Cannabis
It’s a very important topic, and one that I’m sure we have all heard many conversations about. But do you know the facts? Cannabis is the most dangerous it has ever been in our lifetime, with harmful THC levels averaging is 16%, rising even higher in skunk! To put this into perspective, the average THC level in cannabis in the 70’s was a mere 2%. And with skunk now dominating 93.6% of the UK market (almost double since 2005), high THC levels are inescapable. So, what does THC actually do to our bodies? We all know that short term effects involve difficulty breathing, coughing and feeling of being high. But did you know THC can cause severe psychotic episodes and delusions. These episodes can be so strong, they can affect the way your brain functions forever, leading to long-term mental health disorders such as schizophrenia. THC can also alter you heart rate, lower fertility and even increase the risk of cancer.
So, let’s focus on those all-important mental health risks. The effects of cannabis can lead to mood swings, lack of motivation and memory impairments. All things which are vital do educational performance. Anxiety and depression are already rife in our young people’s lives, but mixed with cannabis, the suffering from these symptoms gets out of control. And if these symptoms weren’t enough to deal with, aggression and violence (especially in boys) is almost certain.
So, what does the law say? Well, cannabis is a Class B drug, defined as illegal to use, give away or sell. Which means that if you are caught in possession of cannabis, you could serve up to 5 years in prison, receive an unlimited fine or both. If you are caught supplying to someone else (even your friends), you could face up to 14 years in prison, receive an unlimited fine or both.
If you are having difficulty starting a conversation about cannabis, or any substances, our helpful resources may give you a starting point. There is also lots of useful information you can find online using the links below:
www.teenmentalhealth.org/cannabis
www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/cannabis
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/cannabis-the-facts
Useful Reading: