Examining the Health Implications of Dabbing Reclaim

Everyone wants to get the best value for their money. This fact is true even in the cannabis world. Purchasing cannabis can be expensive sometimes, and it’s only natural that consumers look for ways to maximize their supply.

Some people use the stems and seeds of their weed to create infused teas or concoctions instead of discarding them. Others use them to prepare homemade edibles. Another popular option for being efficient with your weed resource is cannabis resin or reclaim. This article explains what dabbing reclaim is and the important health implications you need to be aware of about the practice. Follow closely.

What Is Reclaim?

Reclaim simply refers to the residual substance in your dabbing apparatus after smoking. When you smoke cannabis concentrates, the sticky substance that forms inside the pipe or dab rig is called reclaim. It can appear as either yellow, gold, brown, or black. And it is made up of leftover concentrates and other byproducts that were not completely used up during dabbing.

Seasoned smokers source for their reclaim by scraping the sides of their pipes or dab rigs. It is believed that the reclaim from a dab rig is more desirable than pipe reclaim. This is because reclaim from dab rigs is usually more enjoyable than the harsh and smelly reclaim from a pipe.

How to Collect Reclaim

The simplest way to collect cannabis reclaim is to buy a drop-down attachment for your dab rig. When you use your rig, the reclaim will build up inside the attachment. You can easily remove the attachment and clean it instead of dismantling the entire dab rig.

If you do not have a drop-down attachment, you can also collect the reclaim with alcohol. Here, you can use a small quantity of good quality isopropyl alcohol or grain alcohol to dissolve the reclaim from the rig. Store the mixture in an opened container until the alcohol evaporates. You can now use the residual reclaim.

How Reclaim Is Used

The simplest and most popular use of reclaim is to dab or smoke it. Dabbing reclaim first involves collecting the residue. Then you place it on your preheated nail or bowl. Next, the reclaim vaporizes when it comes in contact with the nail. You inhale the vapor and savor it just like you would for your fresh cannabis.

Aside from dabbing, reclaim is also used for the following:

1. Making edibles 
2. Making reclaim tinctures
3. Making reclaim topicals

Potency of Reclaim

Cannabis reclaim is primarily made up of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the original concentrate. And it can retain up to 65% of the total original cannabinoids. 95% of the 65% cannabinoids are usually decarboxylated.

It is possible to get high from dabbing reclaim. Many of its consumers report having similar high feelings with the original weed. However, reclaim has little or no scent or flavor because it has lost a significant amount of its original terpenes from heating. Ultimately, the potency of cannabis reclaim depends on the quality of the original cannabis concentrate. Your dabbing temperature and how long the reclaim has been stored also affect its potency.

Health Implications of Dabbing Residue

Reclaim is generally much harsher than pure cannabis. It can contain other byproducts of smoking, like ash and tar, which has some side effects. However, it rarely poses dangerous health concerns. Common health implications of dabbing reclaim include: 

• Sore throat: More heat is needed to burn reclaim, which can irritate the throat.
• Headache: The harsh flavor and smell from reclaim could cause a headache.
• Difficulty with breathing: The ash and tar byproducts found in reclaim can irritate the lining of the lungs.

So, Is Reclaim Safe to Use?

Although its taste is poor and its smoke is harsh, reclaim is generally safe to consume. Nonetheless, it’s best to practice the following precautions to avoid potential harm.

• Buy your dabs from a reputable and trusted source. Prioritize purchasing from a vendor that provides detailed lab results for purity and potency.
• Clean your dab rig after each use to reduce contamination. It is advisable to use isopropyl alcohol to clean it and then water for the final rinse.

When to See a Doctor

Dabbing reclaim can potentially have harmful side effects. If you smoke it and you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consider seeing a doctor.

• Severe headaches
• Increased feelings of depression or anxiety 

Final Takeaway

Dabbing reclaim or not is completely up to you. If you want to go the extra mile to minimize wasting your expensive cannabis concentrate, reclaim might be a good option. On the other hand, if clean and high-quality smoke is your priority, you might not enjoy dabbing residue.