Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia and is the most commonly used drug by young people accessing support services.

WHAT

Cannabis is an illegal drug made from drying various parts of the Indian hemp plants. The main active chemical in cannabis is THC [delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol] but there are many other cannabinol chemicals that contribute to the effects of cannabis.

OTHER NAMES

Marijuana, Choof  Grass, pot, weed, hash, reefer, dope, herb, mull, Buddha, ganja, joint, stick, buckets, cones, skunk, hydro, yarndi, smoke, hooch, green, budd

SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MIGHT BE USING OR DEALING IN THE HOUSE 

Cannabis comes in several forms. Most commonly it is sold in small zip lock bags and has the appearance of dried whole leaves and buds of the plant. When crushed or chopped it looks like a dried culinary herb such as basil.

Other things users of cannabis may have lying around include cigarette papers and filters, pestle and mortar or any small bowl with scissors (commonly used to break up and mix the bud with tobacco in preparation for smoking it) and cigarettes with some or all of the tobacco removed. Water pipes known as ‘bongs’ can be made at home out of any plastic drinking bottle or purchased ready made and are commonly used to smoke cannabis.

HOW COMMON IS USAGE?

Along with alcohol and tobacco, cannabis is the most commonly used drug by young people accessing support services. Over 35.4 per cent of Australians over age 12 have used cannabis in their lifetime.

HOW CAN I TELL IF A YOUNG PERSON IS USING?

A young person may appear talkative and giggly with excessive hunger or withdrawn and relaxed. They may have decreased concentration and slower reaction times. Their eyes may appear red rimmed and glassy and their pupils larger than usual.