Cannabis AKA marijuana, pot, dope, grass, hash, ganja, hashish, choof, hemp, herb, skunk, smoke, spliff, weed. What is it?
Cannabis is the most commonly material made from the resin used illegal drug in New Zealand of the plant. Cannabis is usually There is no and it comes in a number of mixed with tobacco and smoked “safe way” to different forms. For example, pot in joints. It can also be smoked use cannabis, is the dried leaves and flowers in bongs or pipes, baked into of the cannabis plant and looks food (e.g. cakes and cookies) or however, if you are like tightly-packed dried herbs, sometimes drunk as a brew. choosing to use, it and hash is a black-brown solid is important that you use as safely as possible.
What does it do? How long being Cannabis contains a chemical called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) “stoned” lasts, depends which moves from the bloodstream into the brain. THC is a hallucinogenic, meaning that it changes the way that you see reality. on how you used How it affects you depends on how much you use, how strong it is, cannabis and how how you took it, how you are feeling, who you are with and whether strong it was (e.g. if you you have mixed it with any other drugs or alcohol. ate it, you might stay stoned for a lot longer than if you smoked it). The effects of cannabis Usually when people smoke cannabis, they Some effects of cannabis or being “stoned” are feeling chilled stay stoned for two to out, relaxed and happy, becoming talkative and laughing a four hours. If you eat lot and experiencing hunger or food cravings (known as “the cannabis, the reaction munchies”). Some of the not-so-good effects can include feeling sick, your heart rate speeding up, a change in the can take up to an hour way you experience sensations (colours and sounds), poor to come on but it might concentration, anxiety and panic, suspicion, paranoia and poor then last for six or coordination which can affect driving and other activities. more hours.
Attributed to headspace National Youth Mental Health foundation Australia Cannabis
Cannabis and your mental health What happens if I stop using?
People usually use cannabis If you use cannabis for a long time you might become dependent because they want to feel good, and then find it hard to stop. If you are trying to cut down and in most cases they do. or stop using cannabis after using it for a while, you might However if you already have a experience withdrawal symptoms. mental health problem, These can include cravings, an Sometime cannabis can make upset tummy, not wanting to eat, feelings of anxiety, panic or problems sleeping and sometimes paranoia more intense. Young feeling angry, irritable and people who use cannabis are at there. The risk of developing restless. Withdrawals risk of developing mental health psychosis can be even higher usually last around problems, such as psychosis. if you start using cannabis a week, although Psychosis is when you start when you are young, or if other problems with sleep to believe strange things or people in your family have had may go for longer. see and hear things that aren’t mental health problems.
Staying safe If you are going to use cannabis, there will always be the risk of bad things happening. You can reduce some of this risk by:
If your cannabis use is starting to affect things Going low, going slow. Just Eating cannabis (in cakes or cookies) Not mixing with other that matter, like your use a bit at a time and wait rather than smoking it. Be aware that drugs or alcohol. mental health, wellbeing to see what it feels like. it’s easy to have too much, so start Things can get out of with a small amount and wait up to an control quickly. or your friendships, it hour to see how strong it is. can be a good idea to talk to someone about your options, such as different ways to reduce or stop your Not driving or doing Only using with people you trust. Having cannabis free anything that requires It’s good if someone in your group days. Avoid using if use. Whatever you coordination after isn’t using to keep an eye on you. you have school, uni or decide, SORTED can you’ve used. Keep an eye on your mates too. work the next day. help.
Calling an ambulance (111) if things get bad.
Or TXT free to 8681 AOD Helpline: 0800 787 797 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
These fact sheets are for general information only and have been kindly provided by SORTED. They are not intended to be and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific medical or health advice. While every effort is taken to ensure the information is accurate, Werry Workforce Whāraurau makes no representations and gives no warranties that this information is correct, current, complete, reliable or suitable for any purpose. We disclaim all responsibility and liability for any direct or indirect loss, damage, cost or expense whatsoever in the use of or reliance upon this information.