Wax is a highly concentrated form of marijuana that is created by mixing butane with marijuana, burning off the butane and excess materials, and extracting the waxy substance for use.
While this process is far from organic or natural, the ear-wax like substance has become valued among some marijuana users. Sometimes, in an effort to make this substance more appealing, users call this substance “honey” or “wax crystals”. Use of wax is often termed “dabbing”.
Wax has a higher concentration of THC than regular marijuana. It can lead to side effects more quickly than marijuana, and it can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, and even dependency. That’s right, wax can lead to addictive behavior.
LA Weekly cites a quote from Dr. Michael Miller, medical director for Herrington Recovery Center at Rogers Memorial Hospital in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. “Addiction is a bio-psycho-social-spiritual disease,” says Miller, the past president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
“If you have a predisposition for addiction, the more potent rewards are more likely to kick in the addictive process in the brain. Very strong exposures to very intense rewards triggers a preoccupation and craving and cues to use again. That results in addiction.”
Risks of Wax
Some risks associated with highly potent substances like wax may include:
- Increased rates of addiction and emotional/mental dependence
- Increased risk of accident under the influence
- Increased risk of medical emergency due to complications caused by using the drug
- Increased risk of mental health symptoms triggered or exacerbated by the substance
When combined with the use of other drugs, including alcohol or prescription medications for underlying medical conditions, these risks can increase, and overdose may become an issue as well. And be aware, trying to make wax at home can result in toxic fumes, explosions, and risk of death.
Is Your Loved One at Risk?
As a new industry, there are few regulations in place to monitor and control THC levels in marijuana-based products sold for recreational or medical purposes. Though laws may change soon, this is help to those who use the drug illegally, worsen an ongoing drug addiction, or develop a drug dependence because of the high potency of the substance.
Learn how you can help your loved one overcome marijuana abuse and addiction today. We will be happy to answer your questions and tell you more about our evidence-based treatment program.
