Cannabis sativa L. is a plant that grows wild throughout most of
the tropic and temperate regions of the world. Three drugs that
come from cannibis - marijuana, hashish, and hashish oil - are
distributed on the U.S. illicit market. THC (delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol) is believed to be the main chemical
ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect.
- Street names:
Blubbers, Boom, Gangster, Ganja, Grass, Hashish/Chara, Herb, Pot, Reefer, Weed
- Looks like:
Marijuana is a dry, shredded green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves from the Cannabis sativa plant. The
mixture typically is green, brown, or gray in color and may resemble tobacco. Hashish is collected, dried, and pressed
into a variety of forms, such as balls, cakes, or cookie-like sheets. Hashish oil is a viscous liquid ranging from amber to
dark brown in color.
Methods of abuse
Cannabis products are usually smoked.
- Affect on mind:
Cannabis is abused for its euphoric effects. When cannabis is smoked, the THC passes from the lungs and into the
bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the organs throughout the body, including the brain. In the brain, the THC
connects to specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. Many of
these receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory
and time perception, and coordinated movement. The short-term effects of cannabis include problems with memory and
learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, and loss of coordination.
- The effect of marijuana
on perception and coordination are responsible for serious impairments in driving abilities. Long-term chronic use is
associated with “Amotivational Syndrome”, characterized by apathy, impairment of judgment, memory and
concentration, and loss of motivation, ambition and interest in the pursuit of personal goals. High doses can result in
mental confusion, panic reactions and hallucinations.
- Affect on body
Short-term physical effects may include sedation, blood shot eyes, increased heart rate, coughing from lung irritation,
increased appetite, and decreased blood pressure. Like tobacco smokers, cannabis smokers experience serious
health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Extended use may cause suppression of the
immune system. Because cannabis contains toxins and carcinogens, cannabis smokers increase their risk of cancer
of the head, neck, lungs and respiratory track. Withdrawal from chronic use of high doses of cannabis causes physical
signs including headache, shakiness, sweating, stomach pains and nausea, as well as behavioral signs including
restlessness, irritability, sleep difficulties and decreased appetite.
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