Cannabis (Marijuana)

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is the name of a family of plants that contain the chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC changes how your brain thinks and works. The most common forms of cannabis are marijuana and hashish (hash).

What does cannabis do to you?

Cannabis affects people differently. It can make you feel happy, relaxed and talkative. You may have unpleasant effects such as:

• Confusion
• Sleepiness
• Impaired ability to remember, concentrate and pay attention
• Anxiety, fear or panic
• Slower reaction time
• Reduced coordination, decision making ability and ability to judge distances making it unsafe to drive, bike, play sports
• Psychotic episodes - paranoia, delusions, hallucinations

Cannabis can be harmful to your mental and physical health, especially if you use:

• At an early age
• Often
• A large amount
• With other drugs, like tobacco or alcohol
• Higher THC level products

Using cannabis can:

• Change the way your brain grows and develops - if you are thinking of trying cannabis, try to delay as long as possible.
• Increase the risk for mental illnesses, like schizophrenia and psychosis - especially if you start using at a young age or have a family member with these illnesses.
• Cause addiction - the chance increases when you use as a teen.
• Cause lung problems - cannabis smoke has many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke.

When should I get help?

Try this quiz to see where you are at with cannabis.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, here is where you can turn to:

• Talk to a high school guidance counsellor or a teacher
• Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services - 613-724-4881
• Ottawa Addiction Access and Referral Services - 613-241-5202 (16+)
• Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868
• Drug and Alcohol Helpline - 1-800-565-8603