Spots (cannabis)
Spots (also known as "spotting", "dots", "hot knives", or "blades")[1] are a method of smoking cannabis, hashish, or cannabis resin[2]. In this method, small pieces of cannabis are rolled (or simply torn from a larger bud) to form the "spot". Generally, two knives are heated and the spot is then compressed between the two blades and the subsequent smoke is inhaled.[3] In order to facilitate this process a "spottle" (also referred to as a "bowser" or "hooter") is used to capture the smoke and maximise the amount of smoke inhaled, generally made from a funnel or cone shaped container such as the sawn off top of a plastic lemonade bottle. [4][5]
Although practiced the world over, the spots method of cannabis smoking is most common in New Zealand.[6] [7]Possession of knives that have been previously used for spotting (easily distinguished by their blackened and discoloured appearance[4][8]) is considered "possession of instruments" for drug use and is thus illegal under New Zealand law. If convicted the accused faces a possible maximum 1 year prison sentence and/or $500 fine. [9]
In the United Kingdom this method of smoking is relatively rare, and appears to be getting rarer. One 1998 survey of regular UK cannabis users put usage of the "hot knives" technique at only 1.3%, down from 5.2% in 1984[10].
Spotting in popular culture
Spotting has been featured in the popular New Zealand television show Back Of The Y in their "drugs special" and also in the lyrics of the locally successful bogan rock band Deja Voodoo[11].
The practice has also made multiple appearances (referred to as hot knives) in the popular Canadian TV show Trailer Park Boys (specifically S1E1 at 6min30sec and S4E1 at 1min30sec).
Health risks
Users spotting cannabis are susceptible to all the associated health risks of other methods of smoking cannabis . Spotting cannabis oil or resin is thought to be particularly harmful to the lungs, as the smoke comes off the oil at such a high temperature. [12]. One possible way of minimising the risks of spotting marijuana is using cooler knives, leading to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being vapourised rather than the entire plant matter being burned [13]. Some users also fill the lower half of the spottle with ice (that stays in place by being frozen to the edges of the spottle), leading to a cooler smoke that is less harsh on the lungs [14].
Care must be taken not to touch the side of a plastic spottle with a hot knife when inhaling spots, as burning plastic gives off many toxic chemicals[15], including (in the case of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics) dioxin[16], a carcinogenic. For this reason many smokers prefer to use a glass spottle.
A 1998 joint submission by the Royal Society and the Academy of Medical Science on the recreational and medical use of marijuana expressed concern about the use and dissemination of the "hot knives" technique. The submission speculated that increasing use of methods of smoking that enable massive inhalation (and therefore higher intake of cannabinoids) may lead to an increase in incidents of short term cannabis related mental disturbance.[17]
Notes and references
- ^ http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Cannabis_drug_-_Preparations_for_human_consumption/id/5276282
- ^ "Handbook of Pharmacy Education", Harmen R.J., 2001, Pg 169
- ^ "Cannabis use in a drug and alcohol clinic population", McBride A. J. 1994
- ^ a b "Understanding street drugs: a handbook of substance misuse for parents, teachers and other professionals", Emmett D. & Nice G. 2006, Pg 41
- ^ "James Bong's Ultimate SpyGuide to Marijuana", Arooka, Pg 186
- ^ http://www.economicexpert.com/a/Spotting.htm
- ^ Put that in your pipe and smoke it: a travellers guide to smoking pot in New Zealand
- ^ http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-853942d3-9e56-4a67-b02b-64622fb9abed.aspx
- ^ http://www.police.govt.nz/service/drugs/faq.html
- ^ "Regular Users: Self reported drug consumption patterns and attitudes towards drugs among 1333 regular cannabis users", Atha Mathew J., 1998, Pg 49
- ^ "where are the knives with the handles made of bone?" Deja Voodoo - Weed On
- ^ http://www.healthaction.org.nz/Dope_Tips_II.htm
- ^ http://www.norml.org.nz/article459.html
- ^ "Making bongs with less" published in Canta Magazine, Issue 13, 2007, Cliché Guevara (pseudonym)
- ^ "Plastics Materials and Processes, a Concise Encyclopedia", Harper Charles A., 2003, Pg 564-565
- ^ "Dioxin: A Universal Toxin — Part 1", Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, April, 2001, Williams Rose Marie
- ^ "The Use of Cannabis and its Derivatives for Medical and Recreational Purposes", joint submission by the Royal Society and the Academy of Medical Science to the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, 1998, Pg 8
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