Published June 11, 2021 · Reviewed by Sergey Litvinov, MD · ~524 words

What are weed dabs?

Weed dabs, also known as dabs weed, are a highly concentrated form of cannabis that contains a significantly higher THC concentration than traditional cannabis flower. Also referred to as wax, shatter, honeycomb, budder, and live resin, these cannabis concentrates are produced by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the plant material using solvents such as butane. The resulting high potency substance is then inhaled using a dab rig, which gives an intense high in a small amount of vapor.

Why are dabs weed more dangerous than traditional cannabis?

Dabbing caught on fast, and the risks are not obvious to most of the people doing it. Because of the concentrated form of cannabis, users expose themselves to extreme effects that can lead to both short-term and long-term health concerns. The main dangers:

1. Increased risk of addiction

The high potency of dabs weed makes it more likely for users to develop dependence. Since dabs contain significantly higher THC levels than cannabis flower, frequent use can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction.

2. Severe physical side effects

Some users experience rapid heart rate, dizziness, and loss of consciousness after inhaling the vapor from dabs. These side effects can be particularly dangerous for individuals with preexisting health conditions.

3. Mental and psychological effects

The THC concentration is so high that dabbing raises the risk of hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety, and feelings of crawling on the skin. These symptoms can be more severe compared to traditional marijuana use.

4. Residual solvents and contaminants

Dabs weed can contain residual solvents and pesticides if not processed correctly. Consuming impure cannabis concentrates increases the risk of toxic exposure, which can lead to serious health complications.

5. Higher levels of carcinogens

When dabs are heated to high temperatures, the process can produce harmful carcinogens, increasing the risk of lung damage and other respiratory issues.

6. Explosion or fire risks

The process of making dabs at home using butane extraction is extremely dangerous. Home extraction has caused explosions and fires.

What happens during treatment for dab addiction?

Detox and withdrawal management: Since the withdrawal effects from dabs can be more intense than from regular marijuana, a supervised drug detox program is the safer route. Symptoms such as severe cravings, irritability, sleep disturbances, and mood swings can make quitting alone very difficult.

Therapy and rehabilitation: After detox, addiction treatment programs focus on both group and individual therapies to help you get out from under the dependency. These sessions teach coping skills to manage stress, handle triggers, and prevent relapse.

Finding help for marijuana addiction at Pines Recovery Life

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to weed dabs, professional treatment is available. At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we build the detox around what you actually need.

If you are ready to stop, call 800.263.3869 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our programs.