. Because of the interaction with high levels of butane gas, one is at a greater risk of suffering severe burns, causing an area to explode and go up in flames – and if the hazard cannot be contained – it could affect a whole property and everyone on it.
Once inhaled, dab drug side effects not only include an extremely powerful high, but it also poses a risk of exposure to other dangerous chemicals that, if consumed, could lead to passing out, loss of consciousness and even overdosing.
In addition to these risks, dab drug side effects reported by abusers include severe allergic reactions to butane and other chemicals contained in hash oils. If this is the case, you could suffer skin rashes, tingling sensation and respiratory failure.
Furthermore, dangers of dabbing include experiencing episodes of paranoia and hallucinations – which can lead to dangerous and violent behavior towards oneself or anyone around – developing tolerance to THC, increased hypertension and tachycardia and possible cardio-toxicity.
Now that you have learned what is dab drug and how it can pose a threat to your life – or even affect the people you care for – it’s time to get help for yourself or a loved one, that may be experiencing the side effects of this potent drug.
While understanding these concepts helps you be more aware of the risks that could affect you, it is important to get support to overcome a dependence of dab drug. This is not something that you need or should do alone, and we are here to provide all of the information you need and guide you every step of the way until you recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have the answers you're looking for
Dabbing refers to the inhalation of cannabis concentrates -- such as wax, shatter, budder, or oil -- by vaporizing a small amount ('dab') on a heated surface called a nail or banger. Cannabis concentrates typically contain 60 to 90 percent THC, dramatically higher than traditional cannabis flower which averages 15 to 25 percent, making dabbing one of the most potent methods of cannabis consumption.
Side effects include intense and rapid-onset intoxication, significantly elevated heart rate, anxiety and paranoia (particularly in users with lower tolerance), dizziness and impaired coordination, nausea, and in some cases overwhelming psychoactive effects that users describe as far more intense than expected. The high potency makes adverse reactions more likely and more severe than with traditional cannabis.
From a pulmonary standpoint, the extremely high temperatures involved in dabbing (often 400 to 600 degrees Celsius) can produce toxic byproducts including benzene and other carcinogens. The high THC concentration significantly increases the risk of acute adverse psychological effects, rapid development of tolerance and dependence, and cannabis-induced psychosis in predisposed individuals.
Cannabis does not cause fatal overdose through direct pharmacological toxicity the way opioids can. However, extremely high-dose cannabis exposure from dabbing can cause severe acute psychological distress including panic attacks and psychosis, and can precipitate psychiatric emergencies that require clinical intervention. The severity of these reactions distinguishes high-dose concentrate use from traditional cannabis.
Yes. The high-potency THC delivery of dabbing is associated with faster development of tolerance and dependence than lower-potency cannabis use. People who primarily use concentrates often require the high THC concentration to function normally and experience more pronounced withdrawal when they stop.
High-potency THC products including concentrates are associated with elevated rates of cannabis-induced psychosis, more severe anxiety and paranoia, higher rates of cannabis use disorder, and greater cognitive effects compared to traditional cannabis. The risk is particularly significant for individuals with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders.
WhiteSands Treatment provides clinical assessment and evidence-based treatment for cannabis use disorder regardless of the consumption method or potency level. Dual diagnosis evaluation is particularly important given the higher rates of co-occurring anxiety and mood disorders in heavy cannabis concentrate users.
Most insurance plans, including PPOs and many HMOs, cover addiction treatment at WhiteSands. Coverage varies by plan, so calling our team directly at 877-855-3470 is the fastest way to verify your benefits and understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
The high THC concentration of concentrates accelerates tolerance development significantly. Users often find that traditional cannabis no longer produces meaningful effects after regular concentrate use, as the CB1 receptor downregulation from chronic high-dose exposure requires ever-higher concentrations to produce any perceived effect.
Signs include being unable to function without using, needing concentrates specifically because lower-potency products no longer have an effect, using to manage anxiety that the cannabis use itself is worsening over time, spending significant money on concentrates despite financial strain, and experiencing significant irritability, sleep disruption, and appetite loss when not using.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Mark is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.
