Cannabis
Substance
Cannabis products are made from the hemp plant. The cannabis plant contains more than 560 constituents, 120 of which are cannabinoids [1] . Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) are the best-known cannabinoids with very different pharmacological effects. While THC is the substance primarily responsible for the psychoactive, intoxicating effect, CBD, CBN, and CBG also have pharmacological effects, but they are not intoxicating. Depending on the cannabis strain, the ratios of cannabinoids can vary considerably. Based on the cannabinoid ratio in the plant, four types can be distinguished: I) THC-rich/CBD-poor, II) THC and CBD approximately equal, III) CBD-rich/THC-poor, IV) CBG-rich. Since the effects of cannabinoids vary greatly and can also influence each other, the effects can differ significantly depending on the type of cannabis used.
group
Psychedelics
Be careful when mixing substances!
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2C-X
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DMT / Ayahuasca / Changa
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LSD
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Psilocybin
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DOB, DOI, DMT, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA
Substance groups
Forms of appearance
Marijuana ( weed ) consists of the dried flowers of the female plant. Hashish ( shit , resin ) is a concentrate obtained by mechanically rubbing and pressing the glandular hairs into a resinous mass. Rosin hash is a cannabis resin produced by applying pressure and heat. In addition, there are various cannabis extracts, which are often significantly more potent (active ingredient concentrations of up to 90% [4] are possible) than marijuana or hashish. Extracts produced using solvents (butane, supercritical CO2 , alcohol) include budder , wax (both buttery soft), crumble (crumbly consistency), shatter or honeycomb (glassy), and oil . Besides these names, extracts produced with butane are also called butane hash or butane hash oil ( BHO ).
Consumption patterns
Cannabis products (especially hashish and marijuana) are usually mixed with tobacco and smoked (joints, water pipe, shilom/bong, etc.), less often drunk (as tea, tincture) or eaten (so-called edibles: baked goods (space cakes and cookies), candies, gummy bears, fruit gums, yogurt, lassi, thandai, etc.). Cannabis products can also be vaporized in vaporizers or consumed as e-liquids with e-cigarettes. [5] A special form of vaporization is dabbing , which was developed for the use of concentrates.
dosage
The active ingredient content and the ratio of THC to CBD and CBN (as well as terpenes) vary considerably from product to product. Products made from cannabis chemotype I: Hashish contains more THC and usually also more CBD and CBN; cannabis flowers contain primarily THC and relatively little of other cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN.
Average flower product with 15% THC [6]:0.1 to 0.2 grams of flowers
Average hashish product with 20% THC: 0.075 to 0.15 grams of hashish
Cannabis concentrate with 50% THC: 0.03 to 0.06 grams
Effect
The effects [1] depend not only on the dosage and the active ingredient ratios of the consumed cannabis product, but also strongly on the user's mood (set), the situation and environment (setting), the method of consumption (oral, inhalation) [2] , and whether the user has prior experience with the effects. In general, cannabis has a relaxing to euphoric effect, stimulates the appetite, intensifies feelings and sensory impressions, and induces serenity and/or unexplained cheerfulness. At high doses, cannabis can have hallucinogenic effects. Generally, concentration and memory are temporarily impaired during the high.
Onset of action
Smoked within minutes, eaten only after 0.5–2 hours.
Duration of effect
Smoked 1–2 hours, eaten 8–14 hours (!)
Aftereffects
Up to several hours (depending on dose, method of consumption, tolerance, and constitution). Caution: THC and its metabolites (as well as other cannabinoids) can be detected in blood and urine for a long time. With frequent use, even after some time has passed, significant THC concentrations may still be detectable in the blood, potentially leading to impaired driving ability. High THC-COOH concentrations (the second metabolite of THC) indicate cannabis tolerance (regular and frequent use).
Risks and side effects
The perception of time (usually slowed down) and spatial awareness (misjudging distances and speeds) are altered, leading to reduced reaction time and misjudgments of a given situation. Irritability, lethargy, overconfidence, and impaired critical thinking, even resulting in behavior inappropriate to the situation, can also occur. Generally, concentration and memory are temporarily impaired during intoxication.
Panic and anxiety can also occur, and there is a risk of developing psychosis and addiction. Furthermore, reddening of the eyes, reduced pupillary response to light stimuli (risk of glare from headlights, reduced visual acuity), dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, excessive hunger, fatigue, tremors, dizziness, unsteady gait, and an increase in heart rate and pulse (which poses health risks for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions) can occur. Especially with concentrates, there is a risk of overdose and the occurrence of adverse effects. High doses can therefore lead to circulatory problems up to and including circulatory collapse, unpleasant emotional intensification, as well as paranoia and depressive moods. The risk of triggering psychosis through cannabis use is also increased with cannabis products that have an unbalanced THC-CBD ratio (high THC and low CBD). [1]
Long-term risks
If you consume e-liquids frequently and regularly [1] , especially high-dose concentrates, there is a risk of addiction (primarily with psychological, but also mild physical symptoms). Sudden abstinence can cause sweating, hot and cold flashes, loss of appetite, difficulty falling asleep, and irritability. Chronic use carries the risk of a loss of touch with reality; impairment of short-term memory and motivation is also possible. With smoking, the combustion processes involved in chronic use increase susceptibility to respiratory problems (bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, etc.). When smoking in combination with tobacco, there is also a risk of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related risks (laryngeal and lung cancer). Currently, there is insufficient knowledge about the long-term risks of e-liquid use, and a definitive assessment cannot be made.
Safer Use
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Cannabis products temporarily affect your memory and concentration skills.
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Only smoke in your free time and only when you feel well.
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When consuming cannabis products through food or drink, the effects are more unpredictable and less controllable than when smoking; the risk of overdose is high. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dose; don't immediately take more! Be aware of the delayed onset of effects. [1]
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Vary the products; don't just consume indoor-grown cannabis.
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Instead of using tobacco-cannabis mixtures for a joint, it's better to use a vaporizer or, when smoking, pay attention to good filtering methods (activated carbon filters).
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Since cannabis products are consumed mixed with tobacco, daily use can also lead to tobacco dependence (a stronger dependence). Smoke pure cannabis or use tobacco substitutes (such as herbal smoking blends).
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The younger you are when you start smoking marijuana, the greater the risk of developing mental health problems and addiction.
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Don't consume if you're not feeling well. If you have a predisposition (vulnerability), it could trigger psychosis.
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In schizophrenia, cannabis use can worsen the course of the disease or lead to relapses. [2]
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People with lung diseases and existing heart problems or heart conditions should refrain from using cannabis.
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Alcohol and other drugs can significantly intensify the effects and side effects.
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The consumption of an upper (stimulant) can influence the perceived effects of cannabis, but it cannot eliminate them.