Dabbing is 'Serious Concern': Howard County Police Chief

The Howard County Police Department is shining a light on what it says is a potentially dangerous trend: ”dabbing.”

Dabbing refers to the use of a highly concentrated form of marijuana that is inhaled as a vapor, according to police.

A teen was hospitalized this summer in Howard County after taking one hit from a “dab,” or waxy marijuana extract, according to police.

Friends of the 16-year-old found her unresponsive and took her to the hospital, according to Sherry Llewllyn, spokeswoman for the Howard County Police Department. The teen was treated and released.

“This practice known as ‘dabbing’ has become a serious concern for law enforcement,” Howard County Police Chief Gary Gardner said. “As it increases in popularity, we want young people to understand the extreme dangers, and we want parents to know what to look for to help keep their kids safe.”

According to police, “dabs” are solid pieces of butane hash oil, created by using butane or lighter fluid to extract Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana.

Dabs of marijuana are at least 80 percent potent, versus the 15 percent potency of street-grade marijuana, according to police.

Inhaling the vapor may cause side effects such as rapid heartbeat, blackouts, paranoia, hallucinations and feeling like something is crawling under the skin, police said.

According to an article published recently in the journal Pediatrics, researchers said that scientific study of the drug is lacking at this point, and the safest option is to refrain.

Related: “Dabbing”—Dangerous Drug Seized in Maryland

The process of creating dabs carries risks, officials say.

“One of the most dangerous aspects of dabbing is making the butane hash oil,” Howard County police said in a statement. “The process can cause a fireball or flash fire that has been known to blow out windows and doors.”

Once the oil is solidified, it looks like wax, butter or amber-colored glass shards.

Since June, Howard County officers on routine patrol have found three cases of dabbing, according to Llewellyn.

The narcotics unit is investigating two additional cases, she said.

Officers were tipped off by paraphernalia such as butane torches and large quantities of cigarette lighters, according to police.

Howard County police encourage anyone with information about dabbing or other drug activity to call the Drug Tip Line at 410-290-DRUG.

Dabbing Primer

Names: Crumble, honey oil, budder, honeycomb and 710 (the word OIL upside-down and backwards)

Safety Risks: Butane use may cause fires, explosions and burns. According to Howard County police, people have had to get skin grafts from burns sustained during the process of creating butane hash oil.

Health Dangers: Side effects of use include rapid heartbeat, blackouts, feeling like something is crawling under the skin, loss of consciousness and psychotic symptoms, including paranoia and hallucinations, police said.

Graphic courtesy of the Howard County Police Department.