The most widley used illegeal drug in the UK, but remember, the majority of young people don’t use it.

It is the most widely used illegal drug by young people and called a variety of names including, grass, ganja, skunk and weed. Young people use cannabis by smoking it with tobacco and making a cigarette called a ‘joint’, or using a plastic bottle to make what’s called a bong. Young people also mix cannabis into cakes, making space cakes.

Ask young people what they use cannabis for and they will tell you to have fun and chill out and they also tell you that they want to get high, destress and forget about things. These things might happen, however young people also talk about that they suffer from a ‘whitey’ where they have had too much cannabis. You are getting a whitey as you have may have overdosed on cannabis, but it can depend whether you have had alcohol or lack of food. Getting a ‘whitey’ means you don’t want to talk; you get sweaty and clammy and will sometimes vomit, often with mates laughing taking pictures and putting them on social media.

Young people also tell us about getting a ‘ganjover’. This is a vagueness that happens the next day from smoking cannabis. This is not exactly the best as it leaves you feeling that you can’t be bothered, lethargic, and regular use of cannabis can lead to a lack of motivation which effects, home, school and work life.

Cannabis has over the last ten years has become stronger and what is increasingly worrying is the paranoia and anxiety that young people tell us that they are suffering from when using and after using cannabis. This paranoia and anxiety leads to lots of problems with young people experiencing memory loss and panic attacks. Cannabis users can also alienate themselves from friends who do not smoke cannabis.

Long term use increases the chance of psychotic episodes like schizophrenia and more young people are accessing mental health services because of this.

Finally, lots of young people think it is legal to use cannabis. This is not the case as it is a class B drug and cautions can lead to dealing with the youth justice service or depending on age a Public Notice for Disorder. You can have up to five years in jail for possession and fourteen years for supply.

If you want further information then visit www.talktofrank.com, alternatively contact in2change, the young person’s drug and alcohol service in Wrexham.

Cannabis Use

At In2change we work with young people raising awareness of risks and consequences of Cannabis use.  There are lots of urban myths that are banded around concerning cannabis use.  Here is a video that In2change use to show the short term and long term effects of cannabis use.  With thanks to Mac.org.uk.

http://www.mac-uk.org/cannabis-film/

If you have any issues, queries or concerns with drugs or substance use then you can contact In2change young people’s Drug and Alcohol Project.

Alternatively there are some fantastic websites and help lines that can you give you information on drugs and substances.

National Support Services

TalktoFrank – The National Drug Education Service offers a friendly confidential drugs advice service.  It  has got lots of info on substances (including the new ones), it tells you the risks, how you can stay safe and what to do if you need help and support.  or alternatively phone 03001236600.  You can have a live chat on the website between 2pm-6pm

DAN 247 is a helpline in Wales  24hr drug and alcohol helpline which can be contacted on Freephone: 0808 808 2234 Or text DAN to: 81066