Drug Education Teacher Booklet

For more information see positivechoices.org.au Drugs & Alcohol: What You Need to Know 21 IMMEDIATE LONG TERM ● Loss of inhibitions ● Feeling relaxed or drowsy ● Increased appetite ● Loss of coordination ● Bloodshot eyes ● Dryness of the mouth and throat ● Lethargy ● ‘Greening out’ (sweaty, dizzy, nausea, vomiting) ● Anxiety and panic attacks ● Paranoia and psychosis* ● Dependence* ● Problems with memory and learning ● Decreased motivation and concentration ● Increased risk of respiratory diseases ● Paranoia and psychosis* 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 often mixed with 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. EFFECTS OF CANNABIS If smoked, the effects are often felt quickly as THC is rapidly absorbed into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream within minutes. The effects of cannabis vary, but may include: * See Glossary on page 36 CANNABIS