Description
- Cannabis come from any part of a plant of the genus Cannabis.
- It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which affect one’s mood – causing euphoria, and also anxiety, disorientation or paranoia.
- Cannabis can affect concentration and memory which weakens the abuser’s ability to learn.
What are the effects of Cannabis?
Effects of short-term use
- Impaired short-term memory, making it difficult to learn and to retain information.
- Impaired motor co-ordination, interfering with driving skills and increasing the risk of injuries.
- In high dose, can cause paranoia and psychosis.
Effects of long-term or heavy use
- Addiction. The earlier one begins to abuse drugs, the higher the risk of addiction.
- Altered brain development. Adults who smoke cannabis regularly during adolescence have impaired neural connectivity (fewer fibres) in specific brain regions.
- Cognitive impairment, with lower IQ among those who were frequent users in adolescence.
- Symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
- Poor education outcome, with increased likelihood of dropping out of school.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleeping difficulties
- Craving for the drug
What are the penalties of possession or consumption of Cannabis?
Possession or consumption of cannabis:
Illegal traffic, import or export of :
- Cannabis of more than 500 grams > May face the death penalty
- Cannabis resin of more than 200 grams > May face the death penalty
- Cannabis mixture of more than 1,000 grams > May face the death penalty
