Other names: marijuana, draw, blow, chronic, weed, puff, shit, hash, ganja, grass, soap, skunk, dope, herb, sensimilla, purple haze

What's the big deal about weed? I tried it and couldn't feel anything…

First timers often report this - effects can be very subtle. Experienced spliffheads say it makes them feel chilled out & talkative, dreamy, euphoric, creative, giggly and appreciate music & colours more. You can also get mild hallucinations & sensory distortions, and let's not forget the stimulated appetite (munchies).

It's completely harmless, isn't it?

Er…no. Big myth, this one. Effects of the friendly puffweed can include:

  • Paranoia & anxiety
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Crap concentration & co-ordination
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Feeling slow, sloth-like & tired - not to mention spots and weight gain from munchie-induced junk food cravings
  • Hot rock holes in clothes & furniture & torn-up books/cards due to roach-creation.
  • 'Whities' - going white, feeling sick & passing out from puffing too much or smoking weed with alcohol - may be v. funny for observers but are less amusing if it's you.
  • Increased risk of breathing disorders, coughs, sore throats.
  • Cannabis caners have a higher risk of mental health problems. Dope can bring on schizophrenic episodes in people with the disorder (1 in every 100 people) plus there's a risk of lung diseases and cancers if smoked pure or mixed with tobacco, inhaling deeper & holding smoke in longer.
  • It can get you hooked on smoking cigarettes - which kills 100,000 people per year.
  • Caning it too much can destroy your motivation & turn you into lazy git with a daytime TV habit & psychological dependence so you HAVE to have it to relax/cope with life.
  • Can be hard to quit & heavy users may get withdrawal symptoms: paranoia, anxiety, insomnia. Lovely!

Woah - never knew that. Any tips on safer indulgence?

Avoid smoking with tobacco. If you must use tobacco use a filter & rolling tobacco not fags (full of horrible chemicals). Beware of eating it - effects more intense, trippier & harder to control. Avoid driving when stoned.

Cannabis is nearly legal - I'll never get done for smoking it, right?

Cannabis is a Class C drug and it is illegal and you can still get done for smoking it.

What's this decriminalization thing all about?

On the 29th January 2004, the Government changed Cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug.

What does this mean?

It is still illegal to possess cannabis and if caught, you will most likely have your stash confiscated and given a formal warning but you may also be arrested if caught toking in public, blowing smoke in a copper's face or something equally stupid! If you're under 18 most police forces have a zero tolerance policy and you will be arrested.  The sentence for possession has been cut from five years to two but supplying it will be treated much harder and the sentence will be raised to a maximum of a 14 year jail sentence!

In a nutshell – don't get cosy and don't act stupid.