Dangers of Dabbing

The use of marijuana isn’t new, by any means, but newer forms of it do become available and present risks to users who are unaware of their potential harm. Dabbing is one example of risky substance use. For some people, the terms “dabbing” and “dab” and their associated names may be new, so learning about how they’re used and the dangers of dabbing is helpful.

What is a Dab Drug or Dabbing Wax from Cannabis Concentrates?

A dab drug or dab wax is a highly potent cannabis concentrate, a derivative of marijuana. It acts immediately and can have intense effects on a user. People may also feel a strong sense of euphoria and relief from pain.

Names and Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates come with many different names. Each one has distinctive properties and a unique appearance.

• Budder
• Cannabis oil
• Crumble
• Dab wax
• Hash oil
• Resin
• Shatter
• Wax

Shatter is considered the cleanest and most pure cannabis concentrate, and the most potent. It’s transparent with a glass-like surface that shatters when it’s poured to be used. Dab wax is not transparent, softer, and slightly less potent than Shatter.

How Are Shatter or Dabs Used?

Dabbing refers to smoking dabs. The substance itself can come from extracting THC by blasting a glass or metal pipe containing marijuana trimmings with butane. The product is a thick and sticky substance resembling hardened candle wax. The result gets placed in a pipe or a bong.

Dabbing wax or another form of marijuana concentrate can be placed on a flat surface, such as metal, with the surface getting heated so the concentrate’s vapors can be inhaled through a rig. These rigs may be added to the tip of a bong. These extraction processes can be a danger, with risks of explosions or burns, even before the dabbing begins.

Another way to ingest shatter is by adding it to vape pens. Shatter can also be consumed by adding it to existing edible products.

Dabbing Side Effects

Side effects can vary from short-term to long-term use. Short-term users of shatter or dab wax may experience high blood pressure, hallucinations, and intense paranoia. Long-term or heavy dabbers may see their use result in psychiatric disorders, psychosis, or chronic illnesses.

Short-Term Dabbing Side Effects

• Changes in sensory perception
• Decreased coordination
• Fainting
• High blood pressure
• Increased anxiety or panic attacks
• Increased heart rate
• Intense paranoia
• Memory problems
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Vomiting

The Dangers of Dabbing with Shatter or Wax

A person’s tolerance for smoking marijuana may make them feel like they can handle dabbing with shatter or wax. As a result, they may not be aware of the potential dangers that differ from regular marijuana use until they’re experiencing them for the first time. One of those dangers comes from the high doses of THC in dabs that can make your body become accustomed to it very quickly.

Using dabs regularly can lead to tolerance building quickly and the need for dabbing more frequently to achieve the same effect. Controlling doses becomes challenging as measuring the amount in doses is difficult. In addition, you might be ingesting other substances along with the concentrate. Nausea and paranoia may appear after dabbing high amounts, too.

Dabbing Withdrawal Symptoms

The duration and amounts of dabbing will influence withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms begin within 24-72 hours of the last dose. 

• Anxiety and depression
• Cognitive difficulties
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Paranoia
• Sleep disorders
• Tension

Medical Detox as an End to Dabbing

The high THC levels from dabs make the body adapt to them quickly and creates a challenge to end using them. Unfortunately, the potency also creates a risk for overdose. While death is not a potential outcome directly from the drug itself, the physical and psychological side effects may feel unbearable.

Medical detox provides a safe place to end dabbing use under the care of a trained team of professionals. In this environment, a patient is monitored round-the-clock while withdrawal symptoms are managed, and discomfort is eased. A facility for medical drug detox also reduces the risk of relapsing during the period when the active substance is leaving the body and cravings begin.

Restored Path’s Solution

Restored Path Detox is DFW’s premier facility for drug and alcohol detox in Dallas. Conveniently located in Frisco, we provide a safe sanctuary for healing that is also a state-of-the-art detoxification facility for a wide range of substances. Our compassionate physicians and therapists want you to get well and are committed to removing any existing barriers to your care. Restored Path’s team of board-certified physicians and highly qualified nursing team have extensive critical care experience and are available to monitor your detox program 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol use, call us today and take your first step towards recovery: 469-827-0000.