Cannabis

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Cannabis

 

Cannabis is a cannabinoid drug, which is a depressant drug. This means that it slows down and interferes with the functioning of the brain and the body.

Cannabis may also have hallucinogenic effects. Hallucinogens affect the brain, producing distortions of the senses, mood and thought.

Cannabis is a plant containing a range of psychoactive chemicals which are currently being researched. The primary compounds contained in the plant that have been identified are the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

Other names:

Marijuana, Pot, Weed, Grass, Gunja, Yarndi, Mary Jane, Bush, Hash, Dope, Joint, Cone

What are the possible short-term effects?

People commonly use cannabis to induce a feeling of euphoria, to feel relaxed, or to assist with sleep and appetite. However, some people also report experiences of anxiety and paranoia. Short-term effects include:

  • Feelings of elation and euphoria.
  • Spontaneous laughter and excitement.
  • Increased sociability.
  • Increased appetite.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Memory impairment.
  • Slower reflexes.
  • Bloodshot eyes.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Mild anxiety and paranoia.

What are the possible long-term effects?

Cannabis use can increase the risk of developing mental health problems including paranoia, depression, anxiety, hallucinations or psychosis, especially if there is a past or family history of mental health.

It is important to know that there is no safe level of Cannabis use.

Other possible long-term effects include:

  • Tolerance to the effects of cannabis.
  • Dependence on cannabis.
  • Memory and learning problems.
  • Decreased motivation.
  • Reduced sex drive.
  • Mood swings.
  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Confusion.
  • Paranoia.
  • Hallucinations.

Smoking cannabis may increase the likelihood of experiencing

  • Sore throat.
  • Asthma.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Cancer.

What are the signs of a CANNABIS problem?

  • Spending a large amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects.
  • Using greater amounts, or for longer than originally planned.
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect.
  • Having cravings, difficulties stopping/reducing use.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
  • Anxiety.
  • Irritability.
  • Loss of appetite and upset stomach.
  • Sweating.
  • Chills.
  • Tremors.
  • Restless sleep and nightmares.
  • Social problems including relationship issues.
  • Financial problems.
  • Impacts on study or work.
  • Legal problems

Medicinal CANNABIS.

Legislation has recently been passed in Queensland to facilitate access to medicinal cannabis for certain medical conditions. Medicinal cannabis is cannabis which has been prescribed and monitored by a doctor to relieve the symptoms of a medical condition, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting, palliative care, children with intractable epilepsy and muscle spasticity.

Medicinal Cannabis is different to illicit cannabis.

Medicinal Cannabis is quality controlled under the TGAs Manufacturing Code and has labelled levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.

Treatment.

When a person is dependent on a drug, withdrawal of the drug carries risks of physical harm, psychological trauma and (rarely) death. As a result, our team work closely with the patient to withdraw the drug safely from the body. During this phase, we may supply short-term medications to modify the withdrawal process, making it safer and more tolerable.

In some cases, we may suggest we refer you to a specialist facility for 24 hour medical supervision during the withdrawal phase. In such cases, we will discuss this with you when devising your treatment plan.

Following the withdrawal, our team will work with the patient to help them maintain their abstinence. This will include skills training for relapse prevention. It will also normally include a holistic engagement that focuses on the mental, emotional, relation or spiritual health of the individual.

The withdrawal process may also unmask underlying mental illnesses or symptoms. If these are identified, we will work with the patient to treat these medical conditions. This may include medication and/or counselling/psychological therapies.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by a cannabis addiction, contact PRS on (07) 3059 1301 or fill out the form below to book an appointment.

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