Cannabis overview

Pot, Marijuana, Hashish, Dope, Grass ... what's the difference?

Hashish (Dope, Shit) is the resin of Indian hemp (Cannabis) while Marijuana is made from the flowers and leaves. Both are smoked in pipes or cigarettes, often mixed with tobacco but can also be added to cookies or other foods. Hashish contains a higher amount of the psychoactive principle THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) that is liberated by smoking. THC is absorbed through the lungs when smoking or through the intestines when eating.

The effect – what does THC do?

The concentration of THC in Hashish and Marijuana is highly variable and product dependant. Generally speaking the THC-content of cannabis products is higher today than some years ago due to the cultivation of high potency cultivars.

The compound primarily produces changes in mood and heightens the perception of colors and music. The drug-experience isn’t influenced exclusively by the amount of THC contained in the Marijuana or Hashish. The atmosphere, expectations and state of mind of the consumer are just as important. After smoking a joint you may feel more relaxed, happier and without life’s usual worries. However, if you were already stressed and depressed before smoking you may experience a worsening of your condition. Like all drugs, Marijuana and Hashish aren't problem-solvers.

Heavy consumption of Cannabis negatively influences learning, the ability to concentrate and short-term memory. Pre-existing psychological symptoms may be reinforced. Damage to the immune system and DNA has been reported but is not sufficiently documented.

A Joint ... less dangerous than tobacco and alcohol?

Serious damage to the lungs is possible, exactly like with tobacco, since the joint smoker (mixture of Cannabis and tobacco) generally inhales deeper and holds the smoke as long as possible. However, contrary to Alcohol and Nicotine, there is no known lethal dosage of THC.

Cannabis does not create physical dependence, still it’s not a harmless drug. The possibility of psychological addiction exists and can manifest itself in many ways. The impossibility of relaxing without using Cannabis is an example. The attention span, concentration, reactivity and short-term memory can be impaired for up to 24h after consumption which means a higher risk of incidents for motorists.

The active principle of Cannabis (THC) accumulates in the body’s fatty tissues. The long-term health consequences of this THC-accumulation are not yet known.

Cannabis is often consumed together with Alcohol or “fashion-drugs“ like Ecstasy. The effects of such drug-cocktails are unpredictable and dangerous.

Cannabis.... a gateway drug?

Smoking a joint doesn’t mean you are drug-addicted and Cannabis is not a gateway to Heroin. Almost all drug careers start with early abuse of Tobacco and Alcohol, not Cannabis. Nobody necessarily changes from one drug to another.

This doesn't mean that one should liberally experiment with Cannabis: every kind of drug consumption bears risks.