The potential impact of potent marijuana on psychological well-being
A growing concern in the cannabis landscape is the increased use of vaping and dabbing high-potency THC concentrates, particularly among teenagers and young adults. This trend, explored in-depth by The New Cannabis, highlights the potential risks associated with these methods of consumption.
The Dangers of Dabbing
Dabbing involves the use of highly concentrated THC-based products such as wax or shatter. These substances deliver THC in much higher doses than traditional marijuana, leading to a rapid dependence on the drug. Teenagers and young adults, whose brains are still developing, are particularly susceptible to the cognitive and psychological impacts of heavy THC exposure [1].
The process of dabbing can also introduce additional health hazards. Accurately gauging dosage is challenging, increasing the risk of unpleasant overdosing effects. Furthermore, the manufacturing of these concentrates often occurs under unregulated conditions, potentially leading to residual solvents or contaminants like rust from dab rigs [1].
The Risks of Vaping
While vaping THC concentrates is considered less harmful than smoking plant cannabis due to reduced exposure to harmful byproducts [3], the risks of THC overdose and dependence remain, especially with high-potency concentrates used in devices like wax pens and dab rigs [4].
The risks for teenagers and young adults are particularly pronounced. They include:
- Tolerance and dependency: Rapid buildup leading to the need for more to achieve effects, making habits costly and addictive [1].
- Withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, depression, cognitive difficulties, paranoia, irritability, and sleep disorders [1].
- Dose control difficulties: Risk of overdose and unpleasant intense intoxication [1].
- Exposure to contaminants: Unknown additives and impurities from manufacturing and equipment [1].
- Impact on brain development: Potential long-term cognitive and psychological effects due to adolescent brain vulnerability [1].
The Impact on Mental Health
Regular use of high-potency THC can disrupt physiological processes in the teen brain, which is still developing and undergoing changes related to pruning. This can have harmful effects on mental health, especially with repeated or chronic use [2].
Adolescents who use high-potency cannabis weekly have an 11 times greater risk of developing a psychotic disorder [5]. People who experience cannabis-induced psychosis at any age have a 47% higher risk of developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder [6].
In conclusion, while vaporizers may reduce exposure to harmful smoke chemicals compared to traditional cannabis smoking [3], dabbing and vaping high-potency THC concentrates carry substantial risks, especially for young users, due to their potency, potential contaminants, and challenges in dose control [1][4].
References:
[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Marijuana. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). What are the long-term effects of marijuana use on the developing adolescent brain? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-long-term-effects-marijuana-use-on-developing-adolescent-brain
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). How does marijuana compare to other drugs? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-compare-to-other-drugs
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). What are the health effects of marijuana use? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-health-effects-marijuana-use
[5] Martins, S. S., et al. (2024). Association between cannabis use and psychotic experiences in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 54(11), 2184–2201. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003329172300295X
[6] Di Forti, M., et al. (2019). Cannabis use and the risk of developing psychosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 30(5), 572–589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.02.013
- The dabbing practice and vaping high-potency THC concentrates, commonly occurring among teenagers and young adults, may pose potential risks to mental health due to rapid dependence, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of psychotic disorders and schizophrenia.
- Dab rigs, being used for dabbing, may contain harmful contaminants like rust, and accurate dosage is difficult to estimate, leading to the risk of overdose and intense intoxication.
- Regular education about health-and-wellness, including mental health, is crucial for young users to understand the impacts of high-potency THC on brain development, cognitive functions, and the increased risk of psychotic disorders associated with its prolonged use.
