Cannabis is commonly used by young people accessing alcohol and other drug services. Get the heads up on what it is.
Cannabis comes from a plant that originated in India but is grown all around the world including here in Victoria. It's also known as choof, grass, pot, weed, hash, reefer, dope, herb, mull, Buddha, ganja, joint, stick, buckets, cones, skunk, hydro, yarndi, smoke, hooch, or green. Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Australia. It’s also the most common drug used by young people getting support from services in Victoria.
Cannabis is a depressant drug which means it basically slows your body’s reaction to things. Cannabis can come as hash (like a brown resin) and hash oil but in Victoria its usually used as dried buds or leaves.
Cannabis is commonly smoked in a bong or joint or alternatively eaten in cookies or cakes. Cannabis can be smoked in a vaporiser too. Using Cannabis can make you talkative, relaxed, have decreased concentration and slower reaction times. You might also experience anxiety and panic.
If you use cannabis then if nothing else, make sure you know these ways to be as safe as possible.
- Joints are generally safer than Bongs
- Eating cannabis is better for your lungs but its easier to have too much compared to if you smoke
- Avoid mixing with other drugs especially depressants like alcohol
- Don’t drive or do anything that requires co-ordination if you’ve smoked
Want more? This info is the bare minimum to give you the heads up. The ADF’s fact sheet has heaps more info. We also recommend this video which explains a lot about how cannabis works.
This article is also worth a read. It's about the relationship between cannabis and mental health which is a topic that is always discussed.
