What is Marijuana?
Marijuana, or cannabis, is derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa) and is the most widely used illegal drug. The proactive chemical in marijuana delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects the brain and is what gives users a ‘high’.
What Does it Look Like?
There are three different forms of the drug:
Marijuana This is the least powerful but most popular form of cannabis. The leaves and heads of the hemp plant are shredded and often smoked. Marijuana contains the lowest concentration of THC – up to 35%, although this would be considered a premium grade; most contain approximately 15%. |
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Hashish Hashish consists of small blocks of cannabis resin which can range in colour from light brown to nearly black. Hashish is stronger than marijuana as the THC concentration is higher – up to 60%. |
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Hash Oil Hash oil is a thick liquid made from dissolving hashish or marijuana into solvents like alcohol, acetone or butane. The liquid is then separated from the hashish or marijuana and allowed to evaporate. The remaining liquid is a concentrated form of cannabis. Hashish oil contains the largest concentration of THC – up to 80%. |
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How is it Used?
Marijuana is often smoked in a hand rolled cigarette (joint) or through a pipe or ‘bong’. Hashish can also be smoked, although it is also mixed in with certain foods; the most popular form being cakes. Hashish oil can be either smoked, often via a plastic tube or in a joint; or again, it can also be added to certain food and then eaten.
What are the Immediate Effects?
The effects of cannabis vary from person to person and can also be determined by someone’s mood, or the atmosphere in which they are using the drug. The immediate effects of the drug can last for up to three hours and can include drowsiness, the distortion of time and space, a feeling of relaxation, increased talkativeness and appetite, and decreased concentration and coordination.
Larger doses or stronger forms of the drug can produce effects such as anxiety or panic, hallucinations, restlessness, nausea and paranoia.
What are the Long-term Effects?
Long-term use of the drug can lead to memory loss and learning difficulties, risk of asthma, cancer of the lungs and mouth, depression of the immune system, resulting in an increased risk of infection.
Cannabis can also cause serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, and can also worsen existing psychotic symptoms. Heavy or regular users have also been known to experience psychotic episodes which can last for a number of days. These often consist of hallucinations, either visual or aural related.
Common Street Names
Cannabis is also commonly known as Grass, Dope, Pot, Skunk, Weed, Reefer and Ganja. |
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For further information regarding marijuana addiction, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors, either by phone or email. Or if you prefer, drop us a text on the mobile number listed below.
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