Dabber can produce cancer-causing toxins

Researchers at the University of Portland found benzene and other potentially carcinogenic chemicals in the terpene vapor produced by replicating the conditions of dabbing.

This study raises some concerns about the safety of the dabbing, a practice that has become popular among cannabis users. This practice involves placing a cannabis extract on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor. Until now, concerns have focused primarily on the high concentrations of cannabinoids In these extracts, up to 99% of THC.

The risks associated with extraction also relate to the production process itself, which—if not carried out in accordance with appropriate safety regulations—can lead to explosions due to the use of flammable gases.

«Given the growing legalization of cannabis across the United States, it is imperative to study the toxicology of its use to guide future policies,» explains Rob Strongin, a professor at the University of Portland and the study’s lead author. «The results of this research clearly indicate that dabbing, even though it is considered a form of vaporization, can in fact release significant amounts of toxins.».

Strongin and his team therefore studied the chemical profile of the terpenes, the molecules that give cannabis and other plants their aromas, by vaporizing them in a manner similar to that of a dabber.

Terpenes are increasingly being used in e-cigarette liquids, as we have Recently seen at Vapexpo. Previous research by the same team had already found toxic chemical residues in the vapor from e-cigarettes when they were set to high temperatures.

Various experiments have shown high levels of benzene, a carcinogenic chemical, and methacrolein (MC), a known irritant that is also found in cigarette smoke.

The research team has identified two key areas of concern:

• the breakdown of terpenes when heated to high temperatures, which produces methacrolein and benzene
• The difficulty in controlling the temperature of the nail puts users at risk by exposing them to the «outgassing» of harmful substances. The presence of methacrolein increases with temperature. At 322°C, there is no MC

The research team must now focus on studying the degradation of «whole» cannabis extracts used in dabbing and in cannabis oil-based vaporizers.

The PDF of the full study can be found here.