Are Dabs Really The “Crack” of Cannabis? | Stoner Blog
Some of the old school stoners or some that haven’t really been on the internet (or people that are still stuck in reefer madness) genuinely think that cannabis concentrates are comparable to crack. Confusing to say the least, especially since cannabis concentrates (and “dabs”) have been around since the 80s. The only reason we’re now hearing about this now is that cannabis in the spotlight… And the people who don’t like it need something to complain about.
If you don’t know, dabs are a concentrated form of THC. The honey/wax/crumble like substance in place on a heated piece of titanium, glass, quartz, or ceramic and the heat vaporizes the concentrate. Dabs are stronger than buds, testing anywhere between 50 to 90% THC. Flower usually tops out at around 29% THC. Some people, the high from a dab lasts far longer than a bong rip, which leads some people to prefer dabs, for the fact that you need less coupled with the purity.
While these side effects are blamed mostly on dabs, it does also happen with cannabis flower.
On one hand, you have people who will smoke dabs and freak out. They will get extremely paranoid and anxious. There are those who will even get sick from the dabs.They will throw up, have panic attacks, and feel weak/dizzy. While these side effects are blamed mostly on dabs, it does also happen with cannabis flower. Every once in a while, you will encounter someone who has smoked a bowl and had a massive panic attack. There are also people who smoke dabs and freak out. Seeing as how every individual processes THC differently, this fact isn’t surprising.
Justin Kander, the head of research and development at Aunt Zelda’s (a cannabis concentrate company that craft edibles), says that cannabis concentrates are not like heroin or crack but that the high doses should be taken properly. From what he has seen in his time in the industry, Kander says that continued use over a long period of time can potentially cause permanent paranoia and anxiety. Even longer use may even increase the risk of brain damage but that is incredibly rare and almost unheard of. Another thing to be aware of is the increased tolerance. Prolonged use of cannabis concentrates can cause extremely high tolerances, which will ultimately result in you having to take a break.
Dabs are not like crack or meth or heroin. Some people handle substances differently and there are always people who will end up getting really unlucky. The high dose of cannabis concentrate may cause negative effects but for patients with cancer or other severe illnesses, it can be lifesaving. The general consensus? Dabbing every day might end up having negative side effects. Sometimes it’s good to just take a concentrate-tolerance break.
