Marijuana Dabs Explained
Also known as cannabis concentrates, a marijuana dab comes from extracting THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. As a result, the dab is considered highly potent compared to the cannabis flower.
Dab has the same skunky odor as marijuana, and it refers to the process of smoking dabs, which involves applying or “dabbing” a small amount of cannabis concentrate on a hot surface. When heated, the dab releases a vapor inhaled through a dab rig. The dab rig is a specialized pipe that’s similar to a bong, but slightly different in appearance and in the manner in which the marijuana concentrate is heated or vaporized.
What Are Dabs’ Slang Terms and Street Names?
Dabs have different slang terms and street names. Some of these common names include:
- Wax —Describes the wax-like texture of some concentrates.
- Shatter — Refers to the brittle nature of certain concentrates that can shatter like glass.
- Budder — A soft and pliable concentrate similar to butter.
- Honey Oil — Derived from the concentrate’s color and viscosity, which resembles honey.
- Earwax — Describes the texture of a dab, which is similar to earwax.
- Oil — The generic term used to refer to concentrated cannabis.
- Errl — A word play for the word ‘oil.’
- Sap — Likely came from the resemblance of some concentrates to tree sap.
- 246 — Origin unknown.
- Live resin — Another type of cannabis concentrate.
What Are Dabs Made Of?
Dabs are an extract from the cannabis plant material that has undergone an extraction process to isolate the cannabinoids, such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD). The process of extracting THC and other cannabis concentrates involves the use of residual solvents, such as butane, propane, carbon dioxide, or ethanol.
The resulting solution is then filtered, leaving behind a concentrated form of cannabinoids known as butane hash oil (BHO) or cannabis concentrate. This concentrate can be further processed into various forms, such as wax, shatter, budder, or live resin, depending on the desired consistency.
What are Butane Hash Oil and Cannabis Concentrates?
Butane hash oil refers to the type of cannabis concentrate that is made using butane as a solvent to extract the cannabinoids from the marijuana plant material. Compared to traditional marijuana, which is in its flower form, BHO has significant levels of THC that range anywhere between 60% and 90% or higher.
Traditional marijuana only contains 15% to 20% THC. For this matter, smoking dabs derived from butane hash oil produces a more potent high compared to smoking marijuana or cannabis flower.
The other concentrated forms of cannabis, which include wax, shatter, and budder, have their own unique properties and consistency. Similar to butane hash oil, these extracts contain high levels of THC. Wax has around 60% to 80% THC, while shatter can go up to 90%.
What Are Dabs’ Side Effects?
The effects of smoking dabs are instant and unmistakable. Individuals who consume dabs can experience effects that can damage the brain, especially among long-term users. These side effects include:
- Blackout
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Increased appetite
- Increased blood pressure
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Potential for marijuana addiction
Withdrawal Symptoms of Dab Addiction?
Due to its potency, even consuming a small amount of this substance can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can last up to 2 weeks or longer. These symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Appetite Changes
- Anxiety
- Depression
Can Transcend Help with Marijuana Abuse?
Transcend offers treatment and support for individuals struggling with marijuana abuse. As an addictive substance, people who consume cannabis concentrates, including dabs, may require specialized marijuana addiction treatment.
Transcend provides tailored interventions and outpatient services, including mentoring and support groups, to address the root cause of marijuana addiction. If you or someone you know is abusing marijuana, recovery communities like Transcend can pave the way toward recovery. Visit our website today or check out our FAQ section to learn more about us.