Effect of cannabis.

The 2 main forms of cannabis

Marijuana and Hashish

Anxiety, panic and agitation may occur for the few people who are very sensitive to the effect.    Short term effects of small doses on mental health can include:

• acute transient psychotic symptoms

The most common short term effects of a large dose are:

• hallucinations;
• vomiting;
• feelings of panic or intense anxiety;
• blacking out;
• changes in perception of time, sound, colour, distance, touch and other sensations;
• restlessness; and
• confusion.

• exacerbation of pre-existing psychotic symptoms

The most common short term effects of a small dose of Cannabis are:

• impaired balance and coordination;
• a ‘high’ – with a tendency to talk and laugh more than usual;
• difficulties with memory retention and retrieval;
• an increase in heart rate;
• decreased inhibitions, such as being more likely to engage in risky behaviour such as unsafe sexual practice, and dangerous driving; and if smoked, the effects on the lungs are similar to tobacco smoke. This can make asthma and other respiratory problems worse

Cannabis has psychoactive and physiological effects when consumed, usually by smoking or ingestion. The minimum amount of THC required to have a perceptible psychoactive effect is about 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight.

If Cannabis is taken on a regular basis over a long period of time then the following health problems Long term effects… may be experienced:

• tolerance – more of the drug is needed to make the same effect;
• higher damage risk to lungs and lung functioning, including an larger risk of lung cancer;
• a reduce in motivation;
• a decrease in concentration;
• difficulties with memory and ability to learn new tasks;
• decreased sex drive;
• lowered sperm count in men; and
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women.