Teenager Hospitalized in Naples After Consuming ‘Wax’ Cannabis Concentrate
Naples, June 3, 2026 – A 17-year-old boy has been hospitalized in critical condition in the intensive care unit at San Paolo Hospital in Naples after ingesting a spoonful of ‘Wax,’ a highly potent cannabis concentrate. The substance, known online as ‘miele dello sballo’ (honey of delirium), was reportedly purchased over the web. The incident has brought to light the severe risks associated with this type of cannabis derivative, prompting warnings from experts regarding its high THC content and potential for neurological symptoms.
17-Year-Old Hospitalized in Naples for ‘Wax’ Consumption
The dramatic event unfolded in Arzano, inside the minor’s home, where he was with two friends, aged 19 and 22. According to the Carabinieri’s reconstruction, the three youths consumed just one spoonful of the substance. Minutes later, the 17-year-old experienced a severe respiratory crisis, leading his parents to call 118. The other two young men were discharged after suffering shock, while the minor’s father handed over the jar of ‘Wax’ to the military for investigation.
What is ‘Wax’?
The substance, amber-colored and viscous, is a dangerous, high-potency cannabis derivative obtained by extracting cannabinoids using gas solvents. This concentrate, also referred to as ‘honey oil,’ is a significant concern for forensic toxicologists due to its extremely high active ingredient content. ‘Wax’ can contain between 60% and 90% THC, a significantly higher percentage than traditional marijuana.
Sales of ‘Wax’ are conducted through social networks and the internet, where the compound is marketed at low costs for direct consumption or for use in e-cigarette vaporizers.
Health Risks and Symptoms
The risks associated with using high-potency concentrates include both biological toxicity and severe central nervous system reactions. Mariacarla Bocchino, from the Central Anti-Drug Services Directorate, explained that ‘it is easily purchased on the illegal market, including the open web and social media. In addition to the high THC concentration, the negative effects on the body are due to chemical residues: it causes severe intoxications, if not immediate deaths.’
Key symptoms reported include panic attacks, psychosis, paranoia, and acute respiratory alterations. Oral consumption prevents accurate dosage control, dramatically increasing the likelihood of overdose.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and warn the public about the extreme dangers of such unregulated substances.
