Drugs A-Z

Cannabis

AKA

Hash, smoke, draw, pot, grass, weed, marijuana, ganja, black, skunk.

Description

A compressed block of resin, in various shades of brown. Herbal cannabis is the dried leaves & flowers of a cannabis plant and may vary from bright to dark green or even brown. Oil is less available now but comes in a black sticky liquid form.

Cannabis is generally sold in weights of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 ounce and prices vary depending on quality, quantity and where you buy it. It is generally smoked in a joint, pipe or bong. It can also be eaten. If eaten, be aware that the effects will take longer to come on and will be more intense.

Effects

In small quantities and used occasionally it can make you feel relaxed, heighten creativity, more sociable, enhance appetite (the munchies) and giggly. In larger quantities or used more frequently it can make you feel paranoid, anxious, withdrawn, and lethargic. It can also make you feel dizzy, disorientated and physically sick (whitey). In some cases it can bring on panic attacks. Some types, skunk in particular, can be mildly hallucinogenic. Smoking can cause lung cancer.

Cannabis is not generally considered to be physically addictive, but addiction is rarely about the substance itself, therefore some people report becoming psychologically dependant. Despite scare stories it is unlikely that using Cannabis will cause mental ill health although there is very strong evidence to suggest that it can cause underlying psychological problems to surface or make existing mental illness worse. If you start to experience such problems it might be a good idea to question whether using cannabis is good for you.

Harm Reduction

• Using a pipe (bong) cools the smoke and lessens the damage to your lungs. Eating cannabis eliminates damage to lungs. Dose is harder to control so be careful, a little at a time.
• Be aware that using tobacco with cannabis can make you nicotine dependent which may lead to increased health problems
• Use short puffs when inhaling. THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) enters the blood stream in a few seconds, so holding in smoke does not increase the effects but it can do more damage to your lungs
• Know your score and avoid 'soap bars' which can contain henna, plastic and other crap
• Using a vaporiser, although costly, will allow you to 'smoke' cannabis without the dangers of smoking. Flavours will be more intense too!

The Law

Cannabis is a class B drug. This includes cannabis oil as well as resin and grass. The maximum penalty for intent to supply (which can include passing a joint) is 14 years and/ or an unlimited fine. Max penalty for possession is 5 years and/ or an unlimited fine.

Detection

Cannabis can be detected in urine for up to 30 days