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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

References

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