Drugs & boozeCannabis
Cannabis
The truth about Cannabis...
By Dr Proctor
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Interviews with Claire, a reformed drug addict, and Steph, who works in a rehab centre!
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Cannabis comes from a plant known as hemp. Its main active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It was first introduced in the UK as a medicine in the 1840s and used as a painkiller.
The use of cannabis was banned in the UK in 1928 after an international conference said cannabis drove people mad! IT'S STILL ILLEGAL
It is estimated that 40% of young people have tried cannabis by the age of 16!
Cannabis is illegal because of the health risks to those who us it. It's stronger than it used to be and it can have a serious effect on someone's mental health. For example:
- For someone who suffers or has suffered with schizophrenia it can worsen their symptoms
- There is also a link between cannabis use and the onset of psychotic illnesses
There are three types of cannabis:
| Where does it come from? | THC level | The Law | |
| Resin (hashish, hash) | It is scraped from the dried plant and pressed to look like a brown/black block. | 2-8% | The maximum penalty for possession is five years and a fine. The maximum penalty for supply is 14 years. |
| Grass (marijuana, weed) | It is made from the flower buds, the strongest part of the cannabis plant. Looks like pieces of grass stuck together. | 1-22% | |
| Skunk | It is a potent strain of cannabis plant. Effects can be like taking a mild dose of LSD rather than cannabis. |
20% |
(Having a criminal record may not affect you now but it can affect you in the future, eg when you apply for a job or further education or if you apply for a mortgage.)
Effects
- Increased pulse rate
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Increased appetite
- Bloodshot eyes
- Feeling relaxed
- Can affect short term memory
Dangers
- Users may become sexually turned-on and get into situations they may later regret.
- Cannabis affects co-ordination and therefore increases the risks of accidents.
- Smoking cannabis can cause lung disease and cancer.
- If the user is already a paranoid, anxious person, cannabis can emphasise these feelings.
For more information on drugs and their effects visit the Talk to Frank website.
