Learn About Drugs: Cannabis

Cannabis is probably the most common drugs in the world, besides alcohol. It is legal in some countries and some not. It is by some generally thought to be a light drug with little known side effects. Critics on the other hand thinks of Cannabis as a first step in to heavier drug addiction. Frequent use of Cannabis is medically proved to make the user ”slow”, apathetic and/or never seems to make any progress in life. Because the active substance – delta-9-TetraHydroCannabinol (THC) – binds with body fat, it is also a small possibility that the substance binds in the brain (fat) to be released many years after the intake of the drug.

When smoked, the cannabis effect kicks in when the lungs absorbs the THC and it reaches the brain and lasts for up to 3 hours, all though at its peak at 10-30 minutes. The user may feel completely normal after about 3-6 hours. Signs and effects may differ between, but one or more of the following are common:

• Bloodshot and/or glossy eyes
• Dry mouth
• Red, pale skin (face)
• Increased pulse
• Difficult to allocate attention
• Impaired temporal and spatial perception
• Sudden attacks of giggle and laughter

The use of Cannabis is visible in urine and may, because it binds with body fat, be detectable for a couple of weeks.

Cannabis – Marijuana

Cannabis/marijuana consists of dried parts from the plant Cannabis Sativa and is therefore mainly smoked. It’s the part above ground – leaves, inflorescence’s and top shots – that’s used. This are usually called marijuana. The plant consists of a female and male component. The female component of the plant is the interesting part when it comes to using it as a drug, since it produces more resin.

The Cannabis Sativa plant originally grows in subtropical climates, because it needs a lot of sun and heat to grow, all though it can grow in colder places with the right equipment (heating lamps, artificial daylight for example). Morocco, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and Netherlands are the major natural producers of marijuana.
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Cannabis – Hashish

Hashish is produced by harvesting the resin-producing hairs the plant. This can be done by striking the parts through thin net to collect the resin. The resin are then pressed together as cakes (or in some places as small balls).

This is probably the most common use of Cannabis. The hashish cakes are divided into small lumps, often mixed with tobacco and smoked.

Cannabis Extract

Cannabis extract (or ”Hashish oil”) is produced by plant parts or hashish cakes added in a solvent that concentrates the THC and filtered. The cannabis will then be usable in thick liquid form. The hashish oil is a syrup like liquid with a strong odor. Like hashish and marijuana, the extract is generally smoked, by pouring it on a cigarette or mix it with tobacco.

Learn more about drugs

• Central Depressive Drugs – Benzodiazepines, GHB

• Central Stimulants – Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Khat

• Hallucinogenic Drugs – LSD, Ecstasy, Phenethylamines, Magic Mushrooms, Peyote Cactus

• Inhaled Drugs – Butane Gas, Poppers

• Opiates – Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Methadone, Subutex, Suboxone, Fentanyl

• PCP and Ketamine – Fencyklidin, Ketamine

• How to see signs of drug addiction