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Cannabis is a drug which can be smoked (in a joint, with a bong, or with a vape) or eaten (in edibles, like weed brownies or gummies). It’s also known as marijuana, bud, weed, or green, as well as other names. Some people feel more relaxed after taking cannabis, and others feel more giggly and chatty.
In Middlesbrough, cannabis is mostly used by younger people. It is a ‘mild-altering substance’, like alcohol, and can affect brain development. Research has also shown that there are strong links between using cannabis in adolescence and developing serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia and psychosis in the future.
Cannabis can be addictive, and prolonged use may lead to sweating, mood swings, feeling low, and craving more.
Smoking cannabis can:
It can also:
With illegal drugs, the best way of keeping safe is to stop using them altogether. But we know that right now this could feel like an unachievable goal.
Any change is a good change, so why not start small and cut down gradually? For example, if you’re using every weekend, start by having one drug-free weekend every month. Then try limiting yourself to one weekend every month where you use, and then eventually stopping completely.
If you’re out, look out for your friends, and talk to them about what you’ll do if something goes wrong. If someone wants to go home, be a good mate and support them, don’t encourage them to stay out, and help them get home.
If you’re worried about a loved one or friend, check out the information in the supporting someone else section.
