HealthInfo Canterbury

Cannabis addiction or abuse

Waranga tarutaru, te whakamaioro rānei

  

The information on this page isn't about medicinal cannabis – if that's what you are looking for, go to this page.

Cannabis is the name given to a drug found in the plant Cannabis sativa. Cannabis has a chemical in it called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC gives the stoned effect.

There are three common forms of cannabis, depending on what part of the plant is used. These are marijuana, hashish and hash oil.

Cannabis can be smoked as joints, in a pipe, a vaporiser, via a water pipe or bong, using knives on a stove element or eaten in foods. Some people also mix cannabis with tobacco when they smoke it, especially in joints and bongs.

Many users of cannabis use it infrequently. They never develop problems in their lives from its use, and don't have withdrawal symptoms. Some people who use cannabis regularly find that they struggle with poor mood or mood swings. They also have poor motivation, irritability and poor sleep.

People who use cannabis can become physically addicted, especially people who use it every day.

These people may develop unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they have a day without cannabis or try to cut down or quit. Heavy users of cannabis can become paranoid and fearful. This usually settles down when the drug effect wears off.

Driving while stoned is dangerous and illegal. If a police officer pulls you over while driving after taking drugs, you may lose your license or face a criminal conviction.

See your general practice team who are likely to encourage you to try self-help programmes and join community support groups. They may refer you to a support agency that specialises in addiction and other professionals who can help.

  HealthInfo recommends the following videos

• New Zealand Drug Foundation – Did you know: cannabis

  This video is part of a series aimed at teenagers. The videos have everything a Kiwi teenager needs to know about common drugs in New Zealand. The videos can also help give adults confidence to start conversations about drugs with a young person.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health – Cannabis and your health

  Information about the possible effects of cannabis on health, including when cannabis is used with other drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.

• The Level

  Information about drugs, including how to be safer when using drugs, how to make changes to your drug habits and advice about where to go for help.

• New Zealand Drug Foundation – Cannabis

  Information about what cannabis feels like, how to be safer using it, when to get help and how to cut down.

  This video is also available in Māori.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2023.

Sources

Page reference: 520829

Review key: HIADG-47857