title: A new method of cannabis ingestion: the dangers of dabs?
abstract: A new method for administering cannabinoids, called butane hash oil ("dabs"), is gaining popularity among marijuana users. Despite press reports that suggest that "dabbing" is riskier than smoking flower cannabis, no data address whether dabs users experience more problems from use than those who prefer flower cannabis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to gather preliminary information on dabs users and test whether dabs use is associated with more problems than using flower cannabis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n=357) reported on their history of cannabis use, their experience with hash oil and the process of "dabbing," reasons for choosing "dabs" over other methods, and any problems related to both flower cannabis and butane hash oil.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analyses revealed that using "dabs" created no more problems or accidents than using flower cannabis. Participants did report that "dabs" led to higher tolerance and withdrawal (as defined by the participants), suggesting that the practice might be more likely to lead to symptoms of addiction or dependence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of butane hash oil has spread outside of the medical marijuana community, and users view it as significantly more dangerous than other forms of cannabis use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222, United States. Electronic address: mloflin@albany.edu.
authors.forename: Mallory
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loflin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222, United States.
authors.forename: Mitch
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Earleywine
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002073:Butanes; D002188:Cannabis; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse; D008875:Middle Aged; D009821:Oils; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002073:Butanes; D009821:Oils; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; C046888:butane; D013759:Dronabinol
keywords: BHO; Butane hash oil; Cannabis; Concentrates; Dabs