Cannabis

Cannabis is classified as a cannabinoid drug. The exact number of different cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant is still being researched, but it primarily contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

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Common Names

  • Marijuana
  • Pot/Weed
  • Dope
  • Gunja
  • Joint
  • Stick
  • Chronic

How is it Used?

Cannabis can be smoked, eaten or vaporized and comes in different forms. Users report that the subjective effects of cannabis vary significantly depending on the form consumed.

Other Forms

Cannabis can also come in synthetic form which is more harmful than real cannabis.

Cannabis Variants

Known Variants

Marijuana – the dried leaves and flowers (buds) of the cannabis plant that are smoked in a joint or a bong. This is the most common form.

Hashish – the dried plant resin that is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked or added to foods and baked; such as cookies and brownies.

Hash oil – liquid that is usually used sparingly (due to high potency) and added to the tip of a joint or cigarette and smoked.

Concentrates – extracts (dabs, wax or shatter) typically using butane hash oil as a solvent, often vaporized in small quantities due to high THC content.

Edibles

Cannabis can be prepared into various foods generally called ‘edibles’. It takes between 1-3 hours to feel the effects after eating cannabis. Impatient or naïve users may believe they have not taken enough to feel the effects, and if they consume more they may find later that the psychoactive effects are unpleasantly strong.

When edible products have inconsistent levels of THC even experienced users may find it difficult to regulate the amount consumed. When smoked or vaporized, the effects are usually felt straight away. There are health concerns about the impact of smoking, especially in the long term and if mixed with tobacco.

The effects of cannabis vary between people, and may even be different for the same person at different times. Some people report feelings of relaxation and euphoria while other people report experiences of anxiety and paranoia.

Side Effects of
Cannabis

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.

The effects of taking Cannabis with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Cannabis affects every individual differently.

Even the same person may have a different experience on separate occasions or over the course of their life. Some of the factors that influence these differences appear to be:
  • Size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The amount taken
  • The strength of the drug
  • Expectations of consuming cannabis
  • The environment of the individual
  • The individual’s personality

The effects of cannabis :

The effect may be felt immediately if smoked, or within an hour or two if eaten and effects may include:
  • Feelings of relaxation and euphoria
  • Spontaneous laughter and excitement
  • Increased sociability
  • Increased appetite
  • Dry mouth
If a large amount, strong batch, or concentrated form is consumed, you may be more likely to also experience
  • Memory impairment
  • Slower reflexes
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Increased heart rate
  • Mild anxiety and paranoia

Long-term effects:

Long-term effects are dependent on how much and how often the cannabis is consumed and may also be affected by how the cannabis is consumed (e.g. vaporising a concentrate versus smoking the flower). Heavy, regular use of cannabis may eventually cause:
  • Tolerance to the effects of cannabis
  • Dependence on cannabis
  • Reduced cognitive functioning
Those with a family history of mental illness are more likely to also experience anxiety, depression and psychotic symptoms after using cannabis. Psychotic symptoms include delusions, hallucinations and seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted.

CANNABIS + ALCOHOL

Can cause nausea & vomiting.

Cannabis is sometimes used to help with the ‘come down’ effects of stimulant drugs, such as ice, speed and ecstasy.

Mixing Cannabis with other drugs