PRODUCED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
#3.
cannabis is often iamorised on film, as
here in Jackie Brown . j _ . _, n9 Bridget Fonda; real life effects can be horrendous
resistance
The popular idea that Cannabis won’t harm you is simply untrue. But it’s a yth that’s hard to smoke out, writes {Andrew Burnet. '
ometimes. common
knowledge is nonsense. For
exatnple. we all know that heroin and cocaine are highly addictive: that speed and ecstasy and acid are dangerous. man-made chemicals. But cannabis? A little toke of weed or hash‘.’ We-e-ell. that‘s not going to do you tnuch harm. is it‘.’ It‘s just a natural herb. isn't it‘.’
Sadly. it‘s not that simple. It‘s true that cannabis (marijuana) grows naturally in sotne countries — just like opium poppies and coca
leaves. the raw ingredients of heroin and cocaine. But most of
the cannabis sold in Scotland has been intensively cultivated — especially skunk. the most powerful form. which is grown in highly artificial conditions. And cannabis is usually smoked with tobacco. which contains up to 450 additives. In terms of physical health alone. a cannabis joint will do you more harm than a normal cigarette.
But the effects on mental health are even more alarming. according
to Lance. a helpline adviser for
Know the Score. Scotland‘s drugs information and advice service. ‘The effects on mental health can vary depending on the age of the user.‘ explains Lance. ‘But regardless of your age. cannabis can strongly affect motivation. your memory and your ability to concentrate. ln sotne cases. it can make a person
you r
very withdrawn and paranoid.
‘And research over the last few years has shown it can lead to more serious mental health issues like schizophrenia and psychosis. Those are extreme cases. but the links are well documented.‘
It‘s even worse for younger users.‘ explains Lance. 'lf you're under If). your brain is still growing. and scientists have shown that cannabis affects the way the brain develops and grows.
'Iiven if it doesn't lead to depression or anxiety or paranoia. it will make you withdrawn. and unwilling to interact socially. That‘s going to have a really negative effect on your life. if you don‘t learn how to be comfortable in a group of friends. In your teens you‘re making decisions that are
going to affect you for the rest of
your life.‘ Just over three years ago. the government controversially
reclassified cannabis from a Class B to a (‘lass (‘ drug. allowing fora tnore lenient approach by the law.
()ne unfortunate effect. says Lance. is that cannabis use has become tnore widespread among younger people.
Despite the myths. it can be highly psychologically addictive. ‘You condition your brain to believe that cannabis helps you to chill out.’ says Lance. ‘So if you're feeling stressed you get a craving for cannabis.‘
It may be psychological. but there can be physical symptoms. he adds. ‘People who are trying to quit say. “I try to not smoke. but I physically shake. I have sweats. I lose my appetite. I can‘t sleep." And what we have to make clear is that these physical effects are caused by anxiety. It can be very difficult to retrain your brain.‘
The most effective defence is knowledge. he says. ‘When someone calls the helpline. the tnore information we can get across to them. the better. We talk about problems with motivation. concentration. memory >— and usually the caller will have noticed
‘IN YOUR TEENS YOU'RE MAKING DECISIONS THAT ARE GOING TO AFFECT YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE'
these types of things. We talk about how moods change. We talk about depression. paranoia. withdrawal and anxiety.
‘And then we can talk about addiction. Sometimes we say to a user. “'l‘est this ottt. If you really don‘t think cannabis is addictive. why not stop doing it for a week or two weeks?" And during that period they‘re going to have psychological withdrawal symptoms.
"l‘he good thing is. once you get that information over to one person they pass it on to others.‘
A careful approach is needed bttt there is plenty of help on hand. The Know the Score helpline is free. confidential and available 24 hours a day. lts website includes information and advice on all proscribed drugs.
Lance also recommends the Marijuana Anonymous helpline. which is staffed by former users. Who do you trust to tell you the truth: them or a drug—dealer‘.’
Know the Score website: www.knowthescore.info Know the Score helpline: 0800 587 5879 (24 hours) Marijuana Anonymous: 07940 503 438
The Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (6pm-2am)
Well Scotland: www.wel|scotland.info
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