Cannabis is a naturally occurring plant which can be prepared for consumption in a variety of different forms including cannabis resin or hash, herbal cannabis, and cannabis oil.
There are also other forms, such as edibles and tinctures, that are common in the medicinal cannabis market.
Risk factors
Cannabis can make some existing mental health symptoms worse and has been linked with the possible development of mental health issues for some people.
The risk factors include an underlying vulnerability to mental health issues, such as family history, heavy cannabis use from a young age, over a long period of time or use of high potency cannabis.
Long-term use and dependency
People using cannabis every day over a prolonged period, may develop a tolerance of the effects. They may need more to get the desired effects or may experience some symptoms of dependency.
Withdrawal effects can be reported where people use cannabis dependently.
The most reported symptoms are:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Low mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Cravings
- Inhaling any substance into your lungs can cause irritation to the delicate tissue. This includes tobacco, cannabis, and vaping products
How to reduce harm
As cannabis may increase feelings of anxiety and paranoia in some people, only use it where you feel safe and with people you trust. Avoid using cannabis if you’re prone to anxiety or have existing mental health problems.
Start low and go slow with cannabis use, as potency can be hugely variable. Start with a very small dose and, if using more, increase dose cautiously. Give time for previous doses to wear off, about 30 minutes.
Using cannabis more safely
If you’re smoking, consider using a vaporiser so you can remove the tobacco. This will reduce the risk of lung damage.
Avoid holding smoke in your lungs or breathing in too deeply and take short puffs.
If smoking in pipes, use glass or steel, as they give off less unpleasant fumes than wood or plastic.
Water pipes (bongs) cause you to inhale more deeply, which increases the risk of lung damage. Avoid sharing joints, vapes, pipes and bongs with others.
Eating cannabis will result in a much longer duration of effects, and more delayed onset of effects and the dose can be less easily controlled.
The effects will also be more hallucinogenic, so dosage is very important. Start with a lower dose and avoid re-dosing for at least a couple of hours.
Support Contact numbers
Salford Royal - 0161 206 0528
The Royal Oldham - 0161 656 1933
Rochdale Infirmary - 01706 517 520
Fairfield General Hospital - 07912 453938
Date of Review: July 2023
Date of Next Review: July 2025
Ref No: PI_SU_1779 (NCA)