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Cannabis
The lowdown on cannabis risks, effects and law.
Street name: Hash, marijuana, dope, weed, herbal chocolate, grass, pot, blow, draw, black, puff, ganja, marijuana, bush.
Chemical name: Tetrahydrocannabinol.
Cannabis is the most used drug in Ireland. It's a natural drug that can be smoked (in a pipe or rolled with tobacco as a spliff or joint) or eaten. Cannabis comes in different forms and might be a small dark brown lump (resin) or the leaves and stalks of the plant (grass or weed). Some researchers think that cannabis is becoming stronger than it used to be, but other researchers say it’s just that different parts of the plant are used nowadays and that these parts are stronger.
What is it?
Cannabis contains over 400 chemicals and is usually smoked on its own or with tobacco in a joint or spliff. It can also be smoked in a pipe or eaten in food. It shouldn't be longer than five minutes before the effects are felt. These may last up to one hour with low doses and for two to three hours with high doses.
Effects- what happens when you take cannabis:
- When stoned you can feel relaxed, talkative, dreamy, philosophical or giggly. You can get cravings for food called “the munchies” when you eat your whole week’s food in one go! If the effects of cannabis are strong, then you might hallucinate. It affects different people in different ways.
- The sought after effects (getting high) include talkativeness, wanting to get deep into discussion, hilarity, euphoria, relaxation and a feeling of time slowing down. A heightened awareness of sound, colour and textures may occur, as may a light-headed floating sensation. Usual doses of cannabis may also interfere with short-term memory and learning ability, as well as co-ordination (so manual skills are impaired). Moderate doses may interfere with clarity of speech. Music or TV might suddenly seem endlessly fascinating and unusually moving.
- On the downside, some people feel paranoid, scared or sick after smoking cannabis. Unpleasant reactions include fearfulness, confusion, severe panic and anxiety, paranoid reactions and hallucinations. It can affect memory, concentration and motivation. Some research suggests that long-term cannabis smokers can become addicted to the drug, but this has not been conclusively proven. Some users have reported adverse reactions to the drug.
Risks
- Like cigarettes, smoking cannabis can damage your throat and lungs. Some research has shown that cannabis cigarettes produces three times more carcinogenic "tars" than tobacco and five times more poisonous carbon monoxide. So, prolonged heavy use of the drug may cause chronic bronchitis, coughing, hoarseness, laryngitis and pre-cancerous changes in the lungs similar to those produced by tobacco smoke, except that the changes and lung damage may occur more rapidly with cannabis smoke. Mild to moderate use of cannabis may not cause such issues however. Click here and here to read more about the latest research.
- Inexperienced users may undergo temporary and in a small percentage of cases, severe psychological distress and confusion. Heavy use amongst those with latent or existing mental disorders may aggravate their condition. A heavy user may appear apathetic, lack energy and perform poorly at work or education. This state may persist for weeks after stopping use of the drug.
- There is controversy about the link between cannabis and mental health, particularly schizophrenia. It seems that there may be a slightly increased risk of developing schizophrenia in those who started using cannabis at a young age (under the age of 18). As with all drugs, it appears that risk increases with use. So someone who uses cannabis daily may be more likely to suffer side effects than someone who only uses it occasionally. Click here for further information on the link between mental health and cannabis.
- Among the other known or suspected long term effects of continuous cannabis use are decreased sperm count and sperm mobility, interference with ovulation and pre-natal development and impaired immune system response. Heavy users of cannabis may suffer from apathy and loss of ambition.
- These side effects may not happen to all users and side effects may vary, depending on the dosage and how often you use cannabis. There is a lot of controversy about cannabis use, since the research is still fairly new and not totally clear. Many scientists feel that cannabis causes significant problems, while other scientists feel that it does not. In fact, cannabis is used as a painkiller in certain countries. It is also being investigated for use in the male contraceptive pill.
- Remember that cannabis research is ongoing, so science does not have all the facts yet. It’s best to do some research of your own so that you can make an informed decision about your use.
Law
- All cannabis products are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Acts. Cannabis is included in Schedule 1, which prohibits its medical and non-medical use.
- It is therefore illegal to grow, produce, supply or possess any of the drugs, except in accordance with a licence from the Minister for Health for research or analysis. It is also an offence to allow premises to be used for cultivating, supplying or smoking cannabis.
- Find out more about drug and alcohol legalities.
First-Aid
What to do if cannabis users experience feelings of tension and anxiety:
- Calm the user down and reassure them.
- Talk quietly and explain these feelings will pass.
- Keep them away from bright lights and loud noises. Encourage them to breathe deeply and slowly in order to prevent hyperventilation.
Find out more about drug and alcohol emergencies.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
