Marijuana or Grass - dried leaves and/or flowering tops of the cannabis plant. It looks like dried herbs and is often mixed with stems and seeds; also often mixed with tobacco and smoked.
Cannabis oil - a treacly liquid, refined from the resin or less frequently from the plant itself; often thought to be the strongest. It's either smoked by mixing with the tobacco, or smeared on cigarette papers, rolled with ordinary tobacco.
what gives cannabis its effect?
THE mind altering ingredient is a substance called delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The main types of cannabis vary greatly in their strength, depending on the concentration of THC. There's usually a higher concentration in the resin than in the leaves of the plant.
is it addictive?
CANNABIS is not physically addictive. A minority of users can come to depend on the drug's effects — i.e. become psychologically dependent.
what are the effects?
THIS depends on your mood, your surroundings and the amount taken. The drug may bring on feelings of contentment, relaxation and happiness. You may feel giggly. Many people don't experience much when they first use the drug, and have to learn what effects to look out for.
how is it used?
SMOKING is by far the most common method of taking the drug, but it can also be eaten, either on its own, or in a variety of ways ranging from tea to cakes. Eating it can be less predictable because people often don't measure the quantity as carefully or may not know how much of the drug is in the food.
are there any side effects?
CANNABIS can cause tiredness, reddening of the eyes, dry mouth, an increase in your pulse rate and a drop in blood pressure. While the drug effect lasts, it is harder to concentrate. For example, driving may be difficult — and dangerous. Some people, particularly those taking high doses, may feel quite edgy. They may even experience short term panic. After a short time, most unpleasant effects should subside.
can taking cannabis be dangerous?
THERE are no reported cases of death from cannabis overdose. Smoking the drug has all the problems associated with smoking tobacco, such as bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease. The effects of cannabis may cause special risks for people with breathing or mental health problems.
drug testing
CANNABIS can be detected in urine samples (the usual method of testing) for a good while after use. Occasional use can be detected on average for up to 7 days after last use. Heavy cannabis use can be detected for up to 30 days. The detection periods vary depending on the testing equipment used, your weight and amount of cannabis taken.
what is the legal position?
UNDER the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Cannabis is classified as a Class B drug. Cannabis oil is classified as Class A, and attracts higher penalties. It's illegal to possess, cultivate or supply cannabis. It's also an offence to allow premises to be used for smoking or supplying cannabis. The maximum penalty for possession is 5 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine, but actual penalties vary according to individual circumstances and local policies. In practice, many first time offenders arrested for possession of cannabis are cautioned. There's a lot of confusion and uninformed guesswork around sentencing.
