Quick info
Cannabis is the botanical name for the hemp plant. Various products have been made from the hemp plant for quite some time, for example ropes, fabrics or oils. The intoxicating effect of the cannabis plant has been used for ritual or medicinal purposes for a long time. Dried cannabis flowers, compressed resin extracts or oils, for example, are used as intoxicants. Cannabis products are the most commonly consumed illegal substances in Switzerland.
The cannabis plant contains more than 560 substances, 120 of which are cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) are the best-known cannabinoids. They have different pharmacological effects. THC is mainly responsible for the intoxicating effect. CBD, CBN and CBG also have pharmacological effects, but are less intoxicating. As the effects of the cannabinoids differ greatly and also influence each other in their effects, the effects can vary greatly depending on the type of cannabis used.
In general, cannabis has a relaxing to euphoric effect, stimulates the appetite, intensifies feelings and sensory impressions, and causes calmness and/or causeless cheerfulness. Typical physical effects are a dry mouth, reddened conjunctiva, changes in blood pressure, altered heart rate, dizziness. Circulatory problems and vomiting are possible in the event of an overdose. In general, the ability to concentrate and memory are temporarily impaired during intoxication. In addition to the dosage and the ratio of active ingredients in the cannabis product consumed, the effect depends heavily on the basic mood of the person consuming it (set) and the environment (setting). Both positive and negative impressions and moods can be intensified.
Effect onset
Smoked within a few minutes, eaten after 0.5-2 hours
Duration of action
Smoked 1-2 hours, eaten 8-14 hours (!)
Aftereffects
Up to several hours (depending on dose, form of consumption, habituation and constitution). Caution: THC and its metabolites (as well as other cannabinoids) can be detected in blood and urine for a long time. In the case of frequent use, relevant THC concentrations leading to driving incapacity may still be detectable in the blood even after a long period of use. High THC-COOH concentrations (second metabolite of THC) allow conclusions to be drawn about cannabis habituation (regular and frequent use).
The figures listed below are guidelines. The effect may vary from person to person. As the content of the ingredients varies greatly depending on the product, the dosage information is given in pure THC.
Smoked:
Light (0.5 - 2 mg THC)
Means (2 - 4 mg THC)
Strong (4 - 10 mg THC)
Oral(swallowed, eaten):
Light (2.5 - 5 mg THC)
Means (5 - 10 mg THC)
Strong (10 - 25 mg THC)
Appearance forms:
Cannabis flowers: The most common form, consisting of the dried flowers of the female cannabis plant.
Hashish: Brown concentrate, which is obtained by pressing the glandular hairs into a resinous mass. On average, hashish has a higher THC and CBD content than flowers.
Edibles: edible or drinkable products containing cannabis. For example, baked goods (space cakes, space cookies), fruit gums, yogurt, butter.
Oil: Concentrates with different contents. CBD oils are legally available, but oils containing THC are also known to be illegal.
Liquids (vapes): Cannabis products can also be vaporized in vaporizers. Or consumed as e-liquids with e-cigarettes.
Dab: high-percentage cannabis product, which is traditionally smoked in a bong.
Forms of consumption:
Cannabis flowers and hashish are mostly smoked (joints, water pipes, bongs, etc.), less often drunk (as tea, tincture) or eaten (edibles). Cannabis products can also be vaporized in vaporizers. Or consumed as e-liquids with e-cigarettes. A special form of vaporizing is dabbing, which was developed for the use of concentrates.
The experience of time (usually slowed down) and the sense of space (misjudgement of distances and speeds) changes, which can lead to reduced responsiveness and misjudgement of a given situation. Irritability and listlessness may also occur. In general, the ability to concentrate and memory are temporarily impaired during intoxication.
