Cannabis

The term cannabis refers to the plant Cannabis sativa L, and its products including dried leaf, bud matter and resin. It is known by different names such as gunja, yarndi, marijuana, pot and weed [43145]. Cannabis can be smoked or added to foods and eaten [49601].

Over the last two decades the strength of cannabis has increased with a corresponding increased risk to health [43145]. Young people are particularly vulnerable to mental health risks from cannabis use.

Short term effects of using cannabis

The short term effects of cannabis are different for everyone but can include [26504]:

• feeling happy, talkative and less self-conscious
• decreased nausea
• feeling hungry
• lack of coordination
• feeling suspicious about other people (paranoia).

Long term harms of using cannabis

Harms to mental health include [43145][26504]:

• increased risk of psychotic episodes
• increased risk of anxiety and panic attacks
• increased risk of depression
• problems with memory and paying attention
• not wanting to do things (lethargy)
• increased risk of suicide.

Potential harms to physical health include:

• damage to lungs
• increased risk of cancer
• damage to the heart.

Family and community life may be affected by increased fighting over cannabis supply, money problems due to buying cannabis and contact with the criminal justice system [43145].