MARIJUANA AND HASH

Street Names

Marijuana is often referred to as:

• weed
• grass
• pot
• dope
• Mary Jane
• ganja
• herb
• chronic

Hash is often referred to as:

• hashish
• hash oil
• hemp
• chronic
• boom
• gangster

Description
Marijuana and hash are both mind-altering drugs that affect a person’s mood, perception and behaviour. Marijuana can be smoked in a cigarette, “joint” or pipe, or ingested by baking it into foods. Hash comes in the form of a solid that may be shaped into balls, or cookie-like sheets or cakes; it may also come in the form of a paste. The paste or solid is then softened by heating and can be smoked in a pipe, bong, joint, or in cigarettes with tobacco and other herbs. As well, hash can be ingested alone or baked into foods. Marijuana and hash both contain a chemical known as THC. The amount of THC determines how strong the high will be. Hash is more potent in THC than marijuana is. THC acts on receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in the limbic region and the hippocampus in the brain.

Origin and medical usage
Marijuana and hash both come from a plant called cannabis sativa. This plant grows wild, but is also cultivated indoors and outdoors. Marijuana is produced by growing the plant, then drying the buds, leaves and flowers. After they are dried, the leaves are cut up finely and rolled into cigarettes or joints, and smoked. Hash originates from the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Trichomes are the sticky hairs that are on the plant. Hash does not include the leaves, stems or seeds of the cannabis plant. The primary hash-producing countries are India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Morocco, Lebanon and Egypt. Marijuana is grown in Mexico, South America, United States and Canada. THC is claimed to relieve symptoms of the treatment effects of chemotherapy, as well as AIDS-related anorexia, glaucoma, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. THC is synthesized and marketed as a tablet that is ingested orally.

Short-term effects
The short-term effects of marijuana and hash include increased heart rate, anxiety, increased appetite, impaired perception, paranoia, impaired judgment, loss of co-ordination, loss of concentration, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, hallucinations and delusions. Effects from eating marijuana come on more gradually and last longer than the effects from smoking it.

Long-term effects
The long-term effects of marijuana and hash use may include diminished short-term memory, increased risk of cancer, damage to the respiratory, immune and reproductive systems, heightened risk of lung infection, loss of friends and a drop in grades or school performance.

Withdrawal
When people stop using marijuana or hash, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, loss of appetite, irritability and trouble sleeping.

Legal status
Unlawful possession of marijuana or hash is a criminal offence. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, production, export and import of marijuana and hash are all criminal offences.

Signs that a person might be using
The signs that someone may be using marijuana or hash include, but are not limited to, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, the smell of marijuana on their clothes or in their room, finding drug paraphernalia such as papers for rolling cigarettes, bongs or pipes. As well, a sleepy appearance, lack of motivation and a decrease in short-term memory are all indicative of marijuana use.