With the mass legalization of medical marijuana and the beginning of legal recreational marijuana use in a few areas of the country, the stigma of marijuana is changing. A large portion of the American population is not opposed to the legalizing the drug. This may be due to the fact there is little research done to prove that it does not have any medicinal properties. Additionally, since the 1980s, individuals have been serving long-term prison sentences as a result of selling marijuana, a seemingly harmless offense in the eyes of most citizens. Although these are good reasons to have the government change some of the regulations of this drug, they do not provide any reason for the citizens of America to lower their guards when it comes to the use of this particular drug. This may sound strange, especially given the lack of evidence of the dangers of marijuana use.

Since using it is legal in many areas of the United States, it is not necessary to discuss whether or not individuals should use it. However, as the stigma of marijuana changes, the ways in which people use the drug change right along with it. Some of these changes include trends of different methods of using marijuana, and one of those trends is dabbing. Considering the dangers of dabbing can help keep the American population on aware of how this substance can affect them, their loved ones, and many more communities all throughout the United States. Regardless of whether marijuana use is legal, it is absolutely important to avoid abusing it. Just as alcohol is a legal substance, marijuana has gained this favor. But, both substances can cause very serious and life-altering problems if they are not used as recommended. So, it is critical to completely avoid abusing this drug.

An Overview of Dabbing: What Is It and Is it Dangerous?

Maybe you have never heard of “dabbing”. The term may be new to you. But, this trend has found its way into the homes and lives of many people in the States. Dabbing is the use of concentrated cannabis. Users drop the substance on a heated surface and let it vaporize. They use a chemical solvent to take the oil products from the cannabis plant. These oil contents provide users with a more potent and stronger effect than a normal joint of marijuana would give them. Once the substance turns into a vapor, users can consume it by using a glass pipe.

Dabs, shatter, budder, wax, honey oil, crumble, and butane hash are common names that refer to a concentrated marijuana substance used in dabbing. It is basically a substance which contains the active ingredients in the marijuana plant. It ends up looking like a brown or orange-like glass or hard wax or resin. This substance is practically THC in concentrate form. (THC is the active ingredient in marijuana.) Because of this, the substance is much more potent than any average joint. In fact, the average joint can have up to a 20% THC level while the average dab can contain anywhere from 50% to 95% of this ingredient. As you might imagine, the effects of a dab are much more intense than those of an average joint of marijuana.

This extreme level of THC is just one of the dangers of dabbing that people who use marijuana don’t know before using dabs for the first time. The intense high can leave individuals debilitated and confused. Not only is this an unpleasant condition, but it also puts users at risk to make harmful decisions and develop an addiction problem. Needless to say, this can lead to many problems for the user and his or her loved ones. A THC detoxification process can help those who are struggling with marijuana abuse.

Identifying Some of the Other Dangers of Dabbing

As we mentioned, dabbing can cause some major issues in a person’s life. The high THC levels can be extremely harmful to those who use this substance. It’s true that dabbing can cause individuals to suffer from confusion and unable to function as normal. But, we have not truly identified the other ways in which dabbing can seriously affect those who become involved in this kind of drug use. Let’s discuss some of the other negative effects of dabbing. Then we will talk about how individuals who are struggling with marijuana abuse can overcome this problem.

Health Concerns: The increased high that users get from dabbing is cause for health concern on its own. The high can cause temporary psychosis, memory loss, increased heart rate, anxiety, and even hallucinations. Although the high is the result of the same chemical in regular marijuana, many believe that the intense effects of dabbing put individuals at a greater risk for trying other substances that produce like-effects.

Using: Typically, dabs are smoked using a glass water pipe. A metal coil is heated with a blowtorch until temperatures reach high enough to melt the wax and the wax is melted onto the coil and inhaled through the pipe. The extrusion of gasses from the oil itself as well as the blowtorch may be harmful to the user. Although, there is no federal research providing exact evidence on the harm of using dabs. But, many addiction specialists note that it is a danger to use dabbing equipment while also experiencing impairment due to the high potency levels of the oil.

Production: Undoubtedly, the most dangerous aspect of dabbing is its production. Butane gas heats the substance and extracts THC to transfer it into oil form. If even a cell phone rings during this process, there is a risk of an explosion. Many houses have burnt to the ground as a result of dab production. And, more are to follow in these days of marijuana progression.

Are You Addicted to Marijuana?

Many people believe that marijuana does not ever lead to addiction. They feel that this substance does not have the ability to cause such a problem in people’s lives. But, Contrary to popular belief, you can actually become addicted to marijuana. You see, those who use marijuana regularly may do so for either medical or recreational purposes. But, regardless of the reasons for use, individuals who use this substance on a regular basis may become mentally dependent on the drug. Even if a person’s body is not actually addicted to the substance per se, it is definitely possible for the individual to grow mentally attached to and dependent on the drug. As a result, the individual may feel the need to use the drug excessively because he or she thinks it’s necessary. Just like with the use of any other drug or alcohol, this can lead to substance abuse and, eventually, a kind of addiction.

People can also become physically or eventually addicted to marijuana. They may use the drug so often that they struggle to function without it. It can become difficult to feel “normal” without using the drug. Sometimes, people can even experience withdrawal when they haven’t used marijuana in a while. Their bodies go into a type of shock, causing them to experience some unpleasant symptoms. A few of these symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Aggression
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability and agitation
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances (i.e. nightmares)

The symptoms of withdrawal often cause individuals to feel the need to use marijuana again. They do so in order to avoid feeling the symptoms. Users feel that the drug “helps” them to get past these symptoms. But, the truth of the matter is that individuals would not feel the symptoms of withdrawal if there was nothing to withdraw from. The fact that there are, indeed, withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using marijuana proves that people can actually become dependent on or even addicted to this drug.

Getting Help for the Dangers of Dabbing

Do you think that you are struggling with addiction to marijuana or dabbing? Are you looking for help from the best rehabs in California? The Wellness Retreat Recovery Center can help. We are a treatment facility in San Jose, California that offers luxurious accommodations while patients can work on their recovery.

Check out our website to learn more about our programs and treatment options available. Have questions about enrollment or our facility? Call us today to speak with an addiction specialist confidentially at 888-966-9055. The staff at our California recovery center is dedicated to making sure you find your way to complete health through substance abuse recovery. So, don’t wait any longer to start the THC detoxification process. Contact us today and start your journey to a healthier and addiction-free version of yourself!

**Originally posted on December 27, 2018. Updated on March 21, 2019.