Addictions have always been a matter of concern — be it smoking cannabis, opioids, alcohol to other chemical products or abusing prescription drugs. But a new trend in marijuana consumption has stirred an alarm in the markets around the world — dabbing — heating the plant’s oily extracts to inhale high concentrations of marijuana molecules.
Unlike the traditional pipe, dabbing uses a small heated surface, known as “nail” which is usually made of glass, metal, or ceramic. Concentrated marijuana or dab is applied on the nail, releasing vapors that the user inhales. But very few know that dabbing can have four times as much THC (marijuana molecules) than just marijuana in a dry form.
Vapour is usually viewed by some as being easier on the lungs than smoking marijuana. But is it? Researchers across the world have identified that dabbing vapour contains carcinogenic substances, including methacrolein and benzene. “Dabbing increases the concentration as well as rapid onsets of high. Thus, it’s definitely more dangerous if taken in a higher quantity. It has higher side effects compared to smoking while the effect may be short lasting,” shares Dr Puneet Khanna, Sr. Consultant and Head, Pulmonology, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Aakash Super Speciality Hospital. Research also shows that vaporisers can release harmful chemicals into your system. Certain chemicals like ammonia can negatively interact with your central nervous system, increasing the risk of aggravating asthma or causing bronchial spasms.
Adding to it Anuja Kapur, criminal psychologist says, “Dabbing is an accelerated method for a long-lasting high with a single inhale. Eventually smoking and dabbing both are harmful for a human being but in case of dabbing the effects start to surface only in the later years. Initially, all you get are highs but eventually one starts to experience short term memory loss or rapid heartbeats, hallucinations and blackouts.”
The marijuana concentrates are often extracted using butane which in turn gives a final product known as butane hash oil (BHO). Based on its consistency, BHO goes by a variety of names — wax, oil, shatter, and butter. According to recent survey data, users seek out BHO for a “cleaner,” more concentrated high. Talking about the concentration and the purity of the synthesised by-products Kapur adds, “Cannabis in itself is a pure herb but when fused with other harmful chemical based drugs, we get immediate side effects which can leave one internally damaged for the long run. On the other-hand, dabbing can lead to rapid heartbeat, blackouts, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations, to accidents and falls. Novice users can have additional risks as they are new to this.”
Adding to the concerns, Dr Rita Bakshi, chairperson at International Fertility Center, shares, “The high concentration marijuana molecules work as a catalyst in the process of damaging both egg and sperm. Dabbing causes a sudden spurt in one’s sex hormone, especially after 20 minutes and an increase which is six times the normal hormones, followed by sudden dips. Thus, causing random variations along with changing the shape and size of the sperm. “In Jamaica almost the whole population consumes cannabis but studies have shown that their fertility doesn’t get affected. While on the other hand, studies based on small groups in India have pointed towards problems in fertility due to consuming cannabis as it deprives one of oxygen along with releasing harmful substances,” adds Bakshi.
