Cannabinoids

 

Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors on cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. These receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body by humans and animals),the phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured chemically). The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis.

 

Cannabis is a depressant drug, which means it slows down messages travelling between your brain and body. When large doses of cannabis are taken, it may also produce hallucinogenic effects. 

 

Other names 

Marijuana, Mary Jane, yarndi, pot, weed, hash, dope, gunja, joint, stick, motti, trees, Kronic (synthetic form), cone, choof.

 

How is it used?

Cannabis is usually smoked or eaten and comes in 3 different forms:

• Marijuana - the dried plant that is smoked in a joint or a bong. This is the most common form.

• Hashish – the dried plant resin that is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked or added to foods and baked; such as cookies and brownies.

• Hash oil – liquid that is usually added to the tip of a cigarette and smoked.

 

It takes about an hour to feel the effects of eating cannabis, which means it’s easy to have too much. If it’s smoked the effects are usually felt straight away. However, smoking can cause a number of negative side effects, especially later in life. 

Cannabis can also come in synthetic form, which may be more harmful than real cannabis. 

 

Effects of cannabis

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It's important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

 

Cannabis affects everyone differently, but effects may include:

• Feeling relaxed and sleepy

• Spontaneous laughter and excitement

• Increased appetite

• Dry mouth

• Quiet and reflective mood

 

If a large amount or a strong batch is taken, the following may also be experienced:

• Trouble concentrating

• Blurred vision

• Clumsiness

• Slower reflexes

• Bloodshot eyes

• Seeing and hearing things that aren't there

• Increased heart rate

• Low blood pressure

• Mild anxiety and paranoia

• Long-term effects 

 

Regular use of cannabis may eventually cause:

• Memory loss

• Learning difficulties

• Mood swings

• Regular colds or flu

• Reduced sex drive

• Difficulty having children (low fertility in males and females)

• Needing to use more to get the same effect

• Dependence on cannabis

• Financial, work and social problems

 

Smoking cannabis can also cause:

• Sore throat

• Asthma

• Bronchitis

• Cancer 

 

Those with a family history of mental illness are more likely to also experience anxiety, depression and psychotic symptoms after using cannabis. Psychotic symptoms include delusions, hallucinations and seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. 

 

Using cannabis with other drugs

The effects of taking cannabis with other drugs; including over-the-counter or prescribed medications; can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Cannabis + alcohol: nausea, vomiting, panic, anxiety and paranoia.

Cannabis is sometimes used to help with the ‘come down’ effects of stimulant drugs, such as ice, speed and ecstasy. However, doing this can cause reduced motivation, bad memory,  mental health problems and dependency on both drugs.

 

Withdrawal

Giving up cannabis after using it for a long time is challenging, because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Withdrawal symptoms may last for only a week, but sleep may be affected for longer. Symptoms include:

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Aggressive and angry behaviour

• Loss of appetite and upset stomach

• Sweating, chills and tremors

• Restless sleep and nightmares

 

Information from http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/drug-facts