Hashing out the truth

All cannabis is not created equal:

  • THC concentrations vary (e.g. dabs vs. a joint)
  • Edibles affect people differently than smoking
  • THC andCBD cannabinoids produce different effects

Facts about marijuana concentrates

  • Marijuana concentrates are highly potent forms of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the mind-altering (psychoactive) chemical in marijuana.
  • THC concentrates are often referred to as 710 (the word “OIL” flipped and spelled backwards), shatter, wax, honey, crumble, budder, dabs (dabbing), hash oil, and BHO (butane honey oil).
  • Often appearing as an oil or a solid waxy substance, these masses of concentrates are known to hold extraordinarily high levels of THC, ranging anywhere from 40%-90% or greater.
  • The effects of marijuana concentrates are more psychologically and physically intense than traditional marijuana buds and can be up to 4x stronger than high grade marijuana, which normally measures around 20%.
  • “Dabbing” is a way to smoke marijuana concentrates using an electronic device or glass bong that delivers an instant high. Users prefer using e-cigarettes or vaporizers because it is smokeless, odorless, and easy to hide.

Can you identify these marijuana concentrates?

Image showing five forms of marijuana concentrates, described below.

  • Shatter: A hard, transparent, glass-like concentrate. It breaks or “shatters” easily into pieces. Typically amber or golden in color and can snap like hard candy when handled.

  • Wax: Soft and sticky with a consistency like candle wax. It can be molded slightly and is usually golden-yellow. Often needs a tool to handle due to its stickiness.

  • Crumble: Dry and crumbly with a texture like honeycomb or dried-out cheese. It’s less sticky than wax and breaks apart easily into small bits.

  • Budder: Smooth and creamy, with a texture like thick peanut butter or cake batter. It’s easy to scoop and typically appears golden or light yellow.

  • Hash Oil: A thick, sticky liquid concentrate. Usually dark amber or brown in color and packaged in syringes, cartridges, or small bottles. Often used in vape pens.

What are the effects of marijuana?

When marijuana is smoked, its active ingredient, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) travels throughout the body, including the brain to produce its many effects.  THC attaches to sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells in the brain, affecting the way those cells work.  Cannabinoid receptors are abundant in parts of the brain that regulate movement, coordination, learning & memory, higher cognitive functions such as judgment and pleasure.

Short-term effects of marijuana use include:

  • cognitive impairment
  • memory loss
  • reduced coordination
  • decreased attention span
  • distorted perception

For additional information visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse: What is Marijuana?