Health security

Many Teens Are Using Ultra-Potent 'Marijuana Concentrates'

A striking proportion of teens are using highly potent forms of marijuana known as marijuana concentrates, at least in one state, a new study suggests.

The study, published today (Aug. 26) in the journal Pediatrics, analyzed data from nearly 50,000 eighth, 10th and 12th graders in Arizona. The researchers found that one-third of participants said they had used marijuana, and nearly a quarter said they had used marijuana concentrates at least once in their lives.

Marijuana concentrates are substances with very high levels of THC(tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana responsible for the drug's intoxicating effects. Sometimes known as "butane hash oil," "dab," "wax," "crumble" or "shatter," these concentrates typically contain three times more THC than does the dried marijuana flower.

As more states legalize marijuana, the sale and marketing  of marijuana concentrates has skyrocketed. But few studies have examined how common the use of these products is, particularly among teens.