Marijuana wax is a relatively new product, unlike traditional marijuana which has been used for centuries. As a result, the long-term effects of marijuana wax are not yet fully understood.
This article showcases the risks associated with smoking marijuana wax, including the immediate psychological and physical effects, as well as the potential for addiction, overdose, and long-term health implications.
What Is Marijuana Wax?
This is marijuana wax is a highly concentrated cannabis extract that’s significantly stronger than traditional marijuana. It resembles a sticky, honey-colored substance that looks like ear wax.
It’s commonly referred to as dabs, honey, or butane hash oil (BHO). The average THC concentration in marijuana wax is around 54%, with some samples reported to have up to 99% THC, making it much more potent than regular cannabis.
The process of making marijuana wax often involves using butane extraction, which can be dangerous due to the potential for explosions and toxic residues if not done safely.
Marijuana wax is primarily consumed through methods like dabbing or vaporizing, making it easy to conceal compared to traditional marijuana products.
The enticing nature of potent cannabis concentrates can lead teens to a dangerous path of addiction, mental health problems, and lasting health issues, which is why professional intervention is highly important for young people abusing this substance.
The Potency of Marijuana Wax
Marijuana wax typically contains significantly higher THC levels compared to traditional marijuana, with concentrations often reaching 40-80% and sometimes even up to 99% in certain samples.
Due to this extreme potency, a single “hit” or “dab” of wax, which is roughly the size of a pinhead, can be equivalent to smoking one or two joints of dried marijuana leaves that usually contain 5 to 28% THC.
Short-Term Effects of Marijuana Wax
The high THC concentrations in wax can lead to increased anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia. You may experience hallucinations and extreme behavioral changes due to the nearly instant high.
Poor memory and cognitive impairment are common, making it difficult to concentrate or recall information.
Physiologically, elevated heart rate and blood pressure can pose risks, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions.
In severe cases, temporary psychosis may occur, requiring hospitalization.
The powerful euphoria induced by wax consumption can also result in sensations of formication, in which users experience the illusion of insects crawling on or beneath their skin.
Long-Term Dangers and Health Concerns
You’re at a higher risk of developing physical and psychological dependence, which can lead to addiction and require professional treatment.
Regular use of marijuana wax during adolescence, when the brain is still developing, can lead to impaired learning, memory, and impulse control.
Marijuana wax can also exacerbate or trigger mental health issues like anxiety, depression, psychosis, and even schizophrenia, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
Chronic use can also result in addiction, with withdrawal symptoms including nausea, cold sweats, lack of appetite, sleeplessness, and irritability.
The method of production using solvents like butane can leave harmful residues, leading to lung damage and conditions similar to “black lung.”
The extreme potency of marijuana wax increases the risk of unintentional overconsumption, which can result in severe side effects like cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, psychosis, and even hospitalization.
Wax use negatively impacts relationships, academic performance, and work life, highlighting the far-reaching social consequences of this dangerous habit.
Risk of Overdose and Toxicity
Smoking marijuana wax puts you at a high risk of overdose and toxicity due to its extreme THC concentration, which can be up to 99%.
One hit of wax can be equivalent to one or two joints of regular cannabis, making it easy to unintentionally overdose. The intense effects can include hallucinations, severe anxiety, and temporary psychosis, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Butane residues in improperly made wax can damage your lungs and release toxic degradation products when heated.
Dabbing wax can lead to overconsumption, resulting in acute health emergencies like elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and severe panic attacks.
Final Thoughts from New Chapter Youth Program
At New Chapter Youth Program, we recognize the distinct challenges that adolescents encounter when grappling with cannabis addiction. Our tailored treatment programs are crafted to tackle not only the physical dependence but also the psychological and social elements that contribute to substance abuse. We provide a secure, nurturing environment where young people can learn, develop, and break free from the clutches of marijuana wax addiction.
