With the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Washington and Colorado, people are freely experimenting with different ways of processing the drug into unique and usable forms. The ones that are convenient, simple and/or provide a quick, potent high get extra points from drug makers, and a number of them are gaining in popularity among users. Edibles and dabs, or hash oil concentrate, are both on the edge of the trend that has become recreational marijuana use.
Unfortunately, both of these forms of marijuana, however trendy and alternative they may be, are often dangerous to make and even more dangerous to use. The risks can include bodily harm, medical emergency, and even death – a reality far from the innocent, all-natural image that many try to put on the drug.
Dabs
“Dabs” is the slang term used to refer to hash oil concentrate. Though hash oil has been around for a long time, this latest concentrated version called butane hash oil (BHO) is much different. Washington has banned its use and Colorado is working to regulate it, according to CNBC, due in large part to the fact that simply creating the drug can be deadly. Many across the country are causing explosions as they attempt to infuse marijuana buds, or trim, with butane and those who use it often find that its potency is too much to handle.
Called “dabs” because “just a dab’ll do ya,” it provides a high far stronger than smoking a joint. CNBC reports that BHO is about 80 to 90 percent THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that creates the high, while regular marijuana is usually between 15 to 18 percent THC. This extreme difference means that users may be taking on more than they can handle just by trying the drug and end up in the hospital as a result.
Marijuana Edibles
Candy, beef jerky, baked goods, and even gourmet and food truck food have been infused with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The goal? To allow users to experience a high without having to ingest smoke or create smoke that may be unacceptable in certain situations. The end result? A lot of trips to the emergency room.
Most of the deaths caused by use of marijuana edibles occurred in Colorado where the drug is legal and regulated. One young man ate the recommended dose of a marijuana cookie, 1/6 of the baked good, but when he didn’t experience any effects, he ate the rest of the cookie. Later that night, he ended his life when he jumped off a building.
Marijuana candies were blamed for the death of nine people in Colorado and 12 more people at the Coachella music festival in Coachella Valley, California. Called “Uncle Tweety’s Chewy Flipper” and “Gummy Satans,” these candies combined Jell-O with vodka and minced marijuana. They had a deadly impact on some and caused hallucinations and severe anxiety in others. It’s clear that even in this deceptively innocent form, marijuana is still a risky drug for many.
Co-occurring Substances of Abuse
Many users of marijuana combine use of the drug with other substances to detrimental effect. Among recreational users, alcohol and marijuana is a common combo, and those who use the drug for medicinal purposes may use the drug in conjunction with other pain management medications like painkillers.
One man in Colorado shot his wife after eating marijuana edibles and taking prescription painkillers. Like many other illicit substances, marijuana – even in alternative forms – is exponentially more dangerous when combined with use of other mind-altering substances.
If you believe that someone you love is abusing marijuana in any form, and it is causing him to harm himself or others, don’t wait to take action. Contact us at Michael’s House now to learn more about our comprehensive detox and addiction treatment program and how we can help.
