DESCRIPTION
Cannabis is an annual, flowering herb. It is widely accepted as being indigenous to and originating from Central Asia. Cannabis plants produce a group of chemicals called cannabinoids, which produce mental and physical effects when consumed. Cannabis has depressant, psychedelic and stimulating effects, but does not slow down the Central Nervous System (CNS) as most other depressants do. In THC and CBD are believed to be two most important cannabinoids that play a role in the effects of cannabis. The effects of cannabis depend on the cannabinoid profile of the plant which can vary widely within the labels ‘Sativa’ (CBD) and ‘lndica’ (THC). Terpenes are the fragrant oils secreted from the same resin glands that produce cannabinoids on marijuana plants. Terpenes bind to receptors in the brain, much like cannabinoids. In the early 20th century, it became illegal in most of the world to cultivate or possess cannabis for sale or personal use. Australia, it is now understood as a prescribed medicinal treatment, accessible through your GP.
DURATION OF EFFECTS
Total Duration: 1-4 hours (smoked/vaped), 5+hours (eaten)
Onset: 0-10 minutes (smoked/vaped), 20-40 minutes (eaten)
Peak: 15-40 minutes (smoked/vaped), 3-4 hours (eaten)
Coming Down: 45-180 minutes
(Wait at least 2 hours before redosing, it is very easy to accidentally consume too if eating due to the slow onset.) After Effects: 12-24 hours.
HALF LIFE
Even though the apparent effects of the drug wear off after a few hours, the half-life for THC/CBD can be far longer. This builds up over time and regular cannabis users may have the drug and its metabolites in their system for days or weeks after use.
EFFECTS
Physical
Itchiness
Laughter
Change in vision- colours or lights seem brighter
Dry mouth
Bloodshot eyes
Stimulation, inability to sleep
Lethargy/Drowsiness
Increased appetite (munchies)
Increase in body/mind connection
Physical relaxation
Agitation
Nausea/vomiting
Coughing, asthma
Dizziness *LESS COMMON
Chest infections *RARE
Emotional
Euphoria
Deeper connection to music, sound
Relaxation, reduced stress
Emotional numbness
Psychological
Closed eye visuals
Confusion
Increased awareness of senses (taste, smell, etc)
Altered sense of time
Racing thoughts
Boring/mundane tasks can become interesting
Increased focus and concentration
Creative, philosophical, abstract or deep thought
Short term memory loss *LESS COMMON
Panic attacks (usually in higher doses) *LESS COMMON
Paranoia *LESS COMMON
Exacerbated latent or existing mental health disorders *RARE
Evidence of inhibiting emotional development if used regularly during adolescence *RARE
Long term effects
Upper respiratory problems if smoked
Psychological dependence
Reduced cognitive functioning
Possible mental health issues if pre-existing
It is not recommended to use Cannabis if you have or are at risk of:
Mental health conditions, particularly Psychotic or Schizo-affective disorders
Respiratory or heart conditions ( when smoking)
DRUG COMBINATIONS
Polydrug use has many possible outcomes. What could be fun for one person could be dangerous for another. We recommend you proceed with caution.
DANGEROUS
Tobacco - increases risk of respiratory issues (including cancer) and can contribute to nicotine dependence.
CAUTION
Alcohol - Nausea, vomiting, unexpected effects Psychedelics - may increase the effects which can lead to confusion or a challenging experience.
Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, MDMA etc) - May intensify the effects which may lead to an increase in anxiety, confusion or paranoia.
Prescription drugs - may compound effects of blood pressure medication
Antipsychotics - Decreases effects of antipsychotics, increased psychotic symptoms, tremors, muscle stiffness, tiredness, difficulty breathing.
Antidepressants - Increased blood levels of the antidepressant, resulting in increased side effects. Risk of arrhythmia (TCA), mood disorders (SSRI, specifically fluoxetine/ Prozac®), increased heart rate.
DRUG TESTS
Roadside Police: THC-only (Cannabis) is tested for in roadside drug tests and is detectable in saliva tests for 24-48hrs+ since you last slept (not last dose). In Australia, it’s illegal to drive with any amount of THC in your system – that means that the roadside tests which are used
(saliva swabs, blood, and urine tests) are not testing for impairment, but simply the presence of THC which can stay in your system for a large amount of time.
Workplace: OHS law gives employers rights to test employees for drug use. This should be contained in workplace policy, it should be reasonable, and a risk assessment should be done to determine whether testing of employees is appropriate.
THC can store in your fat cells and accumulate in the body even in trace amounts – depending on body fat composition, frequency and levels of use, there is a potential for a failed drug test weeks after your last dose.
‘Pill Testing’/Drug Checking: Lab-quality testing has been trialled in Australia but is not available as a health service yet.
SAFER USING
‘Set’ = your mind + body. ‘Setting’ = environment. For psychedelic drugs, Set & Setting are very important and shape the experience.
Use around people you trust and somewhere you feel safe.
Start with a small dose - to gauge your tolerance and the strength of the cannabis.
Strength varies greatly from source to source so dosage will vary.
Make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Smoking
Puffing joints rather than inhaling bongs makes it is easi-er to monitor dose.
You absorb the maximum amount of THC in 3-5 seconds and holding your breath for longer will not make the effects stronger.
Use a vaporiser as an alternative to smoking—You will use less cannabis too.
Vaporise at 180 degrees celsius or higher (THC boils at ~150 and CBD at ~180).
Bongs filter out more THC than tar and are more harm-ful to your respiratory system than using a vaporiser or smoking a tobacco-free joint.
Avoid sharing smoking devices to prevent sharing blood borne viruses.
Keep your lips moisturised to avoid cracking/bleeding.
Eating
Wait at least 40 minutes for onset of effects.
SAFER HANDLING
Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges (inc. trafficking, even if you don’t deal). Know your local laws.
Clean your smoking devices by soaking in boiling water for a few minutes.
MORE INFO
This resource has been made by people who use drugs for their peers & the wider community. The role of DanceWize is to provide credible & non-judgmental info to promote health & harm reduction. In an unregulated (illegal) market you don’t know the purity or dose of any drug and there is always some risk. You can educate yourself and practise harm reduction to reduce risk. Knowledge is power. #JUSTSAYKNOW
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