Dabs – the newest kid on the block
Are you still blazing weed or hash? Its SO nineties the new word on the street is Dabs. On the most basic level dabs is hash oil.
Many people say that hash oil is the most potent form of marijuana available, and with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, say that after a few drinks. HA!) content starting at 25% on the low end, it’s hard to argue with them. Due mostly to the medical marijuana movement, hash oil (a.k.a. “dabs,” “concentrate,” “liquid cannabis, “wax” and many other names based on variety) has been growing in popularity in recent years. You can now buy “wax” (high content THC Dabs) that have a stronger and faster psychoactive effect than any other delivery method can provide.
The biggest positive of concentrates are that they give a powerful dose of medicine to those who truly need it. Patients dealing with severe or chronic pain or extreme nausea report that dabbing can be one of the best ways to get immediate and effective relief.
In the UK however even gaining medical marijuana from your GP for things such as pain relief is harder than in the US. Apparently jumping through hoops, getting lectured and being reprimanded are all part of the course. Websites such as www.cannabiscure.co.uk and products such as Sativex which contain hash oil or high levels of THC are just about the only places you’ll find it, bar your average guy on the street selling it. In other words don’t expect to find it in your local supermarket.
Dabs can come in a variety of colours from white to dark brown (apparently the lighter the colour, the better the hash). White is rare to come by so honey hash oil, which gets its name from its honey-like appearance and texture, is probably the best you will ever come across. The user takes a single inhalation of vaporized or burned cannabis concentrate (a dab) that has been placed on a hot nail (or your preferred instrument of inhalation) with a tiny spatula or needle for that impressive high. A word of caution some Dabs aren’t entirely organic and are extracted with a solvent.
The most widely used solvent is butane (better known as lighter fluid).
More importantLY, butane is a fire and explosion risk because it is so highly flammable. Many people have been severely injured using butane to make Dabs. And “butane” itself isn’t a pure substance it contains contaminants.
Like all substances, over 18’s only and if you must use it, do so with caution.