Cannabis (weed) - advice for staying safe
This page will tell you about cannabis (also known as weed), side effects and risks, how to stay safe, and ways to cut down or quit.
Understanding cannabis
Cannabis is the most used recreational drug in the UK.
The effects of cannabis are different for different people and for different types. Some people say it makes them feel relaxed, happy, or more chatty than usual. Other people say it can make them drowsy and like they don’t want to do anything. It can also make people scared, confused, or anxious.
There are different types of cannabis, but the main ones in the UK are herbal cannabis (weed), hash, and skunk.
Cannabis is usually mixed with tobacco in a cigarette called a joint or smoked from a bong, although it can also be vaped.
Cannabis is a Class B drug. This means it’s illegal for you to have it, or to give it to someone else.
You can be arrested and charged for having cannabis in your possession. You could get an unlimited fine, or up to 5 years in prison, or both. If you give cannabis to someone else, you could get up to 14 years prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
There are also laws against drug driving like there are for drink driving.
Cannabis can also be mixed into food or drinks or taken as a pre-made edible. You can find out more about edibles by clicking the link below.
Risks and side effects of cannabis
Smoking cannabis comes with some of the same side effects and risks as tobacco, even if you haven’t mixed it with tobacco:
It can irritate your airways. Some people with asthma take cannabis to relax their airways and help with their breathing, but it is also an irritant that can cause coughing and wheezing.
It can make lung cancer more likely. This is even more of a risk if you mix it with tobacco.
It can affect your heart and blood pressure. Cannabis can make your heart beat much faster and raise your blood pressure. If you use it often, this can put strain on your heart and put you at risk from stroke and heart disease.
You can get cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The more cannabis you take, the more likely you are to get cravings for it, and feel unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you aren’t taking it. These symptoms include feeling irritable and sick, trouble with your sleep and diet, sweating and shaking and diarrhoea. There are other risks and side effects you might experience with cannabis that are different to smoking tobacco:
It can affect your mental health. Cannabis can have lots of different effects on your mood and emotional wellbeing, especially if you are taking a lot of it.
It can contribute to: ·
- Memory and concentration problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks
- Making psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia worse, or lead to new ones
Different types have different effects. Cannabis contains over 113 different chemicals called cannabinoids. The different levels and balances of these chemicals can have different effects. Types of hash and weed that have more of the chemical CBD will be milder, for example. Some types of cannabis have high levels of the chemical THC and lower levels of CBD, which makes them stronger and more likely to make you anxious or paranoid.
Keeping yourself safe
There are ways you can reduce the side effects and risks of cannabis:
Start with small amounts and see how it affects you. This is a good idea when taking any substance. If you’re smoking weed, start slow and wait to feel the effects before you take any more. If you're mixing cannabis into food or a drink, be careful how much you put in and wait to see how strong it is before eating or drinking any more.
Don’t take deep inhalations or hold the smoke in for too long. Holding smoke in can be harmful to your body, and it won’t actually increase the effects of the cannabis. 4-5 seconds is enough time to feel the effects.
Don’t mix cannabis with other substances. Mixing cannabis with tobacco can be harmful to your body, and it can make dependency and withdrawal symptoms more likely. Mixing it with alcohol or other substances can cause unpleasant reactions.
You can find out how cannabis interacts with other substances on the website Drugs and Me by following the link below:
Drugs and Me: learn how Cannabis interacts with other substances
Keep bongs, pipes and other paraphernalia clean. This helps to avoid spreading germs.
Always take cannabis somewhere you feel safe, with people you know and trust. If you feel unwell or anxious, they can make sure you are okay. If you feel ill or have a bad reaction, they can get help.
Follow these tips when rolling a joint:
- Use smaller rolling papers, and avoid king size. This will help to avoid using too much cannabis in your joint.
- Use a cardboard filter (sometimes called a roach) instead of a cigarette filter. Cigarette filters will filter out some of the THC form your joint, which means you might end up smoking more to feel the effects.
- Use plain cardboard for your roach. If you use cardboard with any printing on it, you’ll also be inhaling the chemicals in the ink.
- Don’t ‘front load’ your joint. Spread the cannabis out evenly to avoid making one end too strong.
Cutting down or quitting cannabis
Any drug can become problematic, and addressing your cannabis use can help you to be happier, safer and healthier.
You can find lots of tips and advice for cutting down or quitting by clicking the link below.
Getting support with cannabis
If you want to take steps to address your drug use, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You’re not alone and there's nothing to be ashamed of. There is lots of help and support available. Speak to you doctor about how you’re feeling and speak to supportive family and friends if you can.
Advice and support is always available from your local Change Grow Live Service. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, we’re here to help