Cannabis - The Great Debate - A dis-jointed argument?
There has been a lot in the press about cannabis over the last two years. Many problems have been discussed.
- Should it be legalised?
- Should it be downgraded and given less serious penalties for possession or supply?
- Is it harmful?
- Does use of cannabis lead to use of other drugs?
- Is it addictive?
Whether we like it or not - drugs are a part of the world in which our children are growing up. As a parent can you offer advice? Do you know the facts? Perhaps the information on this page can help.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis Sativa
AKA - Pot, dope, grass, puff, ganja, weed, spliff, herb, marijuana, hashish, hemp, draw, smoke, joint.
Cannabis is made from the hemp plant. It contains THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).
THC won't disolve in water. It is absorbed into the fatty tissues of your body, such as your brain, and then released into your bloodstream very slowly.
The narcotic effetcs of one joint can last 48 hours, but the drug can be traced in your body for up to a month.
Effects
- It can make you feel relaxed, confident and giggly - or you may hallucinate. You may also feel very hungry (the munchies).
- It can affect your concentration, balance and memory. It can also make you accident prone and confused (don't drive or operate machinery).
- It increases pulse and heart rates. It can make you moody, aggressive and anxious.
Health issues
Is it a medicine?
Crude Cannabis is not a suitable medical product because it contains toxic ingredients. - British Medical Association 1998
Think
No other medicine prescribed today is smoked
Not harmful?
Mississippi University has a library of 10,500 worldwide accredited research papers - all saying cannabis is harmful.
Safer than Tobacco?
Cannabis causes lung damage more quickly than tobacco. It does not clean your lungs.
Also, joints are often a mixture of rolling tobacco and cannabis - a double whammy.