Last published: November 22, 2023
Cannabis is a cannabinoid drug. The number of different cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant is still being researched, but it primarily contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).1 It’s also commonly known as marijuana.
Marijuana, yarndi, pot, weed, hash, dope, gunja, joint, stick, chronic, cone, choof, mull, 420, dabs, dabbing, BHO.
Cannabis can be smoked, eaten or vaporised and comes in different forms. Users report that the subjective effects of cannabis vary significantly depending on the form consumed.2
Cannabis can be put into various foods generally called ‘edibles’. It usually takes between one to three hours to feel its effects.4 Impatient or naïve users might think they have not taken enough to feel the effects, and if they consume more they may experience unpleasantly strong psychoactive effects. When edible products have inconsistent levels of THC, even experienced users may find it difficult to control the amount consumed.5
When smoked or vaporised, the effects are usually felt straight away.6 There are health concerns about the impact of smoking cannabis, especially in the long term. This is particularly the case if mixed with tobacco.
Cannabis can also come in synthetic form, which may be more harmful than real cannabis.
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
Cannabis affects every individual differently. Even the same person may have a different experience on separate occasions or over their lifetime.
Some people report feelings of relaxation and euphoria while others report anxiety and paranoia.7 Some factors that might influence these differences could be:
The effects of cannabis might include:
If a large amount, strong batch, or concentrated form is consumed, you may be more likely to also experience:
Long-term effects depend on how much, how often and how the cannabis is consumed (e.g. vaporising a concentrate versus smoking the flower).8 Its heavy, regular use could potentially lead to:
Smoking cannabis may also increase the likelihood of experiencing:
Individuals with a family history of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder – or who currently experience symptoms of these conditions – should avoid using cannabis.11, 12
Cannabis use may worsen the course of bipolar disorder, and those who are predisposed to experiencing psychosis (a common symptom of schizophrenia), may be at an increased risk of cannabis-induced psychosis.11, 12 Psychosis symptoms include delusions, hallucinations and seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted.
Mixing cannabis with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm. Cannabis and MDMA/ nangs (nitrous oxide): can intensify the effects which can cause confusion, anxiety or paranoia.
Cannabis and alcohol: can cause nausea, impaired coordination, vomiting.
Cannabis and cocaine: can lead to anxiety, paranoia, confusion, and thought loops.13
There are ways in which you can reduce the risks associated with using cannabis:
Cannabis is sometimes used to help with the ‘come down’ effects of stimulant drugs, such as ice, speed and ecstasy.
'Polydrug use’ is a term for the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another. Polydrug use can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications.
‘Polydrug use’ is a term for the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another. Polydrug use can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications
Giving up cannabis after regular, heavy use over a long time is challenging, because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Please seek advice from a health professional.
Withdrawal symptoms may last for only a week, but sleep may be affected for longer. Symptoms include:
If your use of cannabis is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.
Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs
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Medicinal cannabis is cannabis prescribed to relieve the symptoms of a medical condition, such as epilepsy. It’s quality-controlled product with labelled levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Legislation has been passed in Australia to facilitate access to medicinal cannabis for certain medical conditions.
Federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, making or selling cannabis, or driving under the influence.
There are also laws that prevent the sale and possession of bongs and other smoking equipment in some states and territories.
Certain states in Australia have passed laws to allow access to medicinal cannabis for very specific conditions.
See also, drugs and the law.
35% of Australians aged 14 years and over have used cannabis one or more times in their life.16
10.4% of Australians aged 14 years and over have used cannabis in the previous 12 months.16
Most young people do not use cannabis – 68.7% of 12-17 year olds have never tried it.15, 17
anxiety, blurred vision, clumsiness, dry mouth, excitement, fast heart rate, feeling sleepy, increased appetite, low blood pressure, paranoia, quite mood, reflective mood, relaxation, slower reflexes, spontaneous laughter
420, choof, cone, dabs, dope, gunja, hash, joint, marijuana, mull, pot, stick, weed, yarndi
Last updated: 22 Nov 2023
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