Introduction
Cannabis, known for centuries for its psychoactive properties, continues to be a subject of intense study. Among the various forms of cannabis, δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) stands out as the primary psychoactive compound. THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, influencing neurotransmitter systems and affecting functions like cognition, memory, and mood [1, 2]. While cannabis has shown therapeutic potential in areas like pain management and appetite stimulation [4, 5], concerns exist about its adverse effects, especially with increasingly potent forms. One such form gaining popularity is “Moon Rocks Weed.”
“Moon rocks” represent a significant leap in cannabis potency. This preparation involves taking a cannabis bud, typically of a high-THC strain, dipping it in hash oil, and then coating it with kief crystals. This layering process dramatically increases the THC concentration compared to natural cannabis. While consumers might seek “moon rocks” for a more intense high, the elevated THC levels also raise concerns about potential health risks, including psychiatric and neurological effects. This article delves into the emerging world of “moon rocks weed,” exploring its potency and discussing a case that highlights the potential dangers associated with its use, specifically psychosis and new-onset seizures.
What are Moon Rocks Weed? A Deep Dive into Potency
To understand the concerns surrounding “moon rocks weed,” it’s essential to grasp what they are and why they are considered so potent. Unlike standard cannabis flower, moon rocks are a processed cannabis product designed to maximize THC content. The combination of flower, hash oil, and kief creates a multi-layered product where each component contributes to increased potency:
- Cannabis Flower: The base is typically a high-quality cannabis bud, often from a strain already known for its elevated THC levels.
- Hash Oil (or Concentrate): The flower is then coated in hash oil, also known as cannabis concentrate. Hash oil is extracted from cannabis plants and is highly concentrated in cannabinoids, including THC.
- Kief: Finally, the oil-coated bud is rolled in kief. Kief consists of the resin glands (trichomes) that are separated from cannabis flowers. Trichomes are where the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes are produced, making kief another potent source of THC.
Image showcasing the crystalline kief coating on moon rocks weed, emphasizing its high-potency appearance.
This triple-layering process significantly boosts the overall THC concentration. While dispensary cannabis flowers typically range from 17% to 28% THC, and synthetic cannabis can reach upwards of 50% [9], moon rocks can reportedly contain THC levels exceeding 50% and even reaching 90% in some samples. This extreme potency is the primary reason for both the allure and the concern surrounding “moon rocks weed.”
Case Presentation: Moon Rocks, Psychosis, and Seizures
To illustrate the potential risks, consider the case of a 20-year-old man with no prior medical or psychiatric history who presented to the hospital after consuming “moon rocks weed.” According to his family, he smoked moon rocks and subsequently became agitated, anxious, and exhibited self-harming behavior. This escalated to a loss of consciousness and seizure-like activity described as shaking and stiffening of limbs, eye-rolling, and foaming at the mouth.
Upon arrival at the emergency department, he was initially lethargic but soon became combative and reported auditory hallucinations. Shortly after, he experienced a witnessed tonic-clonic seizure. Medical tests, including blood work, CT, MRI, and EEG, were conducted. While routine tests were normal, a urine drug screen confirmed THC and benzodiazepines (administered by EMS). An EEG performed after the seizure showed no epileptiform activity (Table 1).
Table 1. Initial Test Results of the Patient
| Test Name | Result | Reference Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 140 mmol/L | 136-145 mmol/L |
| Potassium | 3.6 mmol/L | 3.5-5.1 mmol/L |
| Chloride | 105 mmol/L | 98-107 mmol/L |
| CO2 | 28.4 mmol/L | 21.0-31.0 mmol/L |
| Anion Gap | 7 mmol/L | 5-12 mmol/L |
| BUN | 7 mg/dL | 7-25 mg/dL |
| Creatinine | 0.78 mg/dL | 0.60-1.30 mg/dL |
| Glucose | 108 mg/dL | 70-99 mg/dL |
| Calcium | 9.2 mg/dL | 8.6-10.3 mg/dL |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | 55 IU/L | 34-104 IU/L |
| Albumin | 4.3 g/dL | 3.5-5.7 g/dL |
| Total Protein | 6.8 g/dL | 6.4-8.9 g/dL |
| AST | 22 IU/L | 13-39 IU/L |
| ALT | 9 IU/L | 7-52 IU/L |
| Total Bilirubin | 0.4 mg/dL | 0.3-1.0 mg/dL |
| Lactic Acid | 0.9 mmol/L | 0.6-1.4 mmol/L |
| CK | 239 IU/L | 30-223 IU/L |
| Magnesium | 2.3 mg/dL | 1.9-2.7 mg/dL |
| Phosphorus | 4.1 mg/dL | 2.5-5.0 mg/dL |
| WBC | 5.9 x 10^3/µL | 4.8-10.8 x 10^3/µL |
| RBC | 4.72 x 10^6/µL | 4.50-6.10 x 10^6/µL |
| Hemoglobin | 14.1 g/dL | 14.0-17.5 g/dL |
| Hematocrit | 42% | 39-53% |
| MCV | 89 fL | 80-99 fL |
| MCH | 29.9 pg | 27.0-34.0 pg |
| MCHC | 33.6 g/dL | 31.0-37.0 g/dL |
| RDW | 12.90% | 11.0-16.0% |
| Platelets | 182 x 10^3/µL | 130-400 x 10^3/µL |
| MPV | 11.2 fL | 8.0-13.0 fL |
| Neutrophil Number | 3.6 x 10^3/µL | 2.00-8.00 x 10^3/µL |
| Neutrophil Percent | 61.3% | 45-75% |
| Lymphocyte Number | 1.44 x 10^3/µL | 0.70-5.20 x 10^3/µL |
| Lymphocyte Percent | 24.5% | 19-46% |
| Monocyte Number | 0.59 x 10^3/µL | 0.10-1.30 x 10^3/µL |
| Monocyte Percent | 10% | 2-12% |
| Eosinophil Number | 0.2 x 10^3/µL | 0.04-0.54 x 10^3/µL |
| Eosinophil Percent | 3.4% | 0-4% |
| Basophil Number | 0.03 x 10^3/µL | 0.00-0.21 x 10^3/µL |
