Smoking Resin: Side Effects of Reclaimed Cannabis Resin (2024)

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Cannabis is quickly becoming legalized in many areas of the United States, and many newly introduced people are curious about the preparations of this psychoactive plant.

Cannabis resin, or reclaim, is a byproduct of smoked cannabis. It’s commonly found on the inside of smoking tools.

Although seasoned users may be familiar with reclaimed cannabis resin, many are still unaware of the potentially harmful effects of using this cannabis byproduct.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the different forms of cannabis resin, what reclaimed cannabis resin is, and what you need to know about smoking reclaimed cannabis resin.

Cannabis resin is a substance that’s naturally produced in the trichomes of the cannabis plant.

This natural substance contains many of the active compounds that cannabis is known for, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant.

The resin found in cannabis plants appears as either a sticky secretion or a powdery substance and can present in a variety of colors.

Cannabis resin can be extracted directly from the plant or from the tools used to smoke the cannabis plant. This resin has different names depending on how it’s extracted.

Some of the most common cannabis resin preparations include:

• Hashish. Also called hash, this is cannabis resin that’s extracted from the plant and dried into a pressed powder.
• Rosin. This is cannabis resin that’s extracted from the plant using heat and pressure.
• Resin or reclaim. Also called weed tar, this is cannabis resin extracted from tools, like a pipe or dab rig, after smoking.

When discussing cannabis resin, it helps to understand the distinction between the various types of resin, what they’re called, and how they’re used.

Hash and rosin

Hash and rosin aren’t usually called “resin” because they’re extracted directly from the plant.

Preparations like these are a popular choice for people who are looking to smoke or vape something more concentrated than dried cannabis leaves.

Hash and rosin are often stronger and have a longer-lasting high than traditional preparations.

Leftover resin or reclaim

Leftover resin, or reclaim, is often simply called “resin.” People usually only smoke it to avoid wasting any cannabis that may be left over in the pipe.

In fact, most people dispose of the reclaimed resin when cleaning out their tools rather than smoke it.

Your experience will depend on the type of cannabis resin.

Hash and rosin highs

Hash and rosin are concentrated forms of the resin naturally found in the cannabis flower.

When they’re extracted and processed into their respective products, they contain higher amounts of THC than standard cannabis preparations.

Smoking or vaping resin in these forms will undoubtedly result in a much stronger high.

Reclaimed resin highs

Reclaimed cannabis resin is the leftover resin from smoking cannabis. It doesn’t contain nearly as much THC as hash or rosin.

It’s also not as pure as these concentrated products because it contains other harmful smoking byproducts.

While you may still get high from smoking cannabis reclaim, it’ll probably be weaker than the high from pure cannabis or concentrated products like hash or rosin.

Cannabis resin that’s been reclaimed is more than just pure resin. It also contains the harmful carbon byproducts of smoking, such as ash and tar.

When cannabis reclaim is smoked, it can have potentially harmful side effects.

Some of the side effects of smoking reclaimed cannabis resin may include:

• headache
• sore throat
• difficulty breathing

These side effects are primarily due to the fact that reclaimed cannabis resin is a much harsher product than pure cannabis preparations.

It requires a higher heat to burn, so it can irritate the lungs and throat upon exposure.

It also contains byproducts that aren’t found in traditional cannabis preparations, which can irritate the lining of the throat and lungs.

Most cannabis professionals don’t recommend smoking reclaimed cannabis resin, as the risks and dangers outweigh the benefits of the high.

Although smoking cannabis reclaim isn’t recommended, it’s rare that it produces dangerous side effects.

Consider visiting a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Frequent or severe headaches, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. Smoking reclaimed cannabis resin may irritate the throat or lungs or cause a headache. If you experience a frequent or severe headaches, sore throat, or trouble breathing, schedule a visit with your doctor.
• Increased feelings of anxiety or depression. In some cases, cannabis may be linked to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. It may also be associated with the development of psychosis in certain individuals. If you experience any of the symptoms of these disorders, you should schedule a visit with a mental health professional.

Cannabis resin or reclaim is the term often used to describe the sticky byproduct that can be found inside cannabis pipes or dab rigs.

This leftover substance is composed of cannabis resin, ash, and tar. Unlike fresh resin products like hashish and rosin, reclaimed cannabis resin is a harsh product that can irritate the throat and lungs.

Most professionals in the cannabis industry don’t recommend smoking cannabis resin, as it can have negative side effects.

At the end of the day, it’s best to just dispose of reclaimed cannabis resin and start fresh.