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DRUG FACTSHEET : Cannabis |
| Street Names: |
Pot, Weed, Grass, Mary Jane, Roach, Reefer, Joint, THC, Dope, Ganja, Shit, Blow, Spliff, Hash, Hashish, Marijuana, Skunk, Northern Lights, Bhang. |
| Description: |
A green leafy plant. It can be sold as 'grass' (leaves, stalks and seeds) or as 'hashish/hash' (a solid brown block). |
| Routes of use: |
Smoked, ingested (eaten or drunk as a brew) |
| History: |
Cannabis has a long history as being a herbal medicine, primarily in ancient eastern civilisations. Up until 1973 it was available on prescription in this country. Its recreational use has followed its medicinal uses through time. It has been used for relaxation and an aid for delirium tremens, period pains, insomnia and headaches. Drugs derived from the Tetrahydrocannabinol molecule are being used to prevent nausea and relieve pain in AIDS and chemotherapy patients. Its use for recreation became popular in this country in the late 50's and early 60's probably due to its introduction by immigrant populations. |
Effects people
seek: |
The effects of cannabis use depend on the expectations of the user and their state of mind prior to use. Cannabis is used as a relaxant making people feel more conversant and provides enhancement of music and images, giving a pleasant feeling of euphoria. If a person is feeling tense prior to use, they can develop feelings of paranoia and agitation afterwards. |
| Other effects: |
It is difficult to overdose on cannabis because you would need to smoke or consume very large amounts of the drug. Effects on short-term memory loss have been known to occur but long-term memory effects are unclear. Most of the ill effects of cannabis use are due to smoking it especially when mixed with tobacco. Bronchitis and lung cancer can occur due to the high tar content and it is thought that cannabis may be responsible for some cancers itself. |
Dependence
& Tolerance: |
There is no physical dependence from cannabis use. Some mild withdrawal symptoms have been reported. A psychological dependence may arise after regular use. |
| The Law: |
Cannabis is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act and comes under class B. It is illegal to possess, supply, produce or cultivate cannabis or to allow premises to be used for any of these activities. | |
