The use of slang in drug culture often relies on innocent-sounding words to mask dangerous or illegal substances. In the case of "honey," this innocuous term conceals several different substances, each with unique and severe health risks. This article delves into the various illicit meanings of the term, highlighting the dangers associated with each.
The Primary Meaning: Marijuana Honey Oil
Among the most common street uses, "honey" refers to honey oil, a type of marijuana concentrate. Also known as Butane Honey Oil (BHO), this is a highly potent mass of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Because of its golden or amber color and thick, sticky consistency, it strongly resembles honey.
How Honey Oil is Made and Used
Creating BHO involves a highly dangerous process using butane, a flammable solvent, to extract THC from cannabis plants. This process is illegal and often conducted in makeshift labs, leading to explosions in apartments and homes. Once the butane evaporates, a waxy, semi-translucent, or hard resin remains. Depending on its consistency, it is given other street names like wax, budder, shatter, and dabs.
Methods of consuming honey oil and other concentrates include:
- Dabbing: Using a special water or oil pipe to vaporize a small amount (a "dab") of the concentrate.
- Vaping: Using electronic cigarettes or vaporizers to heat the substance.
- Infusing: Adding the concentrate into food or drink products.
Dangers of Marijuana Concentrates
The most significant risk of honey oil is its extremely high concentration of THC, often three or more times higher than ordinary marijuana. This can lead to more severe and intense effects, including increased paranoia, anxiety, and heightened risk of developing psychosis or other mental health disorders, particularly in adolescents. The unregulated nature of its production means contaminants may also be present, adding to the health risks.
The Recent Trend: Illicit Honey Packets
In recent years, the term "honey" has taken on another dangerous meaning with the rise of illicit honey packets sold online and in convenience stores. These small packets are marketed as natural energy or sexual enhancement products, yet often contain potent prescription-only drugs.
Undisclosed and Dangerous Ingredients
Federal agencies like the FDA have issued warnings about these products, finding that many contain undisclosed ingredients like sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). The primary dangers of consuming these unregulated products include:
- Drug Interactions: These medications can cause life-threatening low blood pressure when combined with common drugs containing nitrates, often prescribed for diabetes or heart conditions.
- Inaccurate Dosing: Without dosage information, users risk severe side effects or overdose.
- Dependency: Repeated misuse can lead to dependency on these chemicals for sexual performance.
- Serious Side Effects: Potential side effects range from headaches and vision problems to cardiac arrest.
The Natural Hallucinogen: Mad Honey
Another substance colloquially known as "honey" is the naturally occurring hallucinogenic mad honey, or "deli bal" in Turkish. This substance is produced by bees that gather nectar from specific rhododendron flowers, which contain grayanotoxins. Consumed for centuries in regions like Turkey and Nepal, mad honey is used both medicinally and recreationally.
Effects and Dangers of Grayanotoxin Poisoning
Grayanotoxins can interfere with the body's voltage-gated sodium channels, disrupting nerve impulses and muscle contractions. The effects of mad honey intoxication vary with the dose but can be serious.
- Mild Symptoms: Tingling sensations, numbness, dizziness, and mild hallucinations.
- Severe Symptoms: Lowered blood pressure (hypotension), irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), seizures, and temporary paralysis.
While rarely fatal in modern medical literature, a strong dose can cause significant distress and require immediate medical attention.
Comparison of Illicit Substances Known as "Honey"
| Feature | Marijuana Honey Oil (BHO) | Illicit Sexual Enhancement Packets | Mad Honey (Deli Bal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin/Type | Extracted from cannabis plant | Unregulated supplement with hidden ingredients | Natural honey from specific rhododendron flowers |
| Active Compound | High concentration of THC | Sildenafil or Tadalafil | Grayanotoxin |
| Appearance | Waxy, sticky, or hard amber resin | Individual packets of honey-like liquid | Reddish, bitter-tasting honey |
| Method of Use | Dabbing, vaping, or ingesting | Consumed directly from packet | Eaten or mixed with drinks |
| Key Dangers | Severe psychoactive effects, mental health risks, dangerous extraction process | Life-threatening drug interactions, unregulated dosing, severe side effects | Intoxication, poisoning, cardiac problems |
| Other Names | BHO, Budder, Shatter, Dabs, 710 | Black Horse, Bio Max | Deli Bal, Crazy Honey |
Why Understanding Drug Slang Matters
As drug use evolves, so does its language, with dealers and users creating new code words to stay under the radar. For parents, educators, and the public, knowing the various hidden meanings behind seemingly innocent terms like "honey" is a critical step in identifying potential substance abuse. Changes in behavior, academic performance, and social circle can also be warning signs. Education and awareness about these shifting slang terms are essential for prevention and early intervention.
Conclusion
"Honey" is a multi-layered and misleading street term for several dangerous substances. The most common reference is to highly potent marijuana concentrates, but it also applies to illicit, unregulated sexual enhancers and a toxic natural hallucinogen. The risks associated with these products, from cardiac arrest and severe psychoactive effects to potential explosions during manufacturing, underscore the importance of recognizing and understanding the evolving language of drug use. Staying informed is the first line of defense against these hidden dangers.
