Marijuana Concentrates | Effects & Risks

Marijuana/cannabis concentrates consist of a highly potent form of the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). They also include CBD and terpenes from the cannabis flower. These are made by extracting the cannabinoids from the glands or trichomes of the cannabis plant.

The final product is usually dark amber and often looks like honeycomb or butter. Because of this, these cannabis products are often called honey oil or budder. Some other names for concentrates include bubble hash, badder, kief, live resin, or shatter.

The THC levels on concentrates range from 40-80 percent, which is much stronger in THC content than what you’d get from smoking marijuana plant material.

This type of marijuana use can lead to serious side effects and increase the risks of several health conditions.

Effects Of Marijuana Concentrates

Marijuana concentrates are used via vaporizers or inhaled using a vape pen, dab rig, or dabbing tool (also called vaping or dabbing). Concentrates can also be infused into food as edibles.

After using a marijuana concentrate, effects can include:

• paranoia
• anxiety
• panic attacks
• hallucinations
• increase in heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• decreased coordination
• memory problems
• sensory perception changes
• fainting
  

Risks Of Marijuana Concentrates

Using marijuana concentrates can also increase your risk of several health conditions including addiction, lung damage, and psychosis.

Marijuana Addiction

Abusing marijuana concentrate products over a long period of time may lead to physical dependence. And if you try to quit or miss a regular dose, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms may occur. 

Trying to avoid these symptoms by using more any type of concentrate can morph into a cycle of addiction.

Signs of marijuana addiction include:

• difficulty managing responsibilities at work, school, or at home
• intense cravings invading thoughts and affecting ability to concentrate
• feelings of discomfort if the drug isn’t available
• relationships falling apart due to drug use
• feeling the need for higher doses of marijuana concentrates to achieve the same effects

Psychosis

Long-term use of marijuana concentrates can also increase the risk of psychosis and mental health issues. The drug can actually trigger certain mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

If you already have paranoia, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, concentrates can make your symptoms worse or you may experience more frequent episodes. 

Lung Issues

Because cannabis extracts and concentrates are smoked, there is an increased risk of lung irritation and damage. This can occur because of the smoke going to your lungs and because many concentrates are filled with impurities, solvents, and hazardous chemicals. 

Inhaling those substances can cause severe damage to the lungs especially if you’ve been using marijuana concentrates long-term.

Dangerous Extraction Method

Making marijuana concentrates like butane hash oil (BHO), wax, or butter can be even more dangerous than using the drug. 

The extraction method used to make these concentrates involves using solvents like butane and this part of the process can increase the risk of fires, explosions, burns, and even death.

While there are alternatives that are solventless, using butane, propane, and ethanol in the extraction process is popular because they produce high THC levels and are relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, they can lead to very serious injuries and destruction as well.

If you or a loved one live with marijuana addiction, contact Ohio Recovery Center today.