Understanding Dabbing Dangers: The Risks of Concentrated Cannabis Use

You’ve likely seen someone pick up a small glass pipe and light it using a powerful blowtorch. If you’re new to smoking marijuana, you were likely confused, and wondered what the hell they were doing.

But if you’ve been smoking weed for a long time, you’ve likely encountered dabs. This is a highly concentrated form of medical marijuana that will deliver an insanely potent and intense high.

Due to the mass legalization of cannabis, dabs are quickly becoming popular among enthusiasts in the United States. But if you’re new to smoking weed, you’re likely wondering if these potent cannabis concentrates are healthy to consume, if dabbing constitutes substance abuse, and whether you should just smoke regular marijuana instead.

On paper, dabs seem like the perfect choice for every stoner. Potent, aromatic, and bursting with flavor, these THC extracts get the job done and then some.

In reality, however, dabbing cannabis and hash oil may come with some risks. 

Like all other high potency concentrates extracted from the marijuana plant, cannabis dabs may cause increased anxiety, heightened paranoia, psychosis, and various other adverse effects.

If you’re wondering how to consume dabs safely, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the heightened risk of using dabs. 

Cannabis Culture Evolves

A decade or two ago, most stoners primarily smoked bud from the marijuana plant, and prepared homemade edibles. They also had some access to hashish and tinctures. 

Today, as cannabis laws evolve, stoners have a much wider selection of medical marijuana products to choose from.

One of these is dabs, a blanket term referring to waxy cannabis concentrates such as budder, live resin, crumble, and more. These products are blessed with high THC concentration, and can be used to treat chronic pain and other physical symptoms.

What is Dabbing?

Dabbing is a method of consuming marijuana that entails burning cannabis extracts on a hot surface (dab rig nail) and inhaling the fumes. 

Now, the internet is awash with all sorts of articles on the dangers of dabbing cannabis, making it seem like the epitome of drug abuse, and associating it with severe mental health implications. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Dabbing cannabis concentrate is just like smoking marijuana, eating edibles prepared from the cannabis plant, or any other cannabis consumption method for that matter. 

While it’s important to make some considerations to enjoy dabs safely, there’s no cause for alarm. 

With the right approach, a little knowledge, and some experimentation, dabbing cannabis can be an efficient, fun, and flavorful way to get high on cannabis concentrate. 

Before we get into the dangers of dabbing, let’s briefly explain why these weed concentrates are becoming so popular among people who are into marijuana use.

Concentrated Weed: What Are the Benefits Of Dabbing?

It isn’t a coincidence that cannabis enthusiasts all around the world have taken to dabbing cannabis concentrates. 

This method of marijuana use has numerous advantages over traditional consumption methods.

To start with, dabs deliver an immediate high that is much more intense than that of smoking marijuana, vaping butane hash oil, and trying out other products. 

This makes them ideal for use by people looking for fast relief from insomnia, stress, and other mental health challenges.

Another reason seasoned stoners enjoy smoking dabs is the high potency and refined nature of cannabis concentrate. 

Many cannabis extracts are made using butane hash oil, which has little to none plant material, potentially leading to a smoother inhalation experience when properly purified and tested.

Finally, since extract THC is so potent, you’ll need just a little bit to achieve the desired effects. This means you’ll get to save a lot on weed in the long run. It may even help you prevent marijuana addiction. 

Here’s a summary of the key benefits of dabbing:

• High THC potency
• Fast-acting 
• Cleaner inhalation
• Bold flavor
• Efficient, cost-effective use

While dabbing has some benefits, it certainly isn’t for everyone. If you’re new to consuming cannabis, dabs may be too potent for you. 

Understanding their effects and starting with a small dose can help reduce the risks of adverse physical symptoms. Alternatively, you can opt for cannabis shakes and other mild products.

How Will Dabs Make Me Feel?

As we’ve mentioned, the strong effects of dabs are a key factor in the appeal of dabbing. 

Cannabis concentrates contain lots of THC, thus resulting in super intense effects. 

Depending on the specific cannabis concentrates you consume, you may experience the following outcomes:

• Euphoria
• Enhanced mood
• Increased focus and heightened perceptiveness
• Enhanced sexual libido
• Increased sociability
• Calmness and deep relaxation
• Appetite stimulation

You can expect a different experience when you smoke sativa dabs in comparison to indica or hybrid dabs. You should, therefore, confirm the chemical formulation of a cannabis dab product before you purchase cannabis.

How Does Dabbing Differ From Smoking Cannabis Flower?

The potency that sets weed dabs apart is also what makes them so controversial. After all, do we really need 60%-90% THC potency?

The main difference between THC dabs and traditional marijuana is their significantly higher THC potency.

The conventional cannabis strain contains about 18% THC, and that’s more than enough to get you high for a couple of hours at a time. 

Is Dabbing Suitable For Beginners?

The high THC levels in dabs are a double-edged sword. 

On one hand, marijuana concentrates make for convenient, efficient, and cost-effective consumption. 

On the other, they can quickly increase THC tolerance, which may lead to overindulgence and pose the risk of addiction and dependence. 

These heightened effects may also be overwhelming to some people, especially new stoners with a low tolerance. 

It is, therefore, important to be vigilant of the risks of concentrated marijuana, which we’ll discuss later.

For now, though, let’s take a brief look at the various types of cannabis extracts you can dab.

Dab Varieties: The Best Types Of Concentrate To Dab

When you visit a retail cannabis dispensary near you, you’ll encounter an array of cannabis extracts. 

Most of these are prepared via hash oil production and then refined for a highly purified end result.

Here are some of the most common dabs available:

• Shatter

This cannabis extract has a brittle, solid exterior and tends to snap or “shatter” when you press on it. Many weed enthusiasts tout shatter as one of the most potent cannabis concentrates.

