Frank & Honest

Cannabis

Also known as:

BLOW – DOPE – class=caps>HASH – DRAW – class=caps>MARIJUANA – GRASS – class=caps>WEED – POT – class=caps>BUSH – SKUNK – class=caps>PUFF – GANJA

WHAT IS IT?

Cannabis is a natural substance from the ‘cannabis sativa’ plant, known as hemp. It comes in a solid, dark lump known as resin or the leaves and stalks are used.

Cannabis can be smoked in a joint or spliff, or using pipes, bottles, hot knives, buckets or bongs. It can also be eaten.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Cannabis is now a class C drug. Penalties can be up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine for possession and 14 years for supply or trafficking.

THE EFFECTS

• Small amounts can make you feel more relaxed and friendly.

• It can make you more talkative and make you laugh a lot.

• The effect will depend on how much you use and what type of cannabis it is. It will also depend on your mood and the situation.

• It heightens your senses, especially when listening to music, looking at colours or tasting things.

• Cannabis may bring on cravings for food, especially sweet things (known as ‘the munchies’).

THE RISKS

• It may slow you down and affect your judgement. This can lead to accidents.

• Cannabis may affect your memory and you might forget things. People around you might get frustrated with this and start avoiding you.

• It can make it difficult to concentrate on things and make you feel tired. It can be really difficult to get anything done.

• It can cause breathing problems, and make you short of breath.

• Long-term use can cause paranoia and anxiety. You might become very suspicious and fearful of people.

• Cannabis can also make people depressed.

PLAY IT SAFE

The less you use the less likely you are to have bad effects.

It is important to remember that different types of cannabis come in different strengths.

Avoid using cannabis with other drugs, and make sure you’re in a safe place
and try to stick with mates who you trust.

Don’t use cannabis when driving or using any machinery.

REMEMBER – CANNABIS
IS STILL ILLEGAL

Drugs can severely damage your physical and mental health.
They can get you in to trouble with the law and even kill you.
But if you do decide to use drugs, reduce the risks by finding out as much as you can about the effects, risks, etc. and then decide if it’s really worth it.

If you do decide to use drugs keep these points in mind: – The smaller you are the less drugs you need to get the same effect, but where you are and the mood you are in will also affect the way you’ll react.

Don’t score off strangers; poor quality drugs can give you bad effects.

Mixing drugs and alcohol can be fatal.

Never drive if you have had drugs.

Always carry a condom; never risk unprotected sex.

FIRST AID

If your mate collapses call 999.

Get help to put them into the recovery position.

Tell the medics what they have taken.

IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE.

This information leaflet has been put together by:
FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

The information on this leaflet is correct at the time of going to press.