Exploring the scientific pursuit of extreme euphoria within research labs

In the ever-evolving world of cannabis, a new trend is taking centre stage – high-potency concentrates. These potent substances, such as dabs and vape oils, are rapidly gaining popularity, offering a more intense and rapid experience compared to traditional cannabis flower. However, they also carry increased health risks.

A Shift in Consumption Patterns

Americans are increasingly embracing products made from cannabis extracts, with a decline in the proportionate consumption of traditional cannabis. Today's cannabis processors have built on medieval methods, finding new, efficient ways to isolate desired compounds. One such company is Raw Garden, a cannabis firm with a state-of-the-art lab nestled within a manufacturing facility.

Raw Garden's farmland in Santa Barbara wine country harvests plants, and the buds are immediately flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen. The bulk of their products is based on live resin, a cannabis extract that aims to preserve a wide variety of cannabinoids and terpenes.

The Art of Concentration

The quest to concentrate the psychoactive components of cannabis goes back to at least the 11th century with hashish. Today, among the most common methods is hydrocarbon extraction, which uses solvents like butane and propane. Technicians at Raw Garden monitor machines that refine cannabis oil into various products.

The art of creating a concentrate's consistency lies in the strain used and small, inspired interventions during extraction. Products range from viscous semiliquids, creamy pastes, glasslike golden shards, and crystallizing substances. Raw Garden's live sauce product has a THC potency of around 70 percent, and their refined live resin diamonds can top out above 85 percent.

Intense and Fast-Acting Effects

Compared to traditional cannabis flower, which typically contains 15–20% THC, concentrates can have THC levels reaching 90% or higher. This results in a much more intense and rapid onset of effects. The draw to high-potency vapes and dabs also has to do with the subtlety of flavors and precision of one's intake. Handheld vaporizers are less conspicuous and more appealing to some concentrate users due to their discreetness.

Health Risks Amplified

However, these high-potency concentrates come with increased health risks. The use of these solvents in extraction processes has occasionally resulted in explosions in the past. Moreover, the rapid increases in heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms associated with concentrate consumption can lead to emergency incidents more commonly than with traditional cannabis flower.

Exposure to toxic compounds from high-temperature vaporization, including benzene and heavy metals, also poses a risk of lung damage resembling black lung disease. Additionally, concentrates can cause cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition of cyclic nausea and vomiting due to excessive use.

Furthermore, the high potency of concentrates increases the risk of paranoia, anxiety, temporary psychotic episodes including delusions, confusion, paranoia, and cognitive difficulties. The risk of cannabis use disorder also exists, with withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, sleep disorders, depression, and cognitive challenges common after heavy use.

Balancing Potency and Safety

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, striking a balance between potency and safety is crucial. While high-potency concentrates offer a unique and intense experience, it is essential to be aware of the associated health risks. As always, responsible consumption and education are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable cannabis experience.

References:

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Exploring the scientific pursuit of extreme euphoria within research labs