Cannabis Guide
Cannabis is without a doubt, the mostly used drug in the UK. It is produced by a cannabis plant, often grown in a controlled environment. It is completely natural, however it is known for cannabis cultivators to add various chemicals to enhance the growth rate.
The drug is effectively a mild sedative that gives users a chilled out and relaxed feeling or feeling drowsy. It may also midely distort your vision. The acive chemical in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
On the street cannabis is refered to by a wide range of names, common ones include bush, dope, draw, ganja, grass, marijuana, skunk and pot. For a full list please see the cannabis names guide.
The Effects
Cannabis has different effects on different people, some have a pleasent experience and others dont. Generally people have an unpleasent experience as they are experimenting with something new and smoke more than they can realisticly handle.
- Gives users a relaxed, happy and chilled out feeling. Some people however may feel instantly sick.
- Users often get the giggles, this is an uncontrollable fit of laughter. People sometimes become more talkative and discussions actually become quite creative.
- Its common for people to become hungry while using the drug, and have a desire to eat. This is known as the munchies.
Life feels like its going in slow motion, this is due to the mild hallucinogenic propertys of cannabis
Appearance
Cannabis comes in lots of different shapes and forms-
Hash: Hash is a small brown lump that is made from the resint of the cannabis plant
Grass: This is traditional herbal cannabis that is made from dried leaves on cannabis plants, it looks like a herb thats used in cooking.
Skunk: This is a strain of grass that has higher levels of THC than normal grass. This is usually mass produced by cultivators and home growers.
Use
There is a wide range of ways in which cannabis is used. The most common way is to mix the cannabis with tobacco and roll it into a cannabis cigarette (spliff or joint). It can also be used in its pure form and smoked through a pipe or bong. It is also possible to use cannabis in cooking to make tea or cakes and brownies.
The Risks
- Users can become anxious, panicky and suspicous
- It can seriously hamper your co-ordination
- Its a myth that because cannabis is natural, it is harmless. It still contains chemicals that can cause lung disease and cancer in the long term, this is re-inforced when smoked with tobacco.
- Cannabis increases the heart rate and also affects blood pressure
- There is evidence linking cannabis to mental health problems such as depression and paranoia.
- Cannabis can reduce the sperm count and suppress female ovulation
- Heavy use can cause people to loose concentration all the time and feel un-motivated as well as tired
The Law
The possession, cultivation and selling of cannabis is illegal in nearly every part of the world. If you are ever caught with the drug police will take action against you, punishment can range from a fine to prison sentances. Please check your local laws for more specific information.
Getting Help
If your a user of cannabis or has a friend that is, then the links below may offer you some advice and help.
Cannabis Quiz - What Impact Is It Having On You?
Marijuana: A Guide To Quitting
Information Sources
