Hash is a shortened name for butane hash oil (BHO). Hash is a highly concentrated cannabis product. It is much more potent than other marijuana products, with a high level of THC that can cause intense mind-altering effects.

This article will explore what hash is and how it can affect people.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our treatment and recovery programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Hash?

Hashish (hash) is a form of cannabis. It contains higher concentrations of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants) than dried flowers or other cannabis products. Other slang terms for hash include:

• Shatter
• Dabs
• Black glass
• 710
• Ear wax
• Honey oil
• Butane honey oil
• Wax

Hash usually comes in a firm resin, wax, or oil. Users ingest hash by smoking it in a pipe, bong, or vape pen. Users can also combine hash with marijuana or tobacco and smoke it, add it to food products, or brew it as a tea.

Smoking or vaping hash does not create the same odor that occurs when people smoke marijuana. People may prefer hash to marijuana because it is more discreet. Hash also has more concentrated amounts of THC, resulting in a more intense “high.”

Side Effects of Hash

Hash users experience side effects that are similar to the effects of marijuana, including:

• Euphoria
• Increased appetite
• Decreased problem-solving ability
• Poor concentration
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Disorientation
• Lightheadedness
• Increased heart rate

Hash has a higher concentration of THC than other cannabis products. Users may experience more intense side effects than they’d get from smoking or eating marijuana.

The Risks of Hash Abuse

Hash contains high levels of THC and cannabinoids that may also cause anxiety and panic. This is especially common among users who take high doses of hash.

Some of the health effects of hash abuse include:

• Impaired immune system
• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory infections
• High or low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Airway inflammation

Heavy or prolonged hash abuse can increase the risk of cognitive problems like memory loss and difficulty maintaining focus. It can also lead to addiction and physical dependence.

Overcoming hash addiction can be very challenging. Many people require intensive treatment and ongoing support to safely stop using it and avoid relapse.

Hash Withdrawal

People who develop physical dependence on hash may experience intense withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Common hash withdrawal symptoms include:

• Excessive sweating
• Overexcitement
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Feeling fearful or anxious
• A sense of general unease
• Difficulty sleeping
• Intense cravings for cannabis

People may also develop psychological dependence, meaning they believe they need to use hash to function.

Withdrawal symptoms can make it very challenging to detox from hash independently. Most people require medical supervision, support, and treatment to stop using it and avoid relapse.

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Treating Hash Addiction

Many state legislatures have decriminalized or legalized recreational and medical cannabis use. These actions have given more people broader access to cannabis and THC products. People who use THC products can develop addictive patterns of use and signs of addiction, including:

• Needing more of a drug to get the desired effects
• Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, and hobbies
• New or worsening mental health symptoms
• Legal, social, or financial trouble associated with substance use
• Compulsive use (not being able to stop on your own)
• Withdrawal symptoms if you stop using hash

People who develop hash addiction may need treatment to stop using it. Addiction treatment typically occurs in stages, starting with a thorough assessment. The assessment generally involves gathering information about the person’s substance use, health, family history of addiction, and more.

Then, people may receive medical detox services. A medical detox program can help people navigate withdrawal safely. A detox program may include:

• Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual and group therapy
• Holistic therapies like yoga, nutrition support, exercise, and mindfulness
• Round-the-clock support and access to care
• Mental health treatment

After completing detox, people must continue their treatment to address the complex roots of their substance abuse. Comprehensive treatment plans include:

• Behavioral therapies
• Medical care and medications
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Holistic therapies like exercise, art therapy, mindfulness, and more
• Relapse prevention education
• Aftercare planning

After completing rehab, people must stay active in their recovery by following an aftercare plan. Aftercare might include attending 12-step meetings, sober living, and mental health care. It can also include other levels of addiction treatment or other activities that support lifelong recovery.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with hash abuse or addiction, you are not alone. You can find effective treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Reach out to the intake specialists to explore our treatment and recovery programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Marijuana/Cannabis
2. Science Direct: Hashish
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
4. JAMA Network: Psychiatric Effects of Hashish