Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the UK and is a naturally occurring drug that grows as the cannabis plant.
It is a mild sedative which lends to a chilled out feeling (and sometimes actual sleepiness) and also a mild hallucinogen. Taking cannabis can result in a distorted view of reality and may even cause hallucinations. The active and main ingredient in marijuana is THC – tetrahydrocannabinol.
Some people experience nausea from cannabis after very little, others may feel fine
Giggling, feeling talkative
Hunger pangs ‘the munchies’
Feeling more aware of your senses or a feeling of a slowing of time.
The stronger the marijuana, the stronger the effects. Effects may be altered when cannabis is mixed with tobacco.
Cannabis addiction
Cannabis addiction can depend on the user, how long you have been using it and whether you are just more prone to becoming dependent.
If you have difficulty stopping regular use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms including cravings for the drug, irritability, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, sweating, shaking and diarrhea. However if you have only been using cannabis for a short amount of time, it should be relatively easy to stop smoking it.
Dependency on marijuana can be increased if you roll your joints with tobacco. In many cases this dependency is actually a growing addiction to the tobacco.
Cannabis laws
Cannabis is a Class B drug. Being caught in possession of the drug may lead to up to five years in jail. Supplying or possessing with the intent to supply can get you 14 years in jail and a large fine.
Police penalties can depend on your age and the circumstances under which you are found with the drug but regardless of status, you will risk a police record and jail.
How Cannabis is used
Cannabis is most commonly smoked either in a pipe or bong (water pipe) or rolled up in a cigarette paper. Many users in the UK mix their weed with tobacco.
Cannabis can come in different forms and this will effect how it is used. For instance cannabis oil, made by separating the resin from the cannabis plant, cannot be rolled and is commonly smoked in a pipe.
Many medicinal marijuana users prefer to eat their cannabis, mixing it into cake mix and cookie dough.
Contamination risk
There will be cases of cannabis being replaced with other substances such as herbal tea leaves. However, given the distinct aroma of the drug it is unlikely to be mixed with anything too potentially dangerous. Solid forms of the drug have been known to be cut with other substances such as turpentine, boot polish and tranquillisers.
Side Effects / Health Risks of Cannabis
Cannabis or being stones can affect your coordination
Smoking anything affects your lungs. Inhaling cannabis can cause respiratory issues possibly including cancer or lung disease. It is not recommended for asthma sufferers and may increase wheezing.
Smoking marijuana may increase an already existing mental illness or invoke psychosis. If you or a family member have a history of psychosis then partaking in a joint or bong may not be a good idea.
Long term use may increase the likelihood of a mental health defect.
It has been reported that marijuana could decrease your fertility affecting the sperm count and a woman’s menstruation cycle.
Mixing the D’s what to avoid
Smoking marijuana with other drugs and alcohol in particular, can lead to you feeling extremely nauseous and even vomiting.
Cannabis will make you feel mellow when other drugs are increasing your energy. Smoking it alongside other drugs can increase a feeling of panic and hallucination.
Cannabis overdose
It is unlikely that you will overdose from cannabis alone.
Cannabis withdrawal
Like any drug, it can be difficult to give up something that makes you feel good but the addictive nature of cannabis does not occur for short term smokers and easy to give up. Long term smoking of cannabis can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability loss of sleep and even sweating and nausea.
Cannabis drug test
There isn’t an individual drug test available, but you can test for a number of drugs at once.
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in the UK and is a naturally occurring drug that grows as the cannabis plant.
