Cannabis - a factsheet

What is cannabis?
Cannabis comes from a plant called Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis, hashish and hashish oil all come from different parts of the plant. Each is a different strength with cannabis being the least powerful and hashish oil being the most. Effects of cannabis
Using cannabis can have both immediate and longer-term effects. These effects may vary from person to person. Things that may influence how you are affected by the drug are:

• The amount and strength of the cannabis, hash or hashish oil
• The way it is taken (eg smoked or eaten)
• Your weight, size and health
• Your mood when you take it
• What else you are taking with it
• The environment where you are taking it eg, at home with friends, at a party, or by yourself.

Some of the more immediate effects of cannabis use may include:

• A feeling of euphoria
• A loss of concentration
• Relaxation
• A feeling of confidence
• Wanting to eat more
• Red eyes
• Wanting to talk and/or laugh more than usual
• Losing balance and coordination
• Feelings of anxiety or paranoia

Some of the possible long-term effects of cannabis use are:

• Lung problems (eg chronic bronchitis, lung cancer). Cannabis smoke contains ingredients that can damage the lungs, affect your physical health and fitness and possibly cause cancer. If cannabis is smoked over many years it may get in the way of the functioning of the lungs, this may increase the chances of developing lung disease.
• Difficulties with memory and attention - It has been shown that cannabis use over the longer term can cause problems with memory, attention and processing of complex information. This may affect everyday life when you are learning something new or doing something difficult.
• Development of dependence - most people who use cannabis don't go on to use it regularly, or develop problems with it. However, there are a number of people who will become dependent on cannabis. The chance of becoming dependent on cannabis is similar to the chance of becoming dependent on alcohol. If someone is dependent on cannabis they may experience a difficulty controlling their use or be spending a lot of time involved in cannabis and less time on other things in their life.
• Increased risk of mental health problems - some people have a greater risk of developing mental health problems than others. Cannabis use may trigger problems if you have a family history of serious mental illness (such as schizophrenia or depression), or you are vulnerable to developing it. If you already have a serious mental illness, cannabis use may make some of your symptoms worse.

Cannabis and experimentation
It is not uncommon to experiment with cannabis. Experimentation does not necessarily lead to problem use. If you are concerned about someone's cannabis use it may be helpful to speak with The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS). ADIS specialise in drug and alcohol issues. It may also be helpful to calmly talk with the person you are concerned about. Engaging them in a confrontational way may only alienate them.
Mixing cannabis with other drugs
Mixing cannabis and other drugs may be dangerous. If cannabis is taken with other drugs the effects of the cannabis may be stronger.
Cannabis and driving or operating heavy machinery
If you have been using cannabis driving or operating heavy machinery is dangerous. If you are stoned your attentions span may be less or you may find it harder to react if something unexpected happens. It is possible to experience these effects even if you don't feel stoned.
Cannabis and the law
The use and sale of cannabis is illegal in all Australian States and Territories, but each one has different laws and penalties. In some places, the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis have been decriminalised. This does not mean that cannabis use is legal in these places, it means that if you are caught, you may have to pay a fine and can still end up having a criminal record. While being busted for cannabis use may not seem like a big deal when you are young, having a criminal record for a cannabis offence may restrict your options for things you want to do in life such as employment or travel.
Getting help for cannabis use
It may be a big step to get help for your cannabis use. Managing your drug use may include speaking to a professional or it may be possible to reduce it on your own.

Cannabis - a factsheet

What is cannabis?
Cannabis comes from a plant called Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis, hashish and hashish oil all come from different parts of the plant. Each is a different strength with cannabis being the least powerful and hashish oil being the most. Effects of cannabis
Using cannabis can have both immediate and longer-term effects. These effects may vary from person to person. Things that may influence how you are affected by the drug are:

• The amount and strength of the cannabis, hash or hashish oil
• The way it is taken (eg smoked or eaten)
• Your weight, size and health
• Your mood when you take it
• What else you are taking with it
• The environment where you are taking it eg, at home with friends, at a party, or by yourself.

Some of the more immediate effects of cannabis use may include:

• A feeling of euphoria
• A loss of concentration
• Relaxation
• A feeling of confidence
• Wanting to eat more
• Red eyes
• Wanting to talk and/or laugh more than usual
• Losing balance and coordination
• Feelings of anxiety or paranoia

Some of the possible long-term effects of cannabis use are:

• Lung problems (eg chronic bronchitis, lung cancer). Cannabis smoke contains ingredients that can damage the lungs, affect your physical health and fitness and possibly cause cancer. If cannabis is smoked over many years it may get in the way of the functioning of the lungs, this may increase the chances of developing lung disease.
• Difficulties with memory and attention - It has been shown that cannabis use over the longer term can cause problems with memory, attention and processing of complex information. This may affect everyday life when you are learning something new or doing something difficult.
• Development of dependence - most people who use cannabis don't go on to use it regularly, or develop problems with it. However, there are a number of people who will become dependent on cannabis. The chance of becoming dependent on cannabis is similar to the chance of becoming dependent on alcohol. If someone is dependent on cannabis they may experience a difficulty controlling their use or be spending a lot of time involved in cannabis and less time on other things in their life.
• Increased risk of mental health problems - some people have a greater risk of developing mental health problems than others. Cannabis use may trigger problems if you have a family history of serious mental illness (such as schizophrenia or depression), or you are vulnerable to developing it. If you already have a serious mental illness, cannabis use may make some of your symptoms worse.

