Cannabis belongs to the herbal drugs. It is obtained from the female form of the cannabis plant, a hemp plant. This hemp contains the psychoactive active substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A distinction is made between the dried leaves and flowers (marijuana) and the pressed resin of the inflorescences (hashish).
Cannabis as an everyday drug?
Generally, cannabis is crumbled, mixed with tobacco, and smoked in a joint or hookah. Less commonly, it is drunk as a tea or baked into cookies.
Because the physical dependence potential of cannabis is relatively low, it is often referred to as a soft drug. However, the risk of psychological dependence is many times higher.
Cannabis: effects of hashish and marijuana.
Hashish and marijuana usually have a calming, relaxing effect. However, depending on the amount and type of consumption, very different feelings can arise. The spectrum ranges from exhilaration, an increased need to communicate, and a more intense sensory perception to excitement to depressed mood, restlessness, anxiety, and panic.
Health risks of cannabis use
Long-term effects include poor concentration and attention, psychological dependence, and psycho-social changes. The severity of the latter depends on the underlying mental state of the user. While some users undergo severe character changes, becoming listless, tired, and indifferent, and may even develop psychosis, cannabis use has no psychological effects on others.
Adolescent users may experience growth and developmental disorders. In addition, cannabis smokers have up to a tenfold increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to tobacco smokers.