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Cannabis

What is it?

Cannabis is a drug that comes from a plant. It contains two main chemicals: THC and CBD. THC is the part that affects how your mind works and can change the way you feel or behave.

Cannabis has many different names. Street names can vary depending on the cannabis strain (type), or where you live. Some examples include; green, resin, pollen, shatter, hash, weed, edibles, THC, skunk, and marijuana.

How it is used?

Cannabis can be administered in several ways.  It can be smoked with or without tobacco in a joint.  It can also be smoked in pipes or bongs.  Cannabis can be inhaled using a vaporiser, or more commonly via a THC vape.  Cannabis can be added to food products whilst cooking; or infused into sweets/gummies.  These are known as ‘edibles’. 

Effects and risks

Effects and risks can vary depending on the type of the cannabis being used, the route of administration and the THC potency. 

THC vs CBD: What does it mean?

Tetrahyrdocannibinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the main active chemicals in cannabis. Different strains of cannabis will contain different amounts of THC and CBD. The amount of each will change the overall effect the drug has. THC is psychoactive and gives you the feeling of being ‘high’. CBD has anti-anxiety properties and therefore works against the effect of THC. 

Effects of CBD

  • Relaxation
  • Improved sleep
  • Increased appetite
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Chatty
  • Giggly

Effects of THC

  • Psychoactive
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Breathing difficulties

Risks

  • Memory problems
  • Loss of motivation
  • Physical dependency
  • Reduced fertility
  • Mouth and dental problems
  • Risks to unborn baby if used during pregnancy
  • Failing drug screens
  • Increased risk of long term physical health problems
  • Respiratory problems (especially if smoked with tobacco)
  • Mental health problems
  • Drug induced psychosis
  • Financial problems
  • Relationship problems

Mental Health

Cannabis can affect your mental health. It has been linked to problems such as anxiety, paranoia and psychosis. Cannabis can also cause drug‑induced psychosis, where someone may see or hear things that aren’t there or believe things that aren’t true. Using cannabis when you already have mental health difficulties can make symptoms worse.

The risk of developing a psychotic illness is increased by the following:

  • The younger you start using cannabis
  • The high potency of THC
  • The frequency and duration in which you use cannabis
  • There is a family history of mental health problems

The Law

In the UK, cannabis is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). This means it is illegal to possess or supply, unless it has been medically prescribed. Penalties may include up to five years in prison for possession, and up to 14 years for supply and/or an unlimited fine.

Harm reduction

You are safest to not use cannabis, but if you do choose to use it there are some things you can do to lower the risks:

  • Avoid high potency THC
  • Avoid inhaling too deeply into the lungs
  • If using a ‘joint’ use a proper roach
  • If using a bong avoid plastic as these release harmful toxins
  • Use a vaporiser where possible
  • Regularly clean instruments
  • If using edibles be aware they have a longer onset
  • Avoid synthetic cannabinoids (Spice)

Tapering Strategy

Cannabis withdrawal can be uncomfortable. Symptoms can include low mood, anxiety, stomach cramps and headaches. People often have a low appetite and may have problems sleeping. Withdrawal symptoms can last between one and fourteen days. A tapering strategy is a way of reducing cannabis use whilst keeping withdrawal symptoms to a minimum. It involves slowly using less cannabis over a period of weeks or months (depending on how much you use). Other treatment options may include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy.

Where to get help

If you’re worried about your cannabis use you can get support from the following services in Ayrshire:

North Ayrshire Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (NADARS)

Caley Court Resource Centre, Stevenson, KA20 3HN

01294 476000

Rapid Access to Drug and Alcohol Recovery (RADAR)

North West Area Centre, Western Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1NQ

01563 574237

South Ayrshire Treatment and Recovery Team (START)

Ailsa Hospital, Ayr, KA6 6AB

01292 559800