Wandsworth Drug Action Team (DAT)

THE FACTS: Cannabis
Sometimes called: Marijuana, Draw, Hash, Shit, Ash, Ganja, Skunk.

What it looks like:
Brownish solid lump (resin) or like dried herbs (weed) or cannabis oil.

How it's used:
Can be smoked by itself or with tobacco, eaten, or drunk in tea.

The effects:
Relaxing, colours and sound appear brighter and sharper, difficulty in concentrating, forgetfulness, tiredness and anxiety.  Effects vary from person to person, some people have one puff and feel sick others get the giggles.

The risks:
Panic attacks, unwanted or unsafe sex, people who smoke it with tobacco can become hooked on cigarettes, some people begin to feel tired all the time and can't get motivated, smoking it can cause illnesses like bronchitis, driving under its influence may lead to accidents due to slowed reactions.

The law:
Cannabis has been reclassified from a Class B drug to a Class C. It remains illegal and possession will still be a criminal offence. Having or using Cannabis can lead to 2 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying Cannabis, which includes passing a joint to someone is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and an/or an unlimited fine.
Growing Cannabis is illegal although possession of seeds is not. It is illegal for someone to allow Cannabis to be used on their property (i.e. house, flat or business premises).
Getting a criminal record can make it more difficult to travel abroad or get certain jobs.

For information, support, advice or someone to talk to about drugs, call: WDP (Wandsworth Drugs Project) on 07890 266394.