What is Dab Drug?

Dabs are concentrated doses of Cannabis. They are made by a process of extracting cannabinoids, like THC, using butane or carbon dioxide resulting in a sticky oil-based product that is often referred to as wax, shatter, butane hash oil (BHO) and budder. Because of the concentrated amounts of THC that are produced, dabs are considered to be a very efficient way of getting high. While a popular method of consumption, dabbing is not without its dangers.

These begin with the extraction process itself. Many amateur chemists think they have mastered the technique, only to end up with a poor product. Houses have blown up, and a slew of experiments gone wrong have led to cannabis being talked about with the same unsafe reputation as crystal meth. Dabbing also looks quite scary. Glass smoking devices, heated by blow-torch are an uncomfortable image to a lot of people and are reminiscent of the process of smoking crack cocaine. There is indeed concern that the ugly appearance of dabbing is a hindrance to legalization movements nationwide. Due to the super concentrated levels of THC that are present in butane hash oil, for the first time it seems possible for one to OD on cannabis. This can lead to unpleasant experiences and in some cases passing out.

While recreational dabbing has its risks, the powerful concentration is of great benefit to medicinal users who really need it. Many chronic pain and nausea sufferers swear by the process and insist that it offers immediate relief to their symptoms. If these patients were to seek the same THC content by traditional methods like smoking, it would be nowhere near as feasible.

A 2014 study of dabbing had concerning results. Scientists found that although dabbing didn’t cause more accidents than smoking cannabis, it did cause users to build up a greater tolerance to THC and thus experience far worse withdrawal symptoms when they stopped using the drug. A 2015 study showed that over 80 per cent of marijuana extracts were contaminated with both pesticides and poisonous solvents generated in the extraction process. Though several states in the USA with medical marijuana laws have legalized the purchase of butane hash oils, it remains illegal to do so in Canada.