Cannabis misuse

Question 1

Where is cannabis derived from?

Answer 1

The plant: Cannabis Sativa

Question 2

What effect does cannabis have?

Answer 2

anxiety reduction

euphoric effect

Question 3

When are withdrawal symptoms seen?

Answer 3

In heavy users

Question 4

Will occasional use have an effect on social or mental health/well-being?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

What withdrawal symptoms may be seen?

Answer 5

anxiety

disturbed sleep

Question 6

Is addiction to cannabis common?

Answer 6

No but dependence is common

Question 7

How is cannabis usually taken?

Answer 7

Smoked or ingested

Question 8

How does cannabis work in the body to produce its effect?

Answer 8

When smoked it produced cannabinoids which act on cannabinoid receptors to produce psychological and physical effects

Question 9

What is the most active cannabinoid?

Answer 9

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Question 10

What psychological effects does cannabis have?

Answer 10

• Relaxation ( characterised by a series of disconnected thoughts)
• Euphoria
• Alteration in perception of time, colour and space
• short-term memory loss
• Irritability

Question 11

What physical effects are witnessed with cannabis use?

Answer 11

Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Bloodshot eyes
Tachycardia

Question 12

What complications may be seen in people who use cannabis?

Answer 12

• Increased risk of schizophrenia
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Dependence
• Negative effect on respiratory function
  negative effect on cognitive function

Question 13

What is the relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia?

Answer 13

• Use of cannabis is associated with a n increased risk of developing schizophrenia in young people
• Use <15 years brings greater risk
• Risk is specific to cannabis and no other drugs
• 1 in 10 young people who use cannabis by the age of 15 with have developed a schizophreniform disorder by the age of 26
• Cannabis can also be associated with short lived psychosis

Question 14

What is the relationship between cannabis and respiratory function?

Answer 14

• Regularly smoking cannabis causes visible and microscopic injury to large airways
• Associated with increased likelihood of chronic bronchitis but this subsides after stopping use

Question 15

What is the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive function?

Answer 15

Studies have shown evidence that cannabis use can affect cognitive impairment but is reversible with abstinence