Cannabis Category: HallucinogensSedatives

(also called: hash, hashish, blow, pot, ganja, marijuana, grass, joint, THC, bhang, black, blast, blunts, Bob Hope, bush, dope, draw, hemp, herb, puff, northern lights, resin, sensi, shit, smoke, soap, spliff, wacky backy, zero, afgan, moroccan)

Skunk is called: sinsemilla, homegrown, buds, tops, nederwiet or netherweed

How it’s used

Cannabis usually comes as a dried resin (hash) or dried leaves (grass or weed). You can smoke it with tobacco in a joint, inhale through a pipe or bong or make into a tea or food. Skunk is herbal cannabis which is much stronger than regular hash or grass.

Short-term effects

You may feel sedated, chilled out and happy
Some people feel sick
You may get ‘the munchies’ or feel hungry
Your pulse rate speeds up and blood pressure goes down
Bloodshot eyes, dry mouth
Tiredness

Long-term effects

Can damage your lungs and lead to breathing problems
Linked with mental health problems, such as depression and schizophrenia
Lowers sperm count and suppresses ovulation so you may have problems getting pregnant
Regular use affects your memory, mood, motivation and ability to learn
Anxiety and paranoia
Affects your coordination and reactions so you are more at risk of accidents, especially if you also drink alcohol

Other dangers

As with tobacco, smoking hash can cause cancer
Cannabis psychosis – when you disconnect from reality and start showing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations even when you are not using drugs

If you are pregnant

If you smoke cannabis with tobacco while you are pregnant the risk to your baby is the same as smoking – smaller birth weight, higher risk of premature (early) birth, higher risk of miscarriage, your baby may get less oxygen through the placenta. After the birth, your baby is at more risk of cot death and early health problems, such as asthma.

Addictive

You can get psychologically addicted to cannabis, so you find it hard to cope without it. If you smoke it with tobacco you can get physically addicted (see Tobacco ).

Withdrawal

Anxiety, irritability
Urge or cravings to smoke
Sleep problems, restlessness
Loss of appetite

How long does it stay in your system?

Cannabis will show up in a urine test for 2-28 days (The length of time depends on the test used, the amount you take, if you have other medical conditions and your own metabolism. Please use this figure as a guide only.)

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

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