• Wax

Wax, on the other hand, tends to have a softer, more malleable texture. This is due to differences in the extraction and purging processes.

Waxes are, therefore, super easy to manipulate on a dab rig. 

• Live resin

Live resin is a terpene-rich cannabis extract prepared by harnessing the trichomes and resin of flash frozen cannabis plants. 

Cannabis enthusiasts love resin for its fragrant flavor and complex profile of effects.

These three are some of the most powerful cannabis products you’ll ever consume. They’ll show you a good time, but only if you indulge responsibly. 

Electronic Dabs Vs Regular Marijuana Dab Rigs

Electronic dabs will revolutionize how you go about smoking dabs. To use a regular dab rig, you’ll need to have a butane blowtorch.

Electronic nails, on the other hand, provide temperature control, allowing you to enjoy your normal weed concentrates without exposing them to extreme heat levels.

E-nails are not only a convenient but also safe method of enjoying cannabis. By doing away with open flames, they help keep accidents at bay.

Health Effects of Dabbing: Are There Any Risks Associated With Dabbing?

While dabbing cannabis offers a potent and efficient way to enjoy THC, it’s important to understand its potential dangers, especially for new stoners or people using low-quality products.

Research suggests that dabs can contribute to lung injury and other respiratory diseases, especially if the concentrate contains residual solvents. In fact, there was a report in 2020 of illegal pot shops in Los Angeles selling sketchy vape pens!

Chronic dabbing may be linked to acute lung irritation and other respiratory concerns, though more research is needed.

As far as psychological symptoms, high doses of THC may cause temporary effects such as:

• Short-term memory impairment
• Paranoia related behavior or heightened anxiety
• Psychosis in individuals predisposed to mental health disorders
• Panic attacks, particularly in those with low tolerance for the chemical compound
• Intense anxiety

While a cannabis overdose isn’t lethal, it can be incredibly uncomfortable, marked with symptoms like rapid heart rate, hallucinations, changes in blood pressure, and impaired coordination. 

Dabbing in high concentrations may also result in a wheezing cough and uncontrollable vomiting.

That said, you can minimize the risk of these side effects by starting with the smallest dose possible and gradually increasing your consumption.

You should also always go for high-quality, lab-tested extracts.

Whatever You Do, Don’t DIY: Risks Of Concentrated THC Extraction

If you’re anything like most stoners, you’re fascinated with the idea of making cannabis products at home. And sure, you can easily prepare cannabis items, such as edibles, from the comfort of your home.

That said, the same doesn’t extend to dabs and other solvent-based cannabis extracts. This is because the butane hash oil production method, which is used to make dabs, requires the use of chemical solvents.

This extraction process is potentially explosive and must be done in a closed loop system by trained professionals. 

In addition, you run the risk of consuming lingering solvents, impurities, and pollutants— toxic elements that have no business getting in your lungs while marijuana dabbing.

You should, therefore, avoid the temptation to make your own dabs at home.

Instead, consider experimenting with hash, kief, and other solventless cannabis concentrates.

Addiction & Dependency: What You Need To Know

Frequent use of potent concentrates such as dabs can cause dependence in some stoners.

While cannabis use disorder can’t be compared to the severe addiction tendencies associated with substances such as opioids, it can still cause undesired effects such as increased tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Some signs of cannabis dependency and addiction include:

• Intense cravings
• Diminished enthusiasm in previous interests
• Mild withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, uncontrollable shaking, and sleep issues
• Increased tolerance to THC, leading to higher doses over time

While cannabis generally has a safe profile and is not as addictive as some common substances, dependency can develop, particularly with high-potency extracts. 

Recognizing patterns of overuse and moderating intake can help maintain a balanced relationship with cannabis. 

If cannabis starts interfering with your daily life, taking a break or seeking professional guidance may be beneficial.

Smoking weed should be a healthy and fun part of your self-care journey. Once it starts becoming a hindrance, that may be a sign that it’s time to put that joint down. 

Managing the Risks of Concentrated Cannabis

Do you find yourself using dabs more than you’d like? Have family members expressed concern over how much you’re dabbing this concentrated form of marijuana?

Taking simple steps such as moderating dosage, taking tolerance breaks, and choosing low-potency products can help.

If you’re finding it hard to cut back on THC, the psychoactive chemical found in the marijuana plant, seeking professional help may be ideal. Same goes for if you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms or engage in uncontrollable behavior when you’re high.

Practicing mindfulness practices such as meditation has been found to be helpful in managing cravings and developing healthier stoning habits.

Is Dabbing Legal?

Depending on where you are in the United States, dabbing is legal, just like other forms of cannabis. Different states have different cannabis laws, so make sure to familiarize yourself with yours. 

For example, in some states, there are restrictions on the amount of THC cannabis extracts can contain. Federal legislation also prohibits individuals from creating any cannabis concentrates, including butane hash oil, at home.

That said, in a bid to prevent cannabis use disorder, cannabis addiction, and other health risks, some states have outlawed dabbing marijuana extracts. In such areas, the most you can do is order regular marijuana flowers.

Final Thoughts: How Do I Properly Take a Dab?

Now that you’re aware of dabbing dangers and the risks of concentrated cannabis, you’re in a position to make the best decision. For most of us, that means figuring out how to enjoy THC dabs responsibly rather than overindulging. 

To properly take a dab, heat the nail or banger using a blowtorch for about 30-60 seconds. Don’t let it get to glowing red to prevent the chances of getting severe burns.

Let the nail cool for 10 seconds or so to attain the optimal temperature for dabbing. Place a small amount of concentrate on the nail, let it heat up, and slowly inhale the vapor. 

Take it slow, so you’re not inhaling too much vapor at a time.