Hotboxing is a smoking method used to increase the pleasurable effects of a drug. The user (or multiple users) smokes marijuana, cocaine, or other drugs in a small, confined space, with little ventilation (such as a car or bathroom) so that they not only smoke the drug directly but inhale their own (or others’) secondhand smoke as well. This increases the levels of the drug the user is exposed to and gives them a greater high. The hotboxing meaning is smoking in a small, enclosed, poorly-ventilated space in order to expose the user to heightened drug levels and provide greater enjoyment.
People often hotbox in a car, shed, closet, tent, basement or attic room, bathroom, or other small, enclosed spaces. Some people may even tape off cracks or ventilators in a room to assist with hotboxing. Hotboxing is often practiced at a party or other social venue to give the participants a more enjoyable experience.
Why is Hotboxing Popular?
Hotboxing has become popular among young adults because marijuana has been legalized in many states, leading to the belief that it is a safe drug. Additionally, it’s fun to hotbox with friends at social venues - or even alone. Young adults also often have easy access to cars, so hotboxing a car is easy, making it more likely that they may try it.
The reality is that while you cannot overdose on marijuana, it is a dangerous drug that can have long-lasting negative effects on the brain and body when abused. Although it may be fun to hotbox with friends in the short term, it is very damaging in the long-term. Furthermore, people who do not smoke marijuana and are present in the room when others are hotboxing it have a much greater risk of becoming addicted to the drug.
Why is Hotboxing Dangerous?
Hot boxing is dangerous because being exposed to such a high concentration of marijuana through both firsthand and secondhand smoke can impact your brain and body faster than just smoking marijuana normally. It’s important to note that the levels of THC (the main psychoactive chemical ingredient) in marijuana have increased over the years, making marijuana more potent and dangerous than ever. This is especially concerning for people who aren’t used to such high levels of marijuana, making an overdose a real possibility.
People who hotbox in their cars may attempt to drive while high, which can lead to an accident or even death. This is because the euphoric ‘high’ of marijuana can impact the user’s fine motor skills, balance, coordination, perception of time and space, reaction time, and other skills vital for operating a vehicle correctly.
Another concern is that a hotboxed car or poorly-ventilated room may eventually drop in oxygen levels, exposing the people in the room to elevated carbon dioxide levels. Exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide is called hypercapnia or hypercarbia. It is hard to detect and address this condition because the participants may think they are experiencing the lightheaded, confused side effects of marijuana instead of the deadly reaction to loss of oxygen.
Secondhand Smoke
People who are present in a hotboxed room are exposed to elevated levels of marijuana. Although secondhand smoke always carries a level of risk, secondhand smoke in a small, enclosed, poorly ventilated space is significantly more dangerous. Marijuana smoke contains tar and chemicals that are bad for the lungs and other internal organs.
Secondhand smoke exposure in a hotboxed space can lead people to become high on marijuana and even fail a drug test if exposed for many hours. As of writing, there has been some indication of marijuana having the same harmful effects on secondhand smokers as tobacco, such as lung issues, cancer, and addiction. However, more testing has to be conducted to bring sufficient evidence to support this claim.
Weed Addiction
Marijuana, otherwise known as weed, is most often the chosen drug for hotboxing (although other drugs may also be used). In fact, after alcohol, weed is the number-one drug of choice for young adults in the US. The issue of marijuana addiction has only become more severe in recent years, especially as marijuana has been legalized in many states. Many people also believe that marijuana is a natural substance, although this is not always true.
Children who are exposed to weed at a young age (under 18) are at greater risk of becoming addicted. The same is true for people who are exposed to high concentrations of smoked marijuana in a hotbox room. Other factors that put people at risk of marijuana addiction are previous mental health issues, a history of drug use, high stress levels, an impulsive and risk-taking nature, and other factors.
Side Effects of Marijuana Abuse
Abusing marijuana for a prolonged period of time, or using it very frequently and in high doses, can cause adverse physical, emotional, and mental effects in the long term.
Physical issues:
- Impaired balance
- Dizziness
- Altered sense of time and space
- Enhanced senses
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Delayed reaction time
- Nausea and vomiting
Mental issues:
- Loss of attention
- Loss of memory
- Difficulty problem solving
- Difficulty making decisions
Psychological issues:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Anxiety
- Depression
Long-Term Effects of Marijuana:
Marijuana can cause severe, permanent damage if it is used in frequent, high doses. Long-term effects include:
- Permanent decrease in brain function (that cannot be recovered after quitting)
- Breathing and lung issues (when the marijuana is smoked)
- Increased heart rate, which increases the risk of heart attack
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (a condition where people experience extreme cycles of nausea, vomiting, and dehydration)
How to Know if You’re Addicted
If you or your loved one are playing around with marijuana, you may be wondering if you are simply having some mischievous fun or if you actually have an addiction. Addiction is defined as when the body craves the drug and is unable to function without it.
Although according to NIDA, only 30% of people who use marijuana will become addicted, it’s critical to recognize the signs and deal with marijuana addiction as soon as possible. This can prevent lasting damage to the brain, body, relationships, finances, and more.
Here are some signs that can help you spot marijuana addiction in yourself or in a loved one:
- They continuously up the amount of marijuana that they add to their cigarettes
- They are unable to stop using marijuana, even with the greatest of motivations
- They spend less time with friends and family and more time with people using drugs
- They engage less in their hobbies, interests, and responsibilities in favor of their new friends
- They show physical signs of marijuana use (as explained above)
- They use weed to relax, distract themselves from unpleasant feelings, and to cope
- They always look for new means to acquire cash to purchase more weed, even if they’re broke
- They do everything they can to avoid taking a drug test when necessary
Conclusion
Hotboxing weed is no joke. If you are part of a social group that utilizes small spaces to hotbox marijuana, consider the serious health issues that can result and do everything you can to avoid such situations.
If you or your loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction, Avenues Recovery Center is here to help you. Our staff are experts in the field of addiction, and they will do everything to help you recover. Our dedicated and empathetic staff have helped thousands of people overcome their addictions, and they can help you too! We use a wide array of therapies and provide a community based recovery community, to facilitate real and lasting recovery. Reach out today, and we will tailor a treatment plan to help you medically detox and stay sober for the long term.