Information+on+Cannabis

=**Cannabis** =

__**What Is Cannabis?**__

Marijuana, hash and hash oil come from the Cannabis sativa (Health Canada, 2009). Cannabis sativa, also known as the hemp plants, have been cultivated for centuries for industrial and medical uses, and for its “psychoactive” effects (CAMH, 2010). The cannabis plant has more than 61 chemicals, called cannabinoids (CAMH, 2010). THC (delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid and is responsible for making a user feel “high” (Health Canada, 2009)

__**Where Does Cannabis Come From?**__

Cannabis is “native to tropical and temperature climates,” (CAMH, 2010), but is grown around the world (CAMH, 2010). Different weather and soil conditions can affect the amounts of chemicals inside the plant, which means that certain parts of the world can produce stronger cannabis than others (Prevention Smart Parents, 2009). Furthermore, cannabis can be grown in fields as a crop or inside buildings, as long as there is artificial light and water (Prevention Smart Parents, 2009). Modern illegal growing operations use sophisticated procedures to produce high-potency marijuana (CAMH, 2010). Additionally, individuals with a medical exemption from Health Canada may grow their own supply or assign someone to grow it for them (CAMH, 2010). Research-based cannabis is grown by a producer assigned by the federal government (CAMH, 2010).

__**Different Forms of Cannabis:**__

**Marijuana:** Marijuana is the dried leaves and flower buds of the cannabis plants, but may also contain seeds and stems (Health Canada, 2009). It ranges in colours from grayish-green to greenish-brown (CAMH, 2010). Often it has a strong or spicy smell (Health Canada, 2009). Users most often use it in “hand-rolled cigarettes (joints or spliffs), in pipes or water pipes (bongs), or wrapped in cigar tobacco (blunts),” (Health Canada, 2009). Marijuana can also be prepared in food and eaten. **Hash** Hashish or Hash is “made from the resin that is collected and compressed from the cannabis plant,” (Health Canada, 2009). It ranges in colour from brown to black, and is most often sold in chunks, (CAMH, 2010), but can be soft and flexible (Health Canada, 2009). Hashish that has a significant amount of leaf material in it can also be green (Health Canada, 2009). Hash is normally smoked, but can be eaten as well (Health Canada, 2009). Additionally, hash contains more THC than marijuana, therefore making the user feel a greater “high” (Health Canada, 2009).

**Hash Oil** Hash oil, also known as cannabis oil, is made by ``boiling cannabis flower tops or resin in an organic solvent,” (CAMH, 2010). Hash oil is generally a thick, sticky liquid that varies in colour from gold to red to dark brown (Health Canada, 2009). Hash oil is most often smoked and the THC content is usually higher than marijuana (Health Canada, 2009).

**Hemp** Hemp is most often grown for industrial purposes and has low levels of THC (CAMH, 2010). Hemp fibres are used to make ropes, fabric, paper, food, and cosmetics (Health Canada, 2009). Additionally, hemp seeds are “high in protein and yield oil with nutritional and industrial value,” (CAMH, 2010).

**THC** The THC content varies depending on how the cannabis is prepared: • In marijuana, the THC level ranges from 1% to 20% (Health Canada, 2009) • In hash, the THC level depends on the source and how it is prepared (Health Canada, 2009), but is more potent than marijuana (CAMH, 2010)• Hash oil usually contains 10% to 20%, but have had THC concentrations as high as 70% reported (Health Canada, 2009). Hash oil is usually the most potent form (CAMH, 2010).

The amount of THC in marijuana depends on: • How it was grown • The genetic makeup of the plant • The amounts of flower parts, leaves, stems and seeds

(Health Canada, 2009)

__**Who Uses Cannabis?**__

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Canada (after alcohol used by minors), and most use is occasional and experimental (CAMH, 2010). CAMH reports that a study conducted in 2009 demonstrated that 42% of Ontarians over the age of 18 had used cannabis at least once in their life and that 12% had used in the last year (CAMH, 2010). Furthermore, another survey from 2009 illustrated that 26% of Ontario students between grades 7-12 had used marijuana at least once in the previous year, with about 3% reporting daily use in the past four weeks (CAMH, 2010). These studies also showed that there was a significantly higher rate among males than females (CAMH, 2010).

Using Cannabis for Medical Purposes:

Although marijuana has not been approved as a therapeutic product in Canada or anywhere else in the world, Canada does offer a program that allows seriously ill individuals living in Canada to possess marijuana for their own medical use (Health Canada, 2009). Under the Marijuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR), “people can be authorized to possess a specific amount of marijuana and can be licensed to grow their own marijuana or designate someone else to grow it for them,” (Health Canada, 2009).

