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Home , Hashish, Physical dependence

· · long-term effects: or psychiatric conditions, risk the following possible heavily or regularly, or people with certain medical long-term effects. However, people who use in low doses are not likely to have any harmful Healthy adults who occasionally use cannabis cannabis? What are the long-term effects of using dependence may exper People who develop physical physical dependence. feel anxious. may feel they need it, and if can’t get The becomes overly important to them, they People with crave the high. psychological and/or mild physical dependence. People who use cannabis regularly can develop It can be. Is cannabis addictive? or so, although sleep problems may continue longer. sleep. These symptoms generally last for a week stomach, loss of appetite, sweating and disturbed Symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, upset syndrome if they suddenly stop using cannabis. 20 or more cigarettes. joints per day causes the same damage as smoking bronchitis. One study estimated that three to four Chronic smoking has been linked to Smoking cannabis irritates the respiratory system. maximum effect. This adds to the risk of cancer. often hold unfiltered smoke in their lungs for cancer-causing agents. People who smoke cannabis Cannabis smoke contains tar and other known Long-term frequent use can lead to ience a mild withdrawal legal system. laws do not reflect the practice of our police and possession of cannabis is too severe, and that our have suggested that criminal punishment for the government, health, police, policy and legal groups In an ongoing debate lasting many years, various about half of all drug arrests in Canada for that year. for possession of small amounts marijuana; this was or discharge. In 1995, 31,299 people were arrested of small amounts cannabis usually in more severe penalties. convictions and possession of larger amounts can r which limits employment and travel. Subsequent or a $1,000 fine (or both) — and criminal record, or A first-time conviction for possession of 30 grams Cannabis and the law · · · they have stopped using cannabis. information for weeks, months and even years after attention, memory and the ability to process complex Chronic, heavy use of cannabis may impair people’s course of the illness. accentuates psychotic symptoms and worsens the continued cannabis use in people with of an emerging . Evidence suggests that use cannabis to help them cope with the symptoms latent symptoms of schizophrenia, or whether people not clear, however, whether cannabis use releases cannabis use and the onset of schizophrenia. It is There is a possible association between heavy regular is stopped. study, although this usually returns when drug use cannabis use often reduces motivation for work and The constant intoxication associated with heavy less of marijuana can result in a six-month jail sentence A first offence results in of posses a fine sion esult medical use in 2001. in 1998, and to provide access marijuana for changed to permit the cultivation of industrial Canada’s Controlled and Substances Act was restricted source of supply available to adults. a legal status similar to , with but cannabis, and another is to “regulate,” giving cannabis would reduce the legal penalty for possession of One option to current laws is “decriminalize,” which T Marketing and Sales Services resource materials, please contact: To T Copyright © 2003 Centre for and V E- E- One in a series… Disponible en français Affiliated with the University of Toronto Collaborating Centre A Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization O Addiction and Mental Health’s 24-hour Information Line: or a copy of this brochure, please contact the Centre for For more information on addiction and mental health issues, GHB Ecstasy Cannabis Anabolic and Driving Alcohol, Other Drugs Alcohol T Client Relations Co-ordinator at: about services at CAMH, please call our If you have questions, compliments or concerns T Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation To isit our Web site at: www.camh.net EL EL EL ORONTO TROTOLL NTARIO MAIL MAIL

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595-6111 T Rohypnol LSD obacco 6059 in Toronto 2502 / 11-03 P254 and industrial value. in protein and yield an oil with nutritional rope, fabric and paper. Hemp seeds are high levels of THC. Hemp fibres are used to make Hemp grown for industrial use has very low marijuana smoke. responsible for the “high” associated with psychoactive , and is most (delta-9-) is the main specific to the cannabis plant. THC , have been identified as More than sixty-one chemicals, called derive from the cannabis plant. Marijuana, hashish and oil all “psychoactive,” or mind-altering, effects. for industrial and medical use, its plant, has been cultivated for centuries , What is it? Street names: others), hashish (hash), (weed oil, honey oil) Do You Know... marijuana (grass, weed, pot, dope, and also known as the hemp

