Citation

Sagar KA, Lambros AM, Dahlgren MK, Smith RT, Gruber SA. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2018; 190: 133-142.

Affiliation

Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core (CCNC), McLean Imaging Center, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program, 115 Mill St, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215 USA. Electronic address: gruber@mclean.harvard.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.05.022

PMID

30029166

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cannabis concentrates, including dabs, contain extremely high levels of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although these products appear to be gaining popularity among recreational cannabis consumers, little data exists regarding concentrate use in the US. We conducted a national web-based survey to examine patterns of concentrate use, specifically dabbing.

METHODS: 4077 respondents completed a survey designed to assess the use of conventional flower cannabis relative to dabs. Individuals provided information about frequency and magnitude of use, and also completed the Marijuana Motives Measure and Severity of Dependence Scale to examine whether dab users have different motives for use and/or demonstrate more severe consequences of use compared to those who only use conventional flower products.

RESULTS: 58% of respondents reported they had tried dabs at least once and 36.5% endorsed regular use (once a month or more). Those who use regularly use dabs were significantly more likely to report using for experimentation (feeling "curious") relative to reasons for using conventional flower products. Interestingly, motives reflecting positive effects (i.e., coping, sleep problems, relieving social anxiety) were endorsed more highly for flower use. In addition, regular dab users reported being more worried about their use of cannabis products relative to those who had tried dabs but did not use regularly.

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that cannabis consumers do not necessarily choose dabs over flower products for positive effects, but rather appear to choose these highly potent products for experimentation. As concentrate use may lead to increased cannabis-related problems, studies directly assessing concentrate users are needed.

Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Cannabis; Concentrates; Dabs; Marijuana; Potency; Survey; THC