1. Cannabis

2. Cannabis is a depressant although in larger doses can have a mild hallucinogenic effect
Three main forms
Marijuana – dried leaves and flowers from the plant
Hashish – resin
Hash oil – a thick oily extract extracted from the resin

3. Immediate and long term effects
Immediate effect
Long term effects
Small Dose
- Feeling unusually well or happy
- Increased appetite and heart rate
- Loss of inhibitions and concentration
- Reddened eyes
- Overall reduction in concentration
- Increased risk of bronchitis, lung cancer and respiratory diseases
- Change in motivation
- Loss of energy
- Decreased concentration, memory and learning abilities

4. Immediate effect
Long term effects
Large Dose
- Confusion
Hallucinations
Detachment from reality
Anxiety or panic
Feelings of excitement
Paranoia
Vomiting
- Lower sperm count
- Reduced sex drive
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Psychotic behaviour

5. The age at which cannabis use begins and its frequency of use are two significant factors
The earlier a person begins cannabis use and the more heavily it is used the more likely the person is to continue to use and develop problems from heavy use
Heavy use is defined as more than once a week