When consuming cannabis concentrates, the rapid onset of a runny nose (rhinorrhea) is a common experience many users encounter. This immediate physical reaction is not an allergy, but rather a protective reflex triggered by the unique composition and high temperature of the inhaled vapor. Dabbing involves vaporizing highly concentrated cannabis products, and the resulting vapor bombards the upper respiratory tract with irritants that provoke a swift, defensive response from the body.
The Chemical and Thermal Irritants in Dabbing
The triggers for a runny nose during dabbing stem from the extreme heat applied and the chemical density of the concentrate. Dabbing temperatures frequently exceed 600°F (315°C). This intense heat directly irritates the delicate mucosal lining of the nasal and respiratory passages.
Concentrates are chemically dense, often containing up to 80% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is much higher than the average found in flower. This high density means a greater load of compounds is delivered to the respiratory tract with a single inhale.
Furthermore, volatile organic compounds known as terpenes act as irritants when inhaled in high concentrations. Terpenes, and even the cannabinoids themselves, thermally degrade into byproducts at high dabbing temperatures.
Studies have shown that this degradation produces toxic compounds like methacrolein, a potent respiratory irritant, and benzene, a known carcinogen. The presence of these noxious chemicals, particularly when concentrates are heated above 550°F, stimulates the body to react.
How the Body Responds: Inflammation and Mucus Production
The runny nose experienced during dabbing is the body’s attempt to flush out the perceived threat, classifying the reaction as irritant-induced rhinitis, a form of non-allergic rhinitis. When the irritants—the heat and the degradation products—contact the nasal mucosa, sensory nerves are immediately stimulated.
This stimulation triggers a rapid, localized inflammatory response in the nasal passages. The local inflammation leads to the release of various chemical mediators, including histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins.
Histamine stimulates the mucous glands and causes vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels in the nasal tissue. This widening increases the permeability of the small blood vessels.
The resulting increase in vascular permeability causes fluid to leak out of the capillaries and into the nasal cavity. This sudden influx of fluid, combined with stimulated mucus production, manifests as the rapid onset of clear, watery rhinorrhea. The reflex is a defense mechanism, intending to dilute and wash away the foreign irritants.
Ways to Prevent or Minimize the Reaction
One effective way to reduce this reaction is by controlling the temperature of the dabbing surface. Aiming for lower temperatures, typically between 450°F and 550°F, can reduce the formation of harsh chemical byproducts like methacrolein. Using an electronic nail (e-nail) provides precise temperature control, making it easier to stay within the ideal vaporization range and avoid overheating.
Utilizing water filtration through a dab rig also helps by cooling the vapor before it reaches the nasal and throat passages. Cooler vapor is less thermally irritating, which reduces the intensity of the inflammatory response. Additionally, adopting a gentler inhalation technique, such as taking slower and smaller draws, reduces the shock to the respiratory system.
The quality of the concentrate itself matters, as residual solvents or impurities from the extraction process can act as chemical irritants. Choosing high-quality, lab-tested concentrates minimizes the presence of these contaminants. These combined strategies address both the thermal and chemical causes of the irritation, thereby minimizing the body’s need to produce excess fluid.