A person may be allowed to acquire dried marijuana to ease symptoms associated with medical conditions, such as:

• Vomiting and nausea in individuals being treated for cancer • Severe pain, anorexia and weight loss in patients with cancer or AIDS • Pain and muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries • Epileptic seizures • Severe chronic pain

(Health Canada, 2009)

All other possession and production of marijuana by individuals is illegal (CAMH, 2010).

__**How Does Cannabis Affect the Body?**__

After the use of cannabis, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels toward the brain (Health Canada, 2009). Once in the brain, THC binds with the specific receptors, called cannabinoid receptors (Health Canada, 2009). This binding reaction in the brain results in the psychoactive effects felt by the user (Health Canada, 2009).

The rate at which cannabis reaches the brain varies. After smoking cannabis, the effects are felt immediately and last for one to three hours (Health Canada, 2009). Cannabis that is eaten takes approximately an hour before the effects are felt and may last for as long as four hours (Health Canada, 2009).

It may take a long time for cannabis to leave the body, as the THC is stored in our fat cells (Health Canada, 2009). Although this does not result in long-lasting mind-altering effects, it can result in a positive drug test long after the drug was taken (Health Canada, 2009).

__**How does Cannabis make you feel?**__

The effects of cannabis are unpredictable and vary among everyone. The effects of cannabis depend on several factors including:

• Age • Mood, expectations, and environment • Medical and psychiatric conditions • The amount of cannabis that is smoked or eaten • How often and for how long cannabis has been used • Use of other drugs (including alcohol, non-prescription, prescription, and street drugs)

(Health Canada, 2009)

First time users most often do not have any psychoactive effects, but with repeated use these effects are felt (CAMH, 2010). People can have very different experiences with cannabis. Some individuals may become calm, relaxed, lively, talkative, or giggly, where others can become anxious, paranoid or confused (CAMH, 2010). People who have used cannabis for a long period of time learn when to stop when they have had enough and have more control over the psychoactive effects that can be caused (CAMH, 2010).

Different doses of cannabis can cause different psychoactive effects. Low dosages mildly distort perception and the senses (CAMH, 2010). CAMH mentions that “people who use the drug say that it makes music sound better, colours appear brighter, and moments seem longer,” (CAMH, 2010). In contrast, larger dosages may intensify some of the desired effects, and most often causes an unpleasant experience (CAMH, 2010). Some individuals may become confused, fearful, paranoid, panicked, or feel they are losing control (CAMH, 2010). Pseudo-hallucinations or true hallucinations can also occur (CAMH, 2010).

__**Short-Term Effects of Cannabis Use:**__

Short-term effects include:

• Feelings of anxiousness, excitement, relaxation, or fear • Lowers concentration, attention and perception • Become talkative • Red eyes • Spontaneous laughter • Drowsiness • Increased hunger (often referred to as munchies) • Mild paranoia, anxiety, or panic • Impaired short-term memory • Increased heart-rate and decrease in blood pressure (may cause fainting) • Dry mouth and throat • Irritation of the respiratory tract (with smoking) • Lowers concentration, attention, and perception

(Health Canada, 2009)

Additionally, a person could experience:

• Hallucinations • Pseudo-hallucinations • Severe agitation • Disorientation • Abdominal pain (Health Canada, 2009)

__**Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Use:**__

Long-term effects of cannabis use include:

• Risk of Cancer • Irritation of respiratory system (bronchitis) • Loss of motivation for work or study • Impairment of memory, attention, or the ability to process complex information • Possible association between heavy cannabis use and the onset of schizophrenia

(CAMH, 2010)

__**Cannabis Use and Effects on a Developing Fetus:**__

Research findings suggest that there is a possible link between cannabis use during pregnancy and cognitive problems in children (CAMH, 2010). Cannabis smoke contains many of the same chemicals in cigarette smoke, which are harmful to the fetus (CAMH, 2010).

__**Is Cannabis Addictive?**__

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People who use cannabis on a regular basis can become addicted and develop physical and psychological dependence (Health Canada, 2009). Individuals with psychological dependence crave the high and may feel they need cannabis to function in their life (CAMH, 2010). Long-term regular use can lead to physical dependence, resulting in mild withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped suddenly (Health Canada, 2009).=====

Withdrawal symptoms may include: • Craving • Irritability • Anxiety • Loss of appetite • Stomach discomfort • Tremors • Sweating • Difficulty sleeping

(Health Canada, 2009)

These symptoms may occur for approximately a week but sleep disturbances may last longer (Health Canada, 2009).

__**Video Resources on Cannabis:**__

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