Spots (cannabis)
Spots (also known as "spotting","knifers", "knife hits", "dots", "hot knives", "blades", or "Bladers") are a method of smoking cannabis [1]. In this method, small pieces of cannabis are rolled (or simply torn from a larger bud) to form the "spot". Generally, the tips of two knife blades are heated, the spot is compressed between the two blades, and the subsequent smoke is inhaled. Another means that is gaining popularity is specially made glass presses heated with a propane or butane torch. [2] In order to facilitate this process, a "spottle" (also referred to as a "bowser" or "hooter") is often, but not always, used to funnel the smoke and maximize the amount inhaled. A spottle is generally made from a funnel or cone-shaped container, such as the top (or neck) of a plastic or glass bottle or a gallon of milk/water. [3][4]
Use in different countries
Although practiced the world over, the spots method of cannabis smoking is most common in New Zealand.[5] Possession of knives that have been previously used for spotting (easily distinguished by their blackened and discoloured appearance[3][6]) 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 a $500 fine. [7]. In 2008 six New Zealand soldiers were "sent home in disgrace" from their posting in Afghanistan after it was discovered they were spotting hashish [8]. 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[9].
Another common practice when smoking spots in New Zealand is the use of a tube, or even no tubes at all. {ed: This is anecdotal, and only to be realized when visiting; however, residents will certainly verify.} These are anything from a rolled-up piece of Zig-Zag wrapper along with a couple of papers of said, to fancy glass implements up to 10cm long. This seems to (sometimes considerably) increase the intensity of the subjective experience related above. This also eliminates some potential toxic plastic-related hazards, since and accidental "frizz" with the container simply releases some paper smoke.
A less-common use of the spotting technique in this country is in the consuming of other illicit substances. It is a suitable administration mechanism for opium, morphine, (meth-)amphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy and most reasonably heat-tolerant alkaloids. It is often used in this way by "seeding" a piece of the key substance in a small piece of cannabis and then proceeding to consume it using the spotting technique. Rarely, it is used raw or within cigarette papers. This provides a greater "rush" than that produced by smoking the raw substance in a pipe.
Health issues
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. [10]. One possible way of minimizing the risks of spotting marijuana is using cooler knives, leading to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being vapourised rather than the entire plant matter being burned [11]. 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 [12].
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[13], including (in the case of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics) dioxin[14], a carcinogen. For this reason, many smokers prefer to use a glass bottle.
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.[15]
Notes and references
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<references />, or <references group="..." />- ↑ "Handbook of Pharmacy Education", Harmen R.J., 2001, Pg 169
- ↑ "Cannabis use in a drug and alcohol clinic population", McBride A. J. 1994
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "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
- ↑ Put that in your pipe and smoke it: a travelers guide to smoking pot in New Zealand
- ↑ Cannabis - what is it, what are its effects? - Everybody - Health Information for New Zealanders
- ↑ Illicit Drugs FAQ - New Zealand Police
- ↑ 'Drug culture' among NZ troops overseas
- ↑ "Regular Users: Self reported drug consumption patterns and attitudes towards drugs among 1333 regular cannabis users", Atha Mathew J., 1998, Pg 49
- ↑ Dope Tips II dope tips, reducing cannabis related harms, tips for safer use of cannabis use in nz, using marijuana
- ↑ NORML New Zealand, working for marijuana law reform - vaporising & spotting
- ↑ "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
