The hemp plant contains more than 400 different substances of which 60 belong to the group of cannabinoids. Of these cannabinoids, the fat soluble substance Tetra-Hydro-Cannabinol (THC) is the most investigated. It is also the content of THC which is used as a measurement of the strength of the product.
Indian hemp, Cannabis indica, which has a high content of THC, and a variant of Cannabis indica called Cannabis ruderalis (with a low THC content) also belong to the hemp family.
In most countries, cultivation and possesion of cannabis is illegal, but nevertheless, cannabis products are widely used in sufferings such as AIDS, anorexia, asthma, cancer, depression, dystonia, epilepsy, glaucoma, itching, migraine, scleroderma, and sclerosis.
The symptoms on which cannabis has an effect are reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, various pains and involuntary muscle contractions - so-called spasms.
Various cannabis products
- Hash consists of resin from the top shoots and female flowers mixed with plant parts.
- Marihuana/Pot are finely chopped, dried leaves and flowers.
- Bhang/Hash tea is dried leaves and flowers which have been covered with hot water and left to draw.
- Cannabinol/Hash oil is a brown syrup-like oil which is extracted with an organic solvent and then filtered and concentrated.
- Ganja/skunk are top shoots and flowers from female flowers.
- Marinol® is a medicinal remedy made by the substance Dronabinol which is a synthetic version of one of the active substances of the cannabis plant - namely THC. It does not have any intoxicating effects.
Dosage
Cannabis can either be smoked, eaten, or extracted and drunk. The greatest effect is obtained from taking it between meals. The dosage is very individual. The most rapid effect is achieved by smoking it which is also the easiest way of getting the dosage right. The acute intoxication can last from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Usually, it does not last for more than 2 hours. A reduced reactivity can be experienced and last for up to 24 hours. Dosage of Marinol® depends partly on different individual needs and partly on the suffering on which the remedy is supposed to be effective. There are dosage proposals on the accompanying instruction pamphlet.
Cannabis intoxication
A cannabis intoxication provides you with an increased sense of well-being and a feeling of having your senses enhanced. It causes you to have an intense experience of music and colour and it feels like the time is moving slower. The more powerful the action, the more hallucinations. On the other hand, the intoxication can also be unpleasantly experienced with various forms of delusions if you already feel bad mentally.
Physiological side effects
A hash intoxication can cause blushing, dryness of the mouth, increased heart rate which can be felt as palpitation, red eyes, dizziness, and restlessness. Hash can also increase your appetite. Furthermore, large doses can lead to constipation and bladder dysfunction, dullness, reduced memory, and a general bad mood. Sustained use can lead to mental addiction and dependence symptoms. Men can get reduced sperm count. The risk of bronchitis and reduced lung function is increased when smoking cannabis for long periods of time while, contrary to tobacco smoking, the risk of lung cancer does not seem to be increased.
Contra-indications
Should not be used by pregnant and breast-feeding women. Should neither be used by students or persons suffering from mania, schizophrenia, depression, and cardiac problems. Nor should it be used in situations where a reduced reactivity can cause danger.
