Illegal Drugs - Parent Booklet

Illegal Drugs - The Facts 15 For more information see www.positivechoices.org.au cannabis The last time I had a joint was one of the worst nights of my life . I felt like I wasn ’ t aware of time and that I was losing my mind . My heart was racing and I thought I was going to have a heart attack . It ’ s difficult to explain but it was a truly terrifying experience that has made me never want to touch weed again . —Thomas, 15 effects of cannabis If smoked, the effects can come on quickly as THC is rapidly absorbed into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream within minutes. The effects of cannabis vary, but may include: what is it ? Cannabis is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa . The main active ingredient responsible for the ‘high’ produced by cannabis is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabis is produced in three main forms: • Cannabis herb (also known as marijuana) - the dried flowering tops/buds and leaves of the cannabis plant • Cannabis resin (also known as hashish) - the resin (a secreted gum) of the cannabis plant • Cannabis oil (also known as hash oil) - a thick oil obtained from hashish While hashish and hash oil contain more THC than marijuana, they are not widely used in Australia. Cannabis is typically smoked and oftenmixedwith tobacco. It is also sometimes added to food and eaten. Cannabis is also known as grass, pot, dope, weed, joints, mull, hydro, yarndi, ganja, bud, or green. immediate long term • Loss of inhibitions • Drowsiness • Increased appetite • Loss of co-ordination • Bloodshot eyes • Dryness of the mouth and throat • Lethargy • ‘Greening out’ (sweaty, dizzy, nauseous, vomiting) • Anxiety and panic attacks • Paranoia and psychosis • Problems with memory and learning • Dependence (addiction) • Decreased motivation and concentration • Increased risk of respiratory diseases • Paranoia (feeling extremely suspicious) • Psychosis (see glossary).