Cannabis and experimentation
It is not uncommon to experiment with cannabis. Experimentation does not necessarily lead to problem use. If you are concerned about someone's cannabis use it may be helpful to speak with The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS). ADIS specialise in drug and alcohol issues. It may also be helpful to calmly talk with the person you are concerned about. Engaging them in a confrontational way may only alienate them.
Mixing cannabis with other drugs
Mixing cannabis and other drugs may be dangerous. If cannabis is taken with other drugs the effects of the cannabis may be stronger.
Cannabis and driving or operating heavy machinery
If you have been using cannabis driving or operating heavy machinery is dangerous. If you are stoned your attentions span may be less or you may find it harder to react if something unexpected happens. It is possible to experience these effects even if you don't feel stoned.
Cannabis and the law
The use and sale of cannabis is illegal in all Australian States and Territories, but each one has different laws and penalties. In some places, the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis have been decriminalised. This does not mean that cannabis use is legal in these places, it means that if you are caught, you may have to pay a fine and can still end up having a criminal record. While being busted for cannabis use may not seem like a big deal when you are young, having a criminal record for a cannabis offence may restrict your options for things you want to do in life such as employment or travel.
Getting help for cannabis use
It may be a big step to get help for your cannabis use. Managing your drug use may include speaking to a professional or it may be possible to reduce it on your own.

Drug Action Week

More about Drugs:

• Drugs: the cold, hard facts
• The facts about "ice"
• Amphetamines: a factsheet
• Cannabis - a factsheet
• Treatments for drug dependency

Topics:

Drugs

Each year, Drug Action Week (22-28 June) aims to raise awareness of alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues affecting Australians, and to draw attention to the efforts of AOD workers in the health and community sectors.
According to the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), which organises Drug Action Week, there are more activities happening as part of this year's event than ever before. But as the success of Drug Action Week has grown, so has the problem it was set up the address. The ADCA says that drug use amongst Australians (especially the young) continues to increase, and that education and drug awareness is now more important than ever.
Unlike some sectors of the community, the ADCA and other organisations associated with Drug Action Week believe that education and harm minimisation, not a zero tolerance approach, should be used to treat Australia's current drug problems. Many drug-related deaths could be avoided, and the cost to the Australian health system greatly reduced, if the public was better educated. As a result, many of the events during Drug Action Week are focussed around group discussions and practical harm minimisation advice.
Do you know what drugs are the most commonly used in this country and what they do to health?
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia. While there are some potential health benefits linked to light consumption, its misuse continues to cause significant harm and enormous cost to the community. Alcohol kills more Australians under the age of 35 than any other drug, and the annual cost of alcohol-related absenteeism to the Australian economy is 7.5 million working days. Disturbingly, excessive alcohol consumption contributes to one third of all road deaths; half of all domestic, physical and sexual violence; and 80 percent of night-time assaults.
Although alcohol is a deeply ingrained part of Australian society, education surrounding its effects in schools and other forums is still scarce. The reluctance by many to view alcohol as a drug, as well as its continued acceptance in workplaces and by many areas of society, contributes to our levels of problem drinking.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the second most commonly used drug in Australia. Although the exact amount of marijuana smoked nationally is unknown, it is believed that the rate is comparable to the use of all other illicit drugs combined. Despite it being illegal, the drug is widely accepted by many Australian social groups. It is estimated that Australia's marijuana black market is worth more than $500 million per year.
Although marijuana users are rarely violent, continuing research has raised serious questions about the long-term mental health effects of using the drug — not to mention the respiratory diseases and other problems associated with smoking. This, combined with large increases in marijuana potency since it first came to prominence in the '60s, has led many health professionals to reconsider their views on the drug in recent years.
Amphetamines
Although amphetamines, aka speed, have been available for many years, it is only recently that the drug class has become a major concern for Australian health professionals. The rise in popularity of an easily-smoked amphetamine, 'ice' — aka methamphetamine or crystal meth — has led to a dramatic increase in violent behaviour and mental health problems amongst those who use it (often recovering or current heroin addicts, or bored and under-educated teenagers).
Ecstasy/'pills'
The birth of rave culture in the late '80s saw a huge global increase in the popularity of ecstasy, aka MDMA. These days, so-called 'ecstasy pills' usually contain a suite of drugs, including methamphetamines and even domestic cleaning products, making them a risky proposition for users. Using pills, especially in combination with other drugs, can lead to unforseen health consequences. As a result, pill testing kits, which can accurately record the percentage of MDMA and others substances present in a pill, have become popular amongst users, and at nightclubs where ecstasy use is common.
If you or someone you know requires help with drugs or alchohol abuse visit Drug Action Week for more details and a round up on the week’s events.