cannabis [Marijuana, Dak, Weed, Smoke, Ganja, Bud]

Cannabis contains approximately 421 chemicals. One of those chemicals is Tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) which is the ingredient that causes intoxication (high feeling). With regular use it can build up in the body’s cells / fatty tissues including the brain.

Cannabis contains 50 to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke, increasing the risk of cancer at a younger age. We are seeing more under forty year olds with tongue, throat and neck cancers.

Research has shown that babies born to women who used cannabis during their pregnancies display altered responses to visual stimuli, increased tremulousness, and a high-pitched cry, which may indicate neurological problems in development.

Cannabis affects the immune system, it impairs the functioning of 'T-cells'. These are important for normal functioning of the immune system. It also affects the 'B-cells' (which produce antibodies). With these two cell types impaired, the defence system of the body is severely hampered and has difficulty fighting infections, leaving you more at risk of getting cancer.

Some cannabis products nowadays have a vastly higher concentration of THC as a result of modern growing and grafting techniques.

Cannabis effects the brain it decreases concentration, memory, affects learning abilities and judgement, it creates distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem solving.

Cannabis has being linked to teen violence, suicide and also mental health issues like schizophrenia, early dementia and depression. Some experts estimate that between 8% and 13% of all schizophrenic cases are linked to cannabis use during teen years.

Regular users of cannabis may begin to lose energy, motivation (AMotivational Syndrome) and interest in other activities.

Cannabis can be detected in urine for a number of weeks after use.

Recent studies found that those who use cannabis at 15 were four and a half times more at risk of developing psychosis by the age of 26 [www.fade.org.nz].