Cannabis (THC)

Cannabis is classified as a cannabinoid drug.

The exact number of different cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant is still being researched, but it primarily contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

Slang names  Marijuana, yarndi, pot, weed, hash, dope, gunja, joint, stick, chronic, cone, choof.

Cannabis

 

How is it used?

Cannabis can be smoked, eaten or vaporized and comes in different forms. Users report that the subjective effects of cannabis vary significantly depending on the form consumed.

  • Marijuana − the dried leaves and flowers (buds) of the cannabis plant that are smoked in a joint or a bong. This is the most common form.
  • Hashish – the dried plant resin that is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked or added to foods and baked; such as cookies and brownies.
  • Hash oil – liquid that is usually used sparingly (due to high potency) and added to the tip of a joint or cigarette and smoked.
  • Concentrates – extracts (dabs, wax or shatter) typically using butane hash oil as a solvent, often vaporized in small quantities due to high THC content.

Cannabis can be prepared into various foods generally called ‘edibles’. 

It takes between 1-3 hours to feel the effects after eating cannabis. When smoked or vaporized, the effects are usually felt straight away. Cannabis can also come in synthetic form, which may be more harmful than real cannabis.

Visible signs of potential use of cannabis:

Some people report feelings of relaxation and euphoria while other people report experiences of anxiety and paranoia.

  • Feelings of relaxation and euphoria
  • Spontaneous laughter and excitement
  • Increased sociability
  • Increased appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Memory impairment
  • Slower reflexes
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Increased heart rate
  • Mild anxiety and paranoia

Note: Those with a family history of mental illness are more likely to also experience anxiety, depression and psychotic symptoms after using cannabis.
Psychotic symptoms include delusions, hallucinations and seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted.

Please note the effects listed in this information do not automatically indicate that a person is under the influence of illicit drugs. This is only a guide to the possibility.