Cannabis
Slang
Dope, puff, weed, blow, draw, smoke, shit, spliff, pot, grass, ganja, marihuana, the herb, skunk, hash, hashish, wacky backy, bhang, black, blast, blow, blunts. Bob Hope, bush, dope, draw, ganja, grass, hash, hashish, hemp, herb, , pot, puff, Northern Lights, resin, sensi, sensemilla, soap, weed, zero., etc. Some names are based on where it comes from... Afghan, homegrown, Moroccan etc.
Description
There are several forms of cannabis.
Resin
Picture 1 shows 'resin' - a solid block which can be black and looking like liquorice, to a brown block looking like mud (also called hashish or hash). It is the probably the most commonest form of cannabis in the UK. It's quite often soft and squidgy.
Grass
Leaves, stalks and seeds is called 'grass' (Picture 2). Cannabis oil (not pictued), is hardly ever seen in the UK. It is dark and sticky, looks like tar, and comes in a small jar.
Skunk
Skunk is a particulatly strong smelling herb form of cannabis. It is a subgroup of grass, and is particularly potent. Drug workers are usually more concerned about the risks associated with using skunk, compared the the other forms of cannabis.
Whatever the form, cannabis can be rolled (usually with tobacco) in a spliff or joint, smoked on its own in a special pipe, or cooked and eaten in food.
It is a depressant that alters perceptions, derived from a bushy plant, found in most parts of the world and easily cultivated in Britain.
Cost
Varies widely around the country. Grass is usually more expensive than resin (hash). Resin costs around £90 per ounce or £15 for an eighth of an ounce. Herbal cannabis costs anything from £60 per ounce to about £120 for strong strains such as skunk. Heavy and regular cannabis users might use an eighth of an ounce per day. Many people only smoke occasionally.
Is it the real thing? It's been know that some people sell blocks of mud, stock cubes and garden herbs. The most unpure cannabis is called 'soap bar'. It's contaminated with all sorts of things. This makes it cheaper but it's a false economy really as it is often harder to get stoned.
Paraphernalia / what to look out for
- King-size 'Rizla' papers (if available, usually with bits torn off the cardboard packaging).
- Remnants of unsmoked cigarettes (the tobacco taken out).
- Bongs or pipes used to smoke cannabis. These could be home made from plastic bottles, biros, tin foil etc.
- You may be able to detect the distinctive herbal smell of cannabis. Click here to smell. Just joking.
Possible short-term indicators
- Usually makes people feel relaxed, giggly and talkative.
- Users may report enhanced awareness and appreciation.
- Some users may get the 'munchies' (a craving for sweet / processed food)
- Eyes may become bloodshot
- Used as a relaxant and mild intoxicant. If the user is anxious or depressed, it could make him or her feel worse. Users could feel nauseous, anxious, paranoid, confused, depressed or have panic attacks.
- Makes concentration and quick reactions difficult. Will affect driving.
Possible longer-term indicators
- Psychological dependence and respiratory problems possible. If smoked with tobacco, lung cancer is possible.
- A user may experience the following: - lack of motivation and general lethargy, mood swings possible paranoia, drug induced psychosis (very rare, but rising in total numbers affected), short-term memory loss.
- Frequent use of cannabis can cut a man's sperm count and suppress ovulation in women.
The Frank website (www.talktofrank.co.uk) says of cannabis:
"Some research has shown that cannabis may worsen mental illnesses like schizophrenia. It may also slow down any recovery from these illnesses. If you've got a history of mental illness in the family you should think very carefully about getting stoned. Cannabis can cause a range of mental health problems from short lived and more common problems such as anxiety and paranoid feelings, to less common difficulties with actual psychotic states that may require medical treatment. These problems may fade away over several days after stopping using cannabis but occasionally may require a stay in hospital."
Harm reduction
- Refer to general suggestions.
- Don't use cannabis and drive, or use machinery whilst under the influence.
Legal status
The classification has recently changed. Now Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act LINK. Class A penalties can apply to cannabis oil.
Alcohol cannot be sold without a licence. The legal sale and consumption of alcohol varies according to age, and is summarised in the following table.
Cannabis reclassification
Upon reclassification on 29 January 2004, it remained illegal to possess cannabis. According to guidance issued to police by The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), there should be a presumption against arrest if people are found to have small amounts of cannabis in their possession. The implementation of this guidance is dependent upon the discretion of individual officers and the policing priorities of particular forces. Offences for supply and trafficking of all Class C drugs have increased to a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
There are certain circumstances in which people may be arrested if their actions are seen to be beyond simple possession:
- If people are known locally to be repeatedly in breach of the law.
- If people are smoking in public and obviously flouting the law. This includes concerts, community events etc.
- If they are 17 or under.
- If caught in possession of cannabis in or around places where children congregate; such as schools, youth groups etc. This is designed to discourage dealing to children; it is unlikely that individuals would be arrested for being in possession whilst simply passing by a school. However, if there is any evidence of dealing you will be arrested automatically.