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Case Reports
. 2023 Sep 11;109(5):1199-1204.
doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0393. Print 2023 Nov 1.

Case Report: Catastrophic Effects of Using Cannabis Via Bucket Bong in Top End Northern Territory of Australia

Subash S Heraganahally  1   2   3 , Ellen Monsi  2 , Eden Gadil  1   2 , David Maze  1 , Steven Lynch  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Case Report: Catastrophic Effects of Using Cannabis Via Bucket Bong in Top End Northern Territory of Australia

Subash S Heraganahally et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. .

Abstract

The prevalence of cannabis usage is increasing worldwide, including among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The long-term effects of cannabis use on the lungs are well-known. However, the acute adverse effects on the lungs are sparsely reported. There are different ways in which cannabis can be inhaled, such as smoking or through a water vaporizing method known as a "bong." An improvised innovative bong device that is commonly used in Northern Australia, called a "bucket bong," uses water and air pressure to assist in cannabis inhalation. In this report, we describe three patients from remote and rural Northern Australian communities presenting with near-life-threatening events (acute pneumonitis and massive pneumothorax) immediately after the use of cannabis via bucket bong.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Chest x-ray and high-resolution CT of the chest showing bilateral pulmonary opacity. CT = computed tomography.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
(A) Right-sided pneumothorax. (B) Intercostal catheter on the right side. (C and D) Chest CT showing emphysematous changes with bullae in the right lung apex. CT = computed tomography.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
(A) Chest x-ray shows right-sided pneumothorax. (B) Intercostal catheter on the right side. (C) Chest CT shows large right-sided pneumothorax and bullae in the right lung apex. (D) Chest x-ray shows large-bore chest drain. CT = computed tomography.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Diagram showing bucket bong in operation and picture of an actual bucket bong abandoned after use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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