Butane hash oil and dabbing: insights into use, amateur production techniques, and potential harm mitigation

Abstract

The use of marijuana concentrates has escalated in recent years with butane extracts appearing particularly popular. The administration of butane hash oil, colloquially referred to as “dabbing,” is distinct from traditional flower cannabis usage due to the THC content of samples and the presence of impurities such as unpurged butane. While this may confer heightened risk to the user, additional significant concerns are tied to fires and explosions. Using butane as a solvent in amateur “blasting” methods may result in a flammable vapor pooling in enclosed spaces and igniting when exposed to a spark. As research on butane extract users, amateur production techniques, health risks, and legality is in its infancy, we explored existing studies on the topic to create a review of substantiated knowledge related to THC extracted using butane. The resulting assessment centers on three areas: 1) dab users including both recreational users and medical marijuana patients; 2) butane extraction techniques including illicit amateur open methods and the safer closed-loop system employed in medicinal/recreational states; and 3) risks, both related to fires and legality. We follow the presentation of this material with a summary of the (mis)information reaching the public in print and online sources so that public educational campaigns can focus on dispelling the inaccuracies and false notions of safety that may be tied to amateur production.

Cannabis Legalization and Acute Harm From High Potency Cannabis Products: A Narrative Review and Recommendations for Public Health

“…These products often have very high concentrations of THC, are commonly used for their greater drug-induced “high”, and have been associated with a number of acute harms ( 42 ). For example, “dabs” are concentrated extracts of hashish oil created using a butane solvent, while “dabbing” refers to the behavior of heating the extract on a device and inhaling the resulting vapor, often resulting in a very large and immediate dose of THC ( 49 ). The use of “dabs” has been associated with cases of acute psychosis, cardiotoxicity, and respiratory failure, though the exact causality remains unknown ( 49 ).…”

“…For example, “dabs” are concentrated extracts of hashish oil created using a butane solvent, while “dabbing” refers to the behavior of heating the extract on a device and inhaling the resulting vapor, often resulting in a very large and immediate dose of THC ( 49 ). The use of “dabs” has been associated with cases of acute psychosis, cardiotoxicity, and respiratory failure, though the exact causality remains unknown ( 49 ). The use of cannabis concentrates in vaporizers has been associated with increased risk of pulmonary injury and other acute harms ( 50 ).…”

Legalized Cannabis in Colorado Emergency Departments: A Cautionary Review of Negative Health and Safety Effects

“…Preparation of these concentrated products has also led to fires and explosion injuries in amateur production attempts in garages, tool sheds, and vacant homes 113,114. In Colorado 29 patients with butane hash-oil burns were admitted to the University of Colorado Burn Center from 2008–2014.…”

A Little Dab Will Do: A Case of Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

“…Once the product is manufactured, there are still risks associated with the apparatus known as "the oil rig" used to smoke these substances. This apparatus contains a nail that has to be heated to 400 degrees using a blowtorch in order to vaporize the substances for inhalation [2]. The high temperature not only serves as a factor contributing to the increased risk of burns but also allows by-products such as rust and benzene to be produced and inhaled.…”

“…There are a number of different methods to separate the cannabinoids from the plant, using techniques involving ethanol and carbon dioxide, but one of the increasingly popular processes involves using butane. The cannabis and liquid butane are pressurized and heated into a mixture [2]. Due to the volatility of butane, as the mixture evaporates under a vacuum, the butane turns from liquid to vapor making it easier to remove.…”