Cannabis Information for You

Cannabis Information for you

All our publications are available in other formats 2 What is it? Cannabis is a psychoactive (affects the mind) substance from the cannabis plant. Cannabis is given many different names. Street names for the drug can be different depending on the cannabis strain (type), or where you live. Some examples include: green, pollen, shatter, hash, weed, ganja, skunk, marijuana.

How it is used? It is usually smoked with tobacco, commonly known as a joint. It is also smoked in pipes or bongs. Cannabis is sometimes eaten in food.

Effects and risks Effects and risks can depend on the type and strength of cannabis being used, and other factors such as length of use. Effects: • Chilled, relaxed, happy • Giggles, talkative • Light headed, sick (whitey) • Colours appear more vivid, sounds and feelings can be more intense • Feel like time is slowed • Increase in appetite Risks: • Lung problems (especially if smoking it with tobacco) • Mouth and dental problems

3 • Affects memory and motivation • Dependency (needing the drug) • Reduces fertility • Risks to your baby if you are pregnant • Failing drug tests (the drug can stay in your system for a long time) • Increased risk of long term physical health conditions • Mental health problems

Mental health Cannabis use can be linked to mental health problems such as anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks. It can also increase your risk of developing a psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia. A psychotic illness is one where you have hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t really there) and delusions (believing things that aren’t really true). If you already have a mental health condition, cannabis can make your symptoms worse. Your risk of developing a psychotic illness is higher if: • You start using cannabis at a young age • You smoke stronger types • You use it often • You use if for a long time • You use cannabis and also have other risk factors for schizophrenia, such as a family history of the illness

4 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. Although CBD on its own is legal to buy, it is unregulated which means using it can still present risks.

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/tapering strategies 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 buying stronger varieties of cannabis • Avoid inhaling the drug deeply and for too long a time. It won’t give you any more of an effect, but it does increase the risk of damage to your lungs. • If you’re smoking cannabis, think about the type of paper you are using for a roach (roll of card or paper that forms the butt of the joint) printed or coloured paper may release more chemicals into your lungs • If smoking, do not use plastic bottles, rubber hoses, PVC or aluminium – these may release toxic fumes when hot. It is best to use a vaporiser. 5 • Clean bongs, pipes and any other equipment after use to avoid spreading of germs.

Stopping or reducing your cannabis use Cannabis withdrawal can be uncomfortable. Symptoms can include low mood and being bad-tempered. People often have a low appetite and may have problems sleeping. Withdrawal symptoms can last between one and seven 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): 01294 476000 • Addaction East Ayrshire Recovery Service: 01563 558777 • Addaction South Ayrshire Recovery Service: 01292 430529

For training information, contact the Prevention and Service Support Team: Telephone 01294 322339 or email [email protected] Follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PSSTNHSaaa Twitter: @PSST_NHSaaa

References https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/cannabis-the-facts/

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Last reviewed: July 2019 Leaflet reference: AD19-001-GD PIL code: PIL19-0097