Cannabis

Pot, Weed, Grass, Mary Jane, Roach, Reefer, Joint, THC, Dope, Gina, Shit, Blow, Spliff, Hash, Hashish, Marijuana, Skunk, Northern Lights, Bhang, Black, Blast, Sensi, Sensemilla, Zero, Wacky Backy

A green leafy plant. It can be sold as 'grass' (leaves, stalks and seeds), as 'hashish/hash' (a solid brown block ) or as "canabis oil"

Smoked, ingested (eaten or drunk as a brew)

The effects of cannabis use depend on the expectations of the user and their state of mind prior to use. Cannabis is used as a relaxant making people feel more conversant and provides enhancement of music and images, giving a pleasant feeling of euphoria. The drug is often used by a group as it enhances sociability. In larger quantities, cannabis may feel similar to LSD. Users may experience nausea, hallucinations, anxiety, panic attacks or paranoia. If a person is feeling tense prior to use, they can develop feelings of paranoia and agitation afterwards.

It is difficult to overdose on cannabis because you would need to smoke or consume very large amounts of the drug. Effects on short-term memory loss have been known, thus making conversation, study or work more difficult. The effects on long-term memory are unclear. Most of the ill effects of cannabis use are due to smoking it especially when mixed with tobacco. Bronchitis and lung cancer can occur due to the high tar content and it is thought that cannabis may be responsible for some cancers itself. Cannabis can aggravate lung tissue and increase the chances of chest problems such as bronchitis. It should be noted that there is still no conclusive evidence that cannabis causes lasting damage to health.

Cannabis is not physically addictive (although there is mounting evidence that it could be on the basis of a recognised withdrawal syndrome). A psychological dependence may arise after regular use and tolerance of the drug will develop gradually. Some mild withdrawal symptoms have been reported

Cannabis resin and cannabis grass are both Class C controlled drugs. This means the drug is not available for medical use and it is an offence to possess the drug or to supply it to others. Cannabis oil is a Class A controlled drug and carries the same restriction except maximum penalties are greater. It is illegal to possess, supply, produce or cultivate cannabis or to allow premises to be used for any of these activities.