WHAT ARE MARIJUANA CONCENTRATES?
A marijuana concentrate is a highly potent concentrated form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that is most similar in appearance to either honey or butter, and commonly referred to or known on the street as “honey oil” or “budder.”
WHAT IS ITS ORIGIN?
Marijuana concentrates contain extraordinarily high THC levels that could range from 40 to 80 percent. This form of marijuana can be up to four times higher in THC content than high grade or top shelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20 percent THC levels.
Many methods are utilized to convert or “manufacture” marijuana into marijuana concentrates. One method is the butane extraction process. This process is particularly dangerous because it uses highly flammable butane to extract the THC from the cannabis plant. Given the flammable nature of butane, this process has resulted in violent explosions. THC extraction labs are being reported nationwide, particularly in the western states and in states where local and state marijuana laws are more relaxed.
What are common street names?
Common street names include:
710 (the word “OIL” flipped and spelled backwards), wax, ear wax, honey oil, budder, butane hash oil, butane honey oil (BHO), shatter, dabs (dabbing), black glass, and errl.
What does it look like?
Marijuana concentrates are similar in appearance to honey or butter and are either brown or gold in color
How is it used?
Marijuana concentrates can be mixed with various food or drink products to be consumed orally; however, smoking remains the most popular route of administration by use of water or oil pipes. A disturbing aspect of this emerging threat is the inhalation of concentrates via electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes) or vaporizers.
Many marijuana concentrate users prefer the e-cigarette/vaporizer because it is smokeless,
sometimes odorless, and easy to hide or conceal. The user takes a small amount of marijuana concentrate, referred to as a “dab,” then heats the substance using the e-cigarette/vaporizer producing vapors that ensures an instant “high” effect upon the user. Using an e-cigarette/ vaporizer to inhale marijuana concentrates is commonly referred to as “dabbing” or “vaping.”
What are the Effects of Using Marijuana Concentrates?
Being a highly concentrated form of marijuana, the effects upon the user may be more psychologically and physically intense than plant marijuana use. To date, long term effects of marijuana concentrate use are not yet fully known; but, the effects of marijuana use are known.
These effects include:
paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations. Additionally, the use of plant marijuana increases one’s heart rate and blood pressure, although prolonged use can produce hypotension. Plant marijuana users may also experience withdrawal and addiction problems.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol or vapor made from a liquid or dry material that is heated in an electronic powered device, called an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. The liquid can contain flavoring, nicotine, or marijuana concentrates. Dry herb vape devices can heat
dry marijuana without combusting it and without using additional liquid. Generally, the vaping device consists of a battery, a cartridge for containing the
e-liquid or dry marijuana, and a heating component. Vaping devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some resembling USB flash drives, pens,
or other everyday objects that are often difficult for parents and teachers to recognize.
What are common street names?
Common street names include: E-cigs, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes, tank systems, and Juuls or Juuling (after the Juul brand of vaping devices).
What are the effects of vaping?
Vaping is not considered safe, especially for teens and young adults, since the adolescent brain is still developing and inhaling any substance through these devices may be harmful. Additionally, some devices might explode, resulting in burns and other injuries. Most vaping devices contain and release
a number of potentially toxic substances including metals and volatile organic compounds from the devices and solvents used. Some of these have been linked to cell and DNA damage.