Understanding the Street Drug "Honey"
The term "honey" in the context of street drugs most commonly refers to a highly potent cannabis extract known as Honey Oil or Butane Hash Oil (BHO) [1.2.1, 1.2.3]. Its name comes from its sticky, gooey consistency and golden-amber color, which closely resembles natural honey [1.2.1, 1.2.4]. This substance is part of a larger category of marijuana products called concentrates, which are known for their very high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis [1.2.1]. While regular marijuana typically contains THC levels of 15-20%, concentrates like honey oil can have THC levels ranging from 40% to over 90% [1.2.2, 1.4.4].
Other street names for this and similar concentrates include BHO, wax, ear wax, budder, shatter, dabs, and 710 (the word 'OIL' flipped and spelled backwards) [1.2.1, 1.6.2]. These various names often describe the specific consistency of the final product, which can range from a gooey liquid (honey oil) to a soft solid (wax or budder) or a hard, glass-like substance (shatter) [1.2.1, 1.2.4].
The Dangers of BHO Production
A significant danger associated with honey oil lies in its illicit production method [1.5.1]. The most common technique involves using butane, a highly flammable solvent, to strip THC and other cannabinoids from the marijuana plant [1.4.1]. In this process, liquid butane is passed through a tube packed with cannabis plant material. The butane dissolves the plant's active compounds and is then purged, typically through heating, to evaporate the solvent and leave behind the concentrated oil [1.2.1, 1.4.1].
This process is extraordinarily hazardous, especially when attempted by amateurs in poorly ventilated spaces like homes, apartments, or hotel rooms [1.5.2, 1.5.4]. Butane gas is highly volatile and can easily be ignited by a spark from a pilot light, static electricity, or a cigarette, leading to powerful explosions and fires [1.4.2, 1.5.1]. In 2014, Colorado reported 32 explosions related to honey oil manufacturing [1.5.1]. These incidents have caused severe, life-threatening burns and extensive property damage [1.5.3, 1.5.6]. In one 16-month period, 17 people were hospitalized in Portland, Oregon, from attempting to make BHO [1.5.3].
Pharmacological Effects and Methods of Use
Due to its high concentration of THC, honey oil produces a rapid and intense high [1.4.1]. Users report feelings of euphoria and relaxation, but the potency also increases the risk of negative psychological and physical effects [1.2.1, 1.4.1].
Common methods for consuming honey oil include:
- Dabbing: This is the most popular method. It involves using a specialized pipe called a "dab rig" or an oil pipe. A small amount of the concentrate (a "dab") is applied to a heated surface (often called a nail), which instantly vaporizes it for inhalation [1.2.3, 1.3.1].
- Vaping: Many users prefer electronic cigarettes or vaporizers because they are smokeless, odorless, and discreet [1.2.1]. The concentrate is loaded into the device, which heats it to produce an inhalable vapor [1.2.2].
- Infusing: The oil can be infused into food or drinks, similar to other cannabis edibles [1.2.1].
Health Risks and Side Effects
The extreme potency of honey oil amplifies the risks associated with marijuana use. Because the research on such high-THC products is limited, the long-term effects are not fully understood [1.3.4, 1.5.3].
Short-Term Effects May Include [1.3.2, 1.3.7]:
- Altered perception and mood changes
- Impaired coordination and judgment
- Short-term memory loss
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Hallucinations and psychosis, especially in new users or with high doses [1.3.3, 1.3.7]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness [1.3.2]
Long-Term Health Risks:
- Addiction: The intense and immediate high from BHO may increase the risk of developing tolerance, dependence, and addiction [1.3.6, 1.3.5]. One study noted that among young marijuana users, one in six become addicted [1.3.5].
- Mental Health: High-potency cannabis use can worsen conditions like depression and anxiety and may trigger psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals [1.2.3].
- Respiratory Issues: While vaping is sometimes seen as safer than smoking, inhaling any foreign substance can be harmful to the lungs. Illegally produced BHO may also contain residual butane and other chemical impurities, posing additional risks [1.3.2, 1.5.3].
Comparison Table: Honey Oil (BHO) vs. Traditional Marijuana
| Feature | Honey Oil (BHO) | Traditional Marijuana Flower |
|---|---|---|
| THC Content | 40% - 90%+ [1.2.2, 1.4.4] | 15% - 25% [1.2.2] |
| Appearance | Golden, amber liquid, wax, or brittle solid [1.2.1] | Dried green-gray plant material [1.7.5] |
| Primary Use | Dabbing, vaping [1.2.1] | Smoking (joints, pipes, bongs) [1.2.1] |
| Onset of Effects | Nearly instantaneous and very intense [1.2.1, 1.2.3] | Rapid, but generally less intense [1.7.5] |
| Risk of Over-intoxication | High, can lead to paranoia, psychosis [1.3.3, 1.3.7] | Moderate |
| Production Risk | Extremely high risk of explosion and fire [1.5.1] | Primarily agricultural risks |
Other Meanings of "Honey"
While BHO is the primary substance known as "honey," the term can have other meanings in different contexts:
- Mad Honey: A rare type of honey produced from the nectar of Rhododendron plants containing grayanotoxins [1.2.7]. It has intoxicating and hallucinogenic effects and is used recreationally and as a traditional medicine in places like Nepal and Turkey [1.2.7].
- Heroin and Cough Syrup: Historically, heroin was marketed by Bayer as a cough suppressant [1.7.1, 1.7.2]. Natural honey is also recognized as an effective cough treatment, sometimes more so than over-the-counter medications [1.7.4]. This creates a tangential association between "honey" and cough remedies that once included opioids.
Conclusion
The street drug called "honey" is predominantly Butane Honey Oil (BHO), a powerful cannabis concentrate with dangerously high THC levels. Its production is fraught with risks of explosion and severe burns. While users seek an intense high, they face significant health risks, including a higher potential for addiction, acute psychosis, and unknown long-term consequences. The extreme potency and hazardous manufacturing process make honey oil a substance of significant public health concern. For safer use of legal cannabis products, it is recommended to purchase them from licensed retail stores [1.3.3].
Authoritative Link: Get Smart About Drugs - What You Should Know About Marijuana Concentrates/ Honey Butane Oil [1.2.1]