Panic and anxiety may also occur and there is a risk of developing psychosis and dependence. Furthermore, reddening of the eyes, decreased reaction of the pupils to light stimuli (risk of glare from headlights, decreased sharp vision), dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, excessive feeling of hunger, fatigue, tremor, dizziness, unsteadiness of gait, as well as increase in heart rate and pulse rate (poses health risks in existing pre-existing conditions of the cardiovascular system) may occur. Especially with concentrates there is a risk of overdose and occurrence of undesirable effects. High doses can therefore cause circulatory problems up to circulatory collapse, unpleasant intensification of feelings as well as paranoia and depressive moods. The risk of psychosis being triggered by cannabis use is also increased in cannabis products with an unbalanced THC-CBD ratio (high THC and low CBD).
Die Fahrfähigkeit kann durch die vielfältigen Wirkungen und Nebenwirkungen negativ beeinträchtigt sein. Neben den Wirkungen und Nebenwirkungen kann auch die Überschreitung des gesetzlich verankerten Grenzwerts, ab dem eine Fahrfähigkeit juristisch nicht mehr gegeben ist, zur Fahrunfähigkeit führen. Auch bei Konsum von in der Schweiz legalen THC armen CBD-Hanf (THC < 1 %) kann der gesetzlich verankerte THC-Grenzwert im Blut überschritten werden. In e-Liquids sind zudem Trägerstoffe (Glycerin, Propylenglykol) sowie ggf. nicht aus der Cannabispflanze stammende Duft- und Aromastoffe (z. B. Nicotin) enthalten, zu deren Toxizität bei inhalativer Aufnahme nichts bekannt ist.
Long-term risks:
If you consume frequently and regularly, especially high-dose concentrates, there is a risk of addiction (especially with psychological, but also mild physical symptoms). With sudden abstinence, sweating, hot and cold shivers, loss of appetite, difficulty falling asleep and irritability are possible. With chronic consumption, there is a risk of loss of reality; short-term memory and motivation may also be impaired. In the case of smoking, chronic consumption increases susceptibility to respiratory problems (bronchitis, tracheitis and pneumonia, etc.) due to the combustion processes. Smoking in combination with tobacco also carries the risk of nicotine dependence and risks associated with smoking tobacco (laryngeal and lung cancer). There is currently insufficient knowledge available on the long-term risks of consuming e-liquids and no conclusive assessment can be made.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Lower risk
Learn about the substances, their effects, how quickly they take effect, and the proper dosage. Get to know each substance on its own first, and see how they affect you and whether they suit you before mixing them. Allow enough time between doses, mix as few substances as possible, and start with low doses.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Risk
This combination already poses a significant risk. The effects can reinforce each other or change in unpredictable ways. Therefore, use these substances with caution, test new or unfamiliar substances individually first, and keep the doses as low as possible. Allow sufficient time between doses and avoid taking additional doses on a whim. Be aware of the varying durations of action for each substance.
Known extenders in cannabis include Brix (liquid mixture of plastic, sugar and hormones), sand, talc/soapstone, sugar, hairspray, glass particles, spices, lead and phospor/potassium fertilizer. The goal of these non-psychoactive extenders is to add weight or visually enhance the cannabis. Burning and inhaling these substances can cause respiratory problems, lung damage, coughing, and sore throats. Many of these extenders are visually detectable, e.g. via residues in the grip (sand, talc), or an altered smell/taste (brix, sugar) or consistency (hairspray).
Psychoactive extenders include synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids - these are sprayed onto legally produced CBD cannabis in order to sell it profitably as THC-containing cannabis. In contrast to other extenders such as Brix or sand, synthetic cannabinoids are not recognizable to consumers. Synthetic cannabinoids can be many times more potent than cannabis and therefore pose a considerable danger to users. you can find more information on synthetic cannabinoids here.
In the best case, one always has one's cannabis products analyzed in a drug checking before consumption. If no drug checking offer can be used, there is the possibility to use a CBD quick test at home. This is not a substitute for a time-consuming and accurate analysis, as is the case with drug checking, but it does allow for an initial assessment. For this purpose, we have prepared a fact sheet with the most important information.
The goal of this fact sheet is to reduce the risk for users of illicit cannabis containing THC to inadvertently use synthetic or semisynthetic cannabinoids.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.
