Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in most countries. This is the botanical name for the marijuana plant which contains the psychoactive ingredient THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Cannabis is a depressant drug and is also called grass, pot, dope, hash, mull and weed.
There are three main drug products from cannabis. Marijuana is the dried leaves and flowers (heads) of the plant and is usually smoked in either hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or specially designed pipes (bongs). Some users mix marijuana into foods or brew it into a tea for consumption. Hashish is made from the plant’s resin which is made into hard chunks. It is more concentrated than marijuana.
Hashish oil is a concentrated liquid extract from the plant making it the
most potent cannabis product. This form is rarely used in Australia.
Cannabis and health
At present there is little evidence that the occasional use of small amounts
of cannabis leads to long-term health problems, but there is evidence that
regular or heavy use of cannabis can lead to major health problems. There
are some people who should be extra careful when thinking about using cannabis:
•Young people: who have poor school performance and are experimenting
with drug use may have a higher risk of progressing to heavy cannabis use
and other illegal drug use HOW?
• People with epilepsy may suffer from fits after using cannabis
• Women who are pregnant or want to get pregnant – WHY?
• People with schizophrenia or other mental health problems, as cannabis
can exacerbate these and in some cases bring on a psychotic episode.
Smoking cannabis
Cannabis produces more tar than an equal weight of strong tobacco, and cannabis smoke contains higher amounts of cancer causing agents than tobacco smoke. A marijuana smoker inhales more smoke and holds it in the lungs for a longer time than a cigarette smoker. This means a person who smokes cannabis regularly often has a greater chance of getting lung cancer and bronchitis. A very high proportion of marijuana smokers also smoke tobacco and therefore expose their lungs to the effects of two harmful substances.
Dependence or addiction to cannabis
People who use cannabis regularly can become dependent (addicted). This means that you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop or suddenly cut down. The more frequently a person uses and relies on cannabis in their life, the greater the chance that they may become dependent. Dependence on a drug can be psychological or physiological or both. Cannabis can become so central to the person’s thoughts, emotions and activities that it can be difficult for them to stop using it.
Legal issues with cannabis
Cannabis is illegal in most countries, and often different states and regions have different laws and penalties pertaining to its use. In many countires, people who unlawfully possess, grow, supply, smoke or traffic cannabis may be charged, faced with a heavy fine or sentenced to prison. Possession of utensils for use in connection with the administration, consumption or smoking of cannabis is often also an offence.
How long do the effects of cannabis use last?
Cannabis’ intoxicating effects can occur within seconds to minutes, and can last for approximately three hours. In larger doses, the effects of the drug last longer. Effects may include an increased appetite, reddened eyes and anxiety; and in high doses some people may experience panic and hallucinations.
Effects on thinking and coordination can last up to 24 hours. Short term memory loss can last for a number of weeks. A single dose of cannabis can take up to 30 days to completely eliminate from the bloodstream.
Long-term effects of cannabis
Research has shown there can be more serious effects if cannabis is used
regularly for a long time. These include:
• Higher risk of bronchitis, lung cancer and respiratory diseases
• Loss of interest in activities, lacking energy and boredom
• Loss of concentration, memory and learning abilities
• Reduced sex drive and lowered sperm count/irregular menstrual cycles
• Psychotic behaviour; however, this is more likely if the person
already has a mental illness like schizophrenia.
Common effects of cannabis
Cannabis affects different people in different ways. A given amount may
affect one person slightly, but have a much greater effect on another person.
Common reactions from cannabis include feeling ‘stoned’, ‘happy’,
‘bent’, ‘relaxed’ or ‘high’. Other effects
vary, however, adverse reactions can include:
• Paranoia
• Vomiting
• Confusion and anxiety
• Loss of concentration and coordination.
Effects of cannabis on lifestyle
It is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of any drug, including cannabis, in most countries. Breaking these laws can result in heavy fines, disqualification from driving, and even imprisonment. Cannabis use can significantly reduce the ability to drive safely. It affects a person’s motor and coordination skills, vision and ability to judge distance and speed.
Because cannabis affects concentration and coordination, using drugs at work can result in accident or injury, and job loss. Cannabis also affects memory, concentration, mood, thinking, physical coordination, sense of time and the ability to perceive and interpret one’s surroundings. If cannabis is used during pregnancy a baby may be born smaller and lighter - this low birth weight can lead to infections and breathing problems.
Use of cannabis can sometimes affect relationships with family and friends.
Arguments over drug use can make life at home difficult. Legal and financial
problems can cause anxiety and conflict within families.
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