Cannabis
Aka : blow, grass, ganja, skunk, dope, draw, pot, marijuana,
weed, shit, black, bhang, hashish, blast, sensi, puff, bush
What is it?
Cannabis comes from a plant and is presented in different forms:
- Hash – which is a blacky brown lump made from the resin of the
plant.
- Grass or weed – which is the dried and chopped up leaves of
the plant.
Less common are:
- Cannabis oil - which is dark and sticky.
- Sensimilla – This is a form of Jamaican weed, it is said to
be all bud and no seed.
How is it taken?
It is often smoked, mixed with tobacco in a spliff or joint. Many
people also use a ‘bong’ or a pipe. ‘Bongs’ (or buckets) can be
made out of cans and bottles..
Cannabis can also be used to make tea and put in food (‘hash cakes’).
 What
are the effects?
Like most drugs, how you feel when you take the drug has a lot
of impact on the effects.
The effects of cannabis are almost immediate, when smoked.
- Smoking a spliff can make people feel happy, relaxed, and peaceful.
- The effects vary from person to person. It can make some feel
sick.
- Some people get the giggles.
- Some people get philosophical and introspective when stoned,
and listening to music brings new meaning to the words.
- Some colours can appear brighter, due to cannabis being a mild
hallucinogen.
Some people use cannabis to relieve muscle spasms and muscle pain,
such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis) sufferers. There is much debate
on the benefit to certain groups of people, due to medical conditions
they may have.
- It affects coordination, so driving is not a good idea.
- Some people get the ‘munchies’ and crave food, particularly
sweet food, and feel warm.
What are the risks?
- There are all the risks that go with smoking. As joints don’t
have filters, there is an increased risk of lung cancer.
- Some of the short tem effects can lead to you feeling paranoid,
anxious, sick, thirsty, and you may lack concentration.
Longer term risks for heavy users include:
- You may feel tired and lack motivation.
- You may feel lethargic and lack energy to do things.
- Your memory can be affected, and you may find it more difficult
to learn.
- There is increased risk of mental helath problems especially
if there is a history of mental illness in the family.
- Psychosis is rarer, but can happen with prolonged heavy use
or when inexperienced users try stronger strains such as skunk.
- Reduces sperm count and suppresses ovulation in women
How much is it?
Prices vary, but an ‘eighth’ is about £15 and a ‘quarter’ of
an ounce about £25.
Cannabis is a Class C substance
The Law
Staying Safe
- Do not drive or operate machinery.
- Remember safe sex.
- Take care where it is used - many people get "busted"
and can get a criminal record or at least a warning.
- If people get anxious or paranoid, reassure and talk them down.
- Beware psychological dependence creeping up without realising
it.
- Eating a lump can be very disorientating as a lot can be taken
in one go.
- Beware mixing with other drugs, including alcohol.
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