🌿 Cannabis
Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB
Overview
Cannabis is a flowering herb with depressant, psychedelic and stimulating effects.
Cannabis is a flowering herb that is indigenous to Central Asia. Cannabis has a combination of depressant, psychedelic and stimulating effects, but does not slow down the Central Nervous System (CNS) as most other depressants do. Cannabis has been used by many cultures for thousands of years but became illegal early in the 20th century.
In Australia, it is now available as a prescribed medicinal treatment, accessible through your GP. Cannabis plants produce a group of chemicals called cannabinoids, which produce most of the mental and physical effects of cannabis. Of the many different cannabinoids, THC and CBD are believed to be the two most important.
The effects of cannabis largely depend on the cannabinoid profile of the plant, and the different levels of THC and CBD, which can vary widely within the labels 'Sativa' and 'Indica'. Terpenes are also present in cannabis, and are the fragrant oils secreted from the same resin glands that produce cannabinoids.
Safer Using
Remember 'Set' (your current mindset & body), and 'Setting' (the other people and environment around you), can help shape a psychedelic experience as much as the drug itself. Cannabis can be a psychedelic drug for some people. Use around people you trust and somewhere you feel safe.
Strength can vary greatly depending on the different source or strain of plant. Start with a small dose to gauge your tolerance and the strength of the cannabis. Make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated.
When smoking: Avoid sharing smoking devices & Keep your lips moisturised to avoid cracking & bleeding to prevent sharing blood borne viruses such as Hep C. Clean your smoking apparatus by soaking in boiling water. Puffing joints rather than inhaling bongs makes it easier to monitor your dose.
You absorb the maximum amount of THC in 3-5 seconds and holding your breath for longer will not make the effects stronger. Try using a vaporiser as an alternative to smoking - You will use less cannabis too. Vaporise at 180 degrees Celsius or higher (THC boils at ~150 and CBD at ~180).
Bongs filter out more THC than tar and are more harmful to your respiratory system than using a vaporiser or smoking a tobacco-free joint. When ingesting i.e. eating: Cannabis takes much longer for you to feel the effects when eating edibles compared to smoking.
Try to wait up to 2 hours so that you fully know the strength of what you have eaten before having any more.
⚠ Avoid Combining With
Tobacco - increases the risk of respiratory issues (including cancer) and can contribute to nicotine dependence. Alcohol – causes nausea, vomiting and may have unexpected effects. Psychedelics - may increase or confuse the psychedelic effects, which can produce a more challenging experience.
Cocaine, Amphetamines, MDMA & other stimulants – may intensify the effects of cannabis which may lead to an increase in anxiety, confusion, or paranoia. Blood pressure medication – cannabis can cause blood pressure and heart rate to become erratic, which may dangerously interact with some types of blood pressure medication. Antipsychotics - decreases the effects of antipsychotics leading to increased psychotic symptoms, tremors, muscle stiffness, tiredness or difficulty breathing.
Antidepressants – increases the levels antidepressants in the blood, resulting in increased side effects such as arrhythmia, mood disorders or increased heart rate. Taking cannabis can be particularly dangerous if you have or are at risk of: Mental health conditions, particularly psychotic or schizo-affective disorders, Respiratory or heart conditions (when smoking).
🚨 If Things Go Wrong
In Australia, it's illegal to drive with any amount of THC in your system. Saliva tests will detect THC 24-72hrs since you last slept (not last dose), however there are reported cases of positive detections up to 2 weeks after use. THC can store in your fat cells and accumulate in the body in trace amounts, and so there is potential for a failed drug test weeks after your last dose, or even months after in the case of a hair sample.
Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges. KNOW YOUR LOCAL LAWS.
Effects
Euphoria Deeper connection to music and sound Relaxation, reduced stress Emotional numbness Itchiness Laughter Changes in vision (colours or lights seem brighter) Dry mouth Bloodshot eyes Stimulation or inability to sleep Lethargy/Drowsiness Increased appetite (munchies) Increase in body/mind connection Physical relaxation Agitation Nausea/vomiting Coughing, asthma Dizziness Chest infections Closed eye visuals Confusion Increased awareness of senses (taste, smell) Altered sense of time Racing thoughts Boring/mundane tasks become interesting Increased focus and concentration Creative, philosophical, abstract or deep thought Short term memory loss Panic attacks (usually in higher doses) Paranoia Temporary inability to communicate
Dose & Duration
Smoked, Vaped or Eaten (edibles). Total Duration: 1-4 hours smoked/vaped, 5+ hours eaten. Onset: 0-10 minutes smoked/vaped, up to 2hrs eaten.
Peak: 15-40 minutes smoked/vaped, 3-4 hours eaten. Coming Down: 45-180 minutes. Even though the apparent effects of cannabis may wear off after few hours, the drug is still active in your system for far longer.
THC builds up in your body over time and regular cannabis users may have the drug and its metabolites in their system for days or weeks after use.