Cannabis (marijuana)

General facts about cannabis

Cannabis comes from a plant called Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis, hashish and hashish oil all come from the plant. Each is a different strength with cannabis being the least powerful and hashish oil being the most.

Effects of cannabis

Using cannabis can have both immediate and longer-term effects. These effects may vary from person to person. Things that may influence how you are affected by the drug are:

• the amount and strength of the cannabis, hash or hashish oil
• the way it is taken (eg smoked or eaten)
• your weight, size and health
• your mood when you take it
• what else you are taking with it 
• the environment where you are taking it eg at home with friends, at a party, or by yourself.

Some of the more immediate effects of cannabis use may include:

• a feeling of euphoria
• a loss of concentration
• relaxation
• a feeling of confidence
• wanting to eat more
• red eyes
• wanting to talk and/or laugh more than usual
• losing balance and coordination
• feelings of anxiety or paranoia.

Some of the possible long-term effects of cannabis use are:

Lung problems (eg chronic bronchitis, lung cancer) - Cannabis smoke contains ingredients that can damage the lungs, affect your physical health and fitness and possibly cause cancer. If cannabis is smoked over many years it may impair lung functioning, which increases the chances of developing lung disease. 

Difficulties with memory and attention - It has been shown that cannabis use over the longer term can cause problems with memory, attention and processing of complex information. This may affect everyday life when you are learning something new or doing something difficult. It can affect your ability to learn and can affect your performance at school, TAFE or uni.

Research shows, however, that the effects on memory and cognition are reversed by complete abstinence of at least one year.

Development of dependence - Most people who use cannabis don't go on to use it regularly, or develop problems with it. However, there are a number of people who will become dependent on cannabis.

The chance of becoming dependent on cannabis is similar to the chance of becoming dependent on alcohol. If someone is dependent on cannabis they may experience a difficulty controlling their use or be spending a lot of time involved in cannabis and less time on other things in their life.

For information about getting help for cannabis use you may want to check out the Who can help you section of the fact sheet or see the fact sheets on the left side of the page.

Increased risk of mental health problems - Some people have a greater risk of developing mental health problems than others. Cannabis use may trigger problems if, for example, you have a family history of serious mental illness (such as schizophrenia or depression), or you are vulnerable to developing it. If you already have a serious mental illness, cannabis use usually makes some of your symptoms worse.

Cannabis + experimentation

It is not uncommon to experiment with cannabis. Experimentation does not necessarily lead to problem use. If you are concerned about someone's cannabis use it may be helpful to speak with National Cannabis Information and Prevention Centre's (NCPIC) Cannabis Information and Helpline: 1800 30 40 50 or The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS).

ADIS specialises in drug and alcohol issues. The 'More information' section below has the contact numbers for each State.

It may also be helpful to calmly talk with the person you are concerned about. Trying to talk to them in a confrontational way may only alienate them and push them further away.

Mixing cannabis with other drugs

Mixing cannabis and other drugs may be dangerous. If cannabis is taken with other drugs the effects of the cannabis and other drugs may be stronger.

Cannabis + driving or operating heavy machinery

If you have been using cannabis driving or operating heavy machinery is dangerous. If you are stoned your attention span may be less or you may find it harder to react if something unexpected happens. It is possible to experience these effects even if you don't feel stoned.

Cannabis + the law

The use and sale of cannabis is illegal in all Australian States and Territories, but each one has different laws and penalties. In some places, the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis have been decriminalised. This does not mean that cannabis use is legal in these places, it means that if you are caught, you may have to pay a fine and can still end up having a criminal record.

While being busted for cannabis use may not seem like a big deal when you are young, having a criminal record for a cannabis offence may restrict your options for things you want to do in life such as employment or travel. For more information about cannabis and the law you may want to check out the Lawstuff website.

Getting help for cannabis use

It may be a big step to get help for your cannabis use. Managing your drug use may include speaking to a professional or it may be possible to reduce it on your own. If you are wanting to know more about managing your cannabis use you may want to get in touch with the National Cannabis Information and Prevention Centre's (NCPIC) Cannabis Information and Helpline: 1800 30 40 50. If you would like to find out more, check out the NCPIC website: www.ncpic.org.au.

For more local information about getting help for cannabis use you may want to contact Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS), the numbers are listed in the more information section below. You could also check out the Getting help for drug use fact sheet.

More information

Phone numbers within Australia

NCPIC Cannabis Information and Helpline: 1800 30 40 50

NSW Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) - (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 in rural and regional NSW.

Directline (Victorian Based)- or 1800 888 236

SA ADIS - (08) 8363 8618 or 1300 131 340

WA ADIS - (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024

QLD ADIS - (07) 3837 5989 or 1800 177 833

Tasmanian ADIS - (03) 9416 1818 or 1800 811 994

NT ADIS - 1800 629 683 or Alice Springs (08) 8951 7580 or Darwin (08) 8922 8399

NT Aminty House - (08) 8944 6565  or 1800 384 372

ACT ADIS - (02) 6205 4545

Acknowledgements

The information is adapted from the booklet "What's the deal on Cannabis?" by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC).