What is Cannabis?

Also known as:
Marijuana, Pot, Grass, Joint, Ganja, Hashish, Weed

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:

  • Up to 10 years of imprisonment, or $20,000 fine, or BOTH.

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