August 14, 2023Tyler Collins
One trend that has gained significant popularity in recent years is the use of wax pens. These sleek and discreet devices have become quite popular among teens and young adults, which may raise concerns for parents and guardians. If you’re not familiar with the term ‘wax pen’, you’re certainly not alone. Many people find themselves puzzled by this seemingly harmless phrase, unsure of what it actually means and why it’s crucial to understand.
In this blog post, we will dive into what wax pens are, their purpose, and the potential risks involved. Our intention is not to promote or discourage the use of wax pens. Instead, we aim to equip parents with essential information so they can engage in informed conversations with their children.
By understanding the nature and possible risks associated with these devices, parents can start open dialogue and make well-informed decisions to safeguard the well-being of their loved ones.
What Is a Wax Pen?
A wax pen, also known as a dab pen or concentrate pen, is a portable device used for vaporizing cannabis, specifically a type of concentrate called wax. Commonly referred to as wax or dab, these are highly potent extracts of cannabis that can produce a strong and intense high.
So how does a wax pen work? It consists of three main parts: the battery, the heating coil, and the mouthpiece. The battery provides power to the heating coil, which then heats up the concentrate placed on it. As the concentrate heats up, it vaporizes, creating a vapor that can be inhaled through the mouthpiece of the dab tool.
Wax pens are designed to provide a convenient and discreet vaping experience. They are often preferred over traditional dabbing methods because they are portable, easy to use, and don’t require a separate dab rig. A user only needs to charge the vape batteries of the device to maintain battery life so they can vape continuously.
Some wax pens and dab pens also offer adjustable temperature settings, allowing people to customize their vaping experience. Additionally, there are wax pens that come with pre-filled vape carts and a THC cartridge, making it even more convenient.
Are Wax Pens Illegal?
The short answer is: it depends. Whether or not wax pens are considered legal largely depends upon the laws of your state and locality as well as the age of the user.
In general, wax pens are not illegal because they are just devices used for vaporizing THC or other substances. However, possession of THC or weed is still illegal in many states under federal law and many states have their own laws regarding marijuana use and possession. So depending on where you live, there may be additional regulations on possessing and/or using a wax pen which could make it illegal in some places.
For example, recreational use of marijuana is legal in California but if you’re caught with a wax pen with THC in it in Texas, you could face legal consequences.
If you are under 21 years old, you are not allowed to use a wax pen with wax or dab in it. So if you are underage, it’s illegal to possess a wax pen even if it is legal in your state.
Potential Risks of Wax Pens
When it comes to wax pens, there are a few potential risks that should be considered before using one. Wax or dab is highly concentrated and can deliver heightened effects of sedation, paranoia, dizziness, anxiety, impaired judgment and memory issues. These effects can be especially strong for first time users of marijuana or other wax-based products.
In general, the psychoactive effects experienced from vaporizing with a wax pen can lead to difficulties carrying out daily responsibilities like attending school or work on time and focusing during tasks. Moreover, continuous use of wax pens may eventually cause tolerance which requires increased doses in order to achieve the desired effect leading to even greater risks of developing an addiction-like dependence pattern.
Finally, since most people aren’t aware that vaporizing involves inhaling heated particles into the lungs, there may be long term health implications associated with this vapor inhalation such as bronchitis and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Therefore any form of smoking should only be done in moderation after assessing potential risks involved.
What is alarming is that the users of wax pens and dab pens are mostly teens. Since their brains are still developing, they are at an even higher risk of developing addiction-like patterns and long term health implications associated with wax pens.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to Lighthouse Treatment Center today.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Preet Joneja PsyD and the clinical team at Lighthouse Treatment Center
Preet Joneja is the Clinical Director at Lighthouse Treatment Center based in Anaheim, California. She is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with individuals suffering from mental and emotional disorders.
Related Topics:
What Is A Dab Pen High Like? Read Before You Vape
Do Dab Pens Show Up On Drug Tests?
Sources:
HOT WAX. (2015b, September 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26554181/
Keller, C. J., Chen, E. C., Brodsky, K., & Yoon, J. (2016). A case of butane hash oil (marijuana wax)–induced psychosis. Substance Abuse, 37(3), 384–386. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2016.1141153
Pierre, J. M., Gandal, M. J., & Son, M. (2016). Cannabis-induced psychosis associated with high potency “wax dabs.” Schizophrenia Research, 172(1–3), 211–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2016.01.056
Medical Disclaimer:
The Lighthouse Treatment Center strives to enhance the well-being of individuals dealing with mental health disorders or substance use through accurate information about health conditions, treatment options, and their effects.
Our content is created with extensive research, citations, editing, and reviews. However, it is important to note that our information is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
