Cannabis
The Cannabis Drug category includes 3 drugs (marijuana, hashish and hash oil) that are derived from the Cannabis plant. THC (delta-9-tetrahyrocannabinol) is the active ingredient in these drugs that gets the person high. Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the world.
Marijuana: Dried crumbled leaves which may resemble herbs.
Hashish: Dried resin that is usually dark in color and has a higher THC concentration than marijuana.
Hash Oil: Dark thick liquid made from hashish and has the highest THC concentration.
THC concentrations are 10-20 times stronger today than 30 years ago, due to cultivation techniques and genetic engineering to increase the THC content. Cannabis smoke contains over 400 chemicals, including some of the same cancer causing substances found in tobacco smoke.
Method of Use: Cannabis drugs are most commonly smoked (joint, pipe, bong). Some users mix marijuana into foods or use it to brew tea. Also, vaporizes are being used to heat marijuana allowing the resins to slowly vaporize into a mist which is then inhaled.
Effects of Cannabis Drugs:
- Increase in heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Delayed reaction time
- Diminished short-term memory
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Time and space distortions
- Lack of motivation
- Induce a sense of well-being and dreamy state of relaxation
Signs of Use:
- Red eyes
- Slowed speech
- Desire for food (commonly referred to as “the munchies”)
- Lack of concentration
- Marijuana has a distinct smell that remains on clothes and body
The effects of smoking marijuana can last from 1-3 hours; however THC is stored in the fatty cells in the body and can remain there for 3-4 weeks after use.