| Basophil Percent | 0.5% | 0-1.5% |
| Urine Color | Yellow | – |
| Urine Appearance | Clear | – |
| Urine pH | 7 | 5.0-8.0 |
| Urine Specific Gravity | 1.015 | 1.005-1.028 |
| Urine Glucose | Negative | – |
| Urine Ketones | Negative | – |
| Urine Bilirubin | Negative | – |
| Urine Blood | Negative | – |
| Urine Protein | Negative | – |
| Urine Urobilinogen | Normal | – |
| Urine Leukocyte Esterase | Negative | – |
| Urine Nitrite | Negative | – |
| Urine Opiate Screen | Negative | – |
| Urine Amphetamine Screen | Negative | – |
| Urine Methadone Screen | Negative | – |
| Urine Cocaine Screen | Negative | – |
| Urine Barbiturates Screen | Negative | – |
| Urine Benzodiazepine Screen | Positive | – |
| Urine PCP Screen | Negative | – |
| Urine THC Screen | Positive | – |
| Urine Oxycodone Screen | Negative | – |
| Urine Fentanyl Screen | Negative | – |
| ECG 12-Lead | Rate 66 bpm, QRS 72 ms, QTC 423 ms | – |
| CT Brain | Normal | – |
| MRI Brain | Normal | – |
| Routine EEG | No epileptiform activity identified | – |
Table 1: Summary of the patient’s initial laboratory and diagnostic findings upon emergency department admission.
While his mental status improved, he later reported using “moon rocks” for the first time, despite a history of regular cannabis use. He described the moon rocks as a potent form he added to his usual cannabis. The first time, he felt euphoric without adverse effects. However, the second time, he experienced anxiety, paranoia, self-harm, and memory loss leading to the seizure event.
He presented to the ED two more times in the following weeks with similar seizure episodes, despite denying further substance use. Eventually, he was started on anti-epileptic medication (levetiracetam) and at a follow-up two months later, reported no further seizures and abstinence from substances.
Discussion: Unpacking the Link Between High-Potency Cannabis and Health Risks
This case, while singular, is significant in highlighting the potential risks of “moon rocks weed.” The patient’s new-onset psychosis and seizures following moon rock consumption strongly suggest a causative link. While he had risk factors like a past concussion and family history of epilepsy, the temporal relationship between moon rock use and symptom onset is compelling.
Cannabis and Psychosis: A Known Association
The link between cannabis use and psychosis is well-documented [6, 7, 11]. Studies show a dose-response relationship, with heavier and more potent cannabis use associated with a higher risk of psychotic disorders. Adolescents and young adults, whose brains are still developing, are particularly vulnerable [9]. High-potency cannabis like moon rocks, with its concentrated THC, poses an elevated risk of triggering psychotic episodes, especially in susceptible individuals.
Cannabis and Seizures: A Complex Relationship
The relationship between cannabis and seizures is more complex. Historically, cannabis has been explored for its anticonvulsant properties [14]. Cannabidiol (CBD), another cannabinoid, has shown promise and is even FDA-approved for certain seizure disorders [3, 17]. However, THC, particularly at high concentrations, may have proconvulsant effects, especially in synthetic cannabis [15, 16].
Diagram depicting the distribution of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human brain, highlighting areas related to cognition and motor function.
THC’s action on CB1 receptors in the brain is believed to be central to both its psychoactive and potentially proconvulsant effects. CB1 receptors are abundant in brain regions involved in cognition, memory, and motor control [12]. While CBD may modulate CB1 activity and offer anticonvulsant benefits, high doses of THC can overstimulate these receptors, potentially disrupting neuronal activity and lowering the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.
Moon Rocks Weed: Amplifying the Risks
“Moon rocks weed” amplifies these risks due to its extreme potency. The concentrated THC delivery increases the likelihood of both psychiatric and neurological adverse effects, as seen in the presented case. The lack of CBD in many “street” cannabis products, coupled with the focus on maximizing THC, further skews the risk-benefit profile, especially for high-potency options like moon rocks [2].
Conclusions: Proceed with Caution with High-Potency Cannabis
This case adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that high-potency cannabis, such as “moon rocks weed,” carries significant health risks. While cannabis use in general has been linked to psychosis, the extreme THC concentrations in moon rocks may increase the risk and severity of such episodes. Furthermore, this case highlights a potential association between moon rock consumption and new-onset seizures, an area that warrants further investigation.
As cannabis products become increasingly diverse and potent, it’s crucial to understand the potential health implications. Consumers should be aware of the amplified risks associated with high-potency cannabis like “moon rocks weed.” Further research is needed to fully elucidate the effects of THC concentration on both psychiatric and neurological health, to inform public health guidelines and individual choices regarding cannabis consumption.
Acknowledgments
Adam Leczycki provided guidance during the drafting of the original case report.
The authors of the original case report declared that no competing interests exist.
Human Ethics
Consent was obtained or waived for all participants in the original study.
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