The information on these pages is designed to give you and idea of what drugs do and the risks involved. As a service, we accept that drug use is part of the World and Island we live in today and are here to help if you need us.

Drug use is risky, there are no regulations on illegal drugs (such as strength or content) and so you’ll never know what you’ve really bought. We want you to be safe and make informed decisions – it could affect the rest of your life. If your drugs use, or that of a friend, family member or colleague is causing you concern, don’t be ashamed or afraid to get in touch if you need help or support. We are a CONFIDENTIAL service!

Cannabis comes in various forms:

Herbal Cannabis is made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Usually referred to as Marijuana, Grass, Bush, Weed or Pot. Can be mixed with tobacco and smoked or eaten in cakes. (Top of picture)

Cannabis Resin is a greenish/brown block of compressed resin from the sap of the leaves and flowers. Also know as Hash, Hashish, Draw, and Blow. Heated and sprinkled in a role up cigarette. (Middle of picture)

Cannabis Oil, rarely seen over here, but nevertheless deserves a mention. Basically a dark sticky substance usually smeared along a cigarette and smoked. (Bottom of picture).

What does it do? That depends a lot on you. Like all drug use it depends what environment you’re in, who you’re with and your current frame of mind and how much is taken & how. So, saying cannabis relaxes you will not apply to everyone. Some people do find it relaxing, find hilarity in nothing in particular and giggle for hours at the wall paper whilst others may become anxious, feel sick or vomit, panic or become paranoid. And there are those who it has no affect at all and wonder what the fuss is about.

Physical Effects?

Bloodshot eyes is usually a give away and sensitivity to light.  Initially increased pulse rate but later decreased blood pressure (This is a problem for people with heart complaints), dry mouth, mild pain reduction, possible dizziness and problems with coordination.

Cannabis enhances the senses (light and sound may be more intense) and because it lowers your blood sugar levels can lead to an attack of the ‘munchies’ where users want to eat lots of food, especially sweet things, such as cake or chocolate. However, heavy or regular users will find the 'munchy effect' wears off over time.

MENTAL HEALTH

However, what we DO know is that in some cases, there is an association between cannabis and mental health problems. The debate is which came first - mental health or cannabis? A quick look at the debate:

1. Cannabis causes Mental Health Problems?

2. Cannabis makes Mental Health problems worse?

3. People use Cannabis to cope with a mental health problem (i.e They didn't use it before they had a mental health problem - 'Self-Medication')?

4. Cannabis and Mental Health problems collide together with a number of common variables so you can tell which came first but it was a culmination of events and causes. A 'Common Cause'.?

So it's not black and white and certainly some people will sway one way more than the other. There is research available on all those ideas. So the point is, there is risk, and as a service who generally see those who have problems with their Cannabis use we could safely pick all four options as reasons for their use!

The mood changes caused by Cannabis - good and bad - should be short term, will depend on the amount used and how often. If someone had feelings of anxiety, paranoia or depression whilst using, it would be expected that those effects would not persist after the effects of the drug have worn off. Some unlucky individuals can be left with short-term psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or extreme paranoia. If that happens - it's a warning to firstly get medical assistance and not to use it or other drugs without checking with your GP first. If you or someone you know has lost a grip with reality (hearing voices, delusions) and they are a Cannabis user then get them help today either through your mental health service or email us here for advice.

We do go on about it but it has to be re-iterated - If you are feeling low, fed up, anxious or depressed or just suffered a trauma - a spliff or a bong is not a good idea. The chances of a negative effect are very high.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Risk of accidents increase – especially if mixed with alcohol, your reflexes are slower so operating machinery or driving a vehicle is dangerous.

The tar in cannabis joints contain 50% higher concentrations of carcinogens than ordinary tobacco cigarettes and therefore the risks of cancer are more so than as those associated with cigarette smoking. According to the British Lung Foundation 'just 3 cannabis joints a day cause the same damage to the lung's airways as 20 cigarettes.'

'There are those who will also inhale deeper and hold the smoke in their lungs for longer before exhaling - this results in more poisonous carbon monoxide and tar entering the lungs.'

According to research by the ACMD, Cannabis itself contain cancer-causing tars and when smoked 'the damage to the respiratory tract is equal if not greater than that of smoking tobacco. There is an increased incidence of chronic bronchitis and a potential long - term risk of lung cancer. Severe cases of lung damage have also been reported in young, very heavy users'  so no - it's not harmless. 

Is it addictive?

Do you have a problem with your cannabis use?

In May 2006 we launched our 'Cannabis Check-Up' AND Smoking Cessation Service. It's designed to help anyone who smokes cannabis avoid health problems and reduce the risk of dependence on cannabis. If you would like to have a confidential 10 minute self assessment call us on 615622 or email us. This is confidential and there's no hassle - you decide what to do with the results. No one is going to ask you to quit or cut down - it's up to you to decide. Or if you would like a free quitting info pack, get in touch.

Also see www.clearhead.org.uk for further advice & support.

The following may be an indication that you have a problem with your cannabis use:

Risk of fatal overdose? – None recorded. HOWEVER, deaths recorded where cannabis was the drug used, the cause of death was inhalation of vomit in conjunction with alcohol use. It is important to remember that cannabis is also a mild sedative and therefore should not be mixed with other drugs - particularly alcohol. Not only is it likely to make you sick, but it increases your risk of falling asleep (adding two depressants) and possibly choking on vomit.