Cannabis Many claims about the medical uses of marijuana Marijuana, hash or hash oil are sometimes mixed How does cannabis make you feel? Smoking larger amounts may intensify some of the Is cannabis dangerous? have not been scientifically proven; however, research with tobacco, and are most often rolled into a cigarette How cannabis affects you depends on: desired effects but is also more likely to produce While no one has ever died of a cannabis overdose, has shown that THC and other pure cannabinoids can called a , or smoked in a pipe. Cannabis is an unpleasant reaction. Too high a dose may result those who use cannabis should be aware of the relieve nausea and vomiting and stimulate appetite. sometimes cooked in foods, such as brownies, or · how much you use in feelings of losing control, confusion, agitation, following possible dangers, and take measures to This can help people who have AIDS or who take drugs made into a drink. · how often and how long you’ve used it and panic. Pseudohallucinations (seeing avoid them: used to treat cancer. Further research is needed to · whether you smoke it or swallow it things such as pattern and colour that you know are establish the medical value of marijauna in relieving Synthetic THC () is produced under the · your mood, your expectations and the environment not real) or true (where you lose touch · Cannabis impairs depth perception, attention span pain, reducing muscle spasms and controlling some trade name Marinol®. A related synthetic cannabinoid you’re in with reality) can occur. and concentration, slows reaction time, and decreases types of epileptic . (nabilone) is sold as Cesamet®. Both are prescribed · your age muscle strength and hand steadiness — all of which to people who have cancer or AIDS. · whether you have certain pre-existing medical or The physical include red eyes, may affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Where does cannabis come from? psychiatric conditions dry mouth and throat, irritated respiratory system · Cannabis and alcohol, when taken together, intensify Cannabis is native to tropical and temperate climates, Who uses cannabis? · whether you’ve taken any alcohol or other drugs (from smoking) and bronchodilation (expansion of each other’s effects and can cause severe impairment. but is cultivated around the world. Modern illicit growing Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug (illicit, prescription, over-the-counter or herbal). breathing passages). Appetite and heart rate increase, · Cannabis intoxication affects thinking and short-term operations use sophisticated methods to produce high in Canada (after alcohol and tobacco use by minors). while blood pressure, balance and stability decrease. memory. Using cannabis while at school or work may potency marijuana. However, most cannabis use is infrequent and When people first try cannabis, they often feel Cannabis may cause drowsiness or restlessness, interfere with learning or work performance. experimental. no psychoactive effect. With repeated use, however, depending on the amount taken and individual · Unless you have a medical exemption, it is illegal to People with a medical exemption from Health Canada these effects are felt. response to the drug. grow, possess or sell cannabis. may grow their own supply or designate someone to A 2000 study reported that 35 per cent of Ontarians · Illicit cannabis products are not subject to any health grow it for them. Research-grade cannabis is grown over the age of 18 had used cannabis at some point People can have very different experiences with How long does the feeling last? and safety standards, and may be contaminated with by a producer appointed by the federal government. in their life, and 11 per cent of those who had used cannabis. Some may feel relaxed, lively, talkative When cannabis is smoked, the effect is almost other drugs, pesticides or toxic fungi. it did so in the past year. A 1994 Canadian study and giggly, while others feel tense, anxious, fearful immediate and may last several hours, depending · Large doses of potent cannabis, especially when What does cannabis look like? reported that about two per cent of the people surveyed and confused. What’s more, the kind of high a on how much is taken. When swallowed, the effect swallowed, can cause “toxic psychosis.” Symptoms Marijuana is the dried flower buds and leaves of the used cannabis once a week or more. person has can vary from one drug-taking episode is felt in about an hour, and lasts longer than when include auditory and visual hallucinations, paranoid cannabis plant. It ranges in colour from grayish green to another. People who are familiar with the drug smoked. Although the high lasts only a few hours , confusion and . When cannabis to greenish brown and may contain seeds and stems. Rates of cannabis use among Ontario students learn to stop when they’ve had enough, and have after smoking, THC is stored in fat cells and expelled use is stopped, these symptoms usually disappear Hashish is the dried, compressed of cannabis have risen in recent years and are currently similar more control of the effects, than do people who from the body over a period of days or weeks, within a week. flowertops. It ranges in colour from brown to black, to the peak rates of the late 70s and early 80s. are new to the drug. depending on the frequency of use and the amount · Cannabis use raises the heart rate and lowers blood and is sold in chunks. Hash oil is made by boiling A 2001 survey found that about 30 per cent of used. This is why drug tests for cannabis use can pressure. People with angina or other coronary artery cannabis flowertops or resin in an organic , which Ontario students in Grade 7 to OAC had used marijuana At low doses, cannabis mildly distorts perception give a positive result long after the effect of the disease may increase their risk of heart attack if they produces a sticky reddish-brown or green substance. at least once in the previous year, with about three and the senses. People who use the drug say that drug has worn off. use cannabis. The THC content of each variety of cannabis varies, per cent reporting daily use in the past four weeks. it makes music sound better, colours appear brighter · Using cannabis during pregnancy may affect the although hash is generally more potent than marijuana, These rates of use were significantly higher among and moments seem longer. They say that it enhances baby. Research suggests there may be a link between and hash oil is usually the most potent form. males than females. taste, touch and smell and makes them feel more cannabis use during pregnancy and subtle cognitive aware of their body. Some enjoy these effects, but problems in children. Cannabis smoke contains others find them uncomfortable. many of the same chemicals found in cigarette smoke, which are dangerous to the fetus.

Cannabis