Epidemiology – most commonly used illegal drug

Source and forms – derived from a flowering plant (Cannabis Sativa)

• Forms–resin (hash, hashish),dried leaf, oil

Clinical impact – 2 main ingredients:

• THC - induces anxiety and psychotic-like symptoms.
  • Also acts peripherally in lymphoid organs and cells – may suppress immune system
• CBD (Cannabidiol) - sedative, anxiolytic and antipsychotic actions

PC

• Psychoactive symptoms - hallucinations, special perception issues, alteration of body image
• Altered co-ordination
• Increased appetite
• Analgesia
• Impaired learning/memory
• Sharpened sensory awareness
• Euphoria
• Blood shot eyes, dry mouth, tachycardia