Cannabis

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.

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‍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).

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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)

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‍Oral(swallowed, eaten):

Light (2.5 - 5 mg THC)

Means (5 - 10 mg THC)

Strong (10 - 25 mg THC)

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‍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.

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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.

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• Smoke only recreationally and only when you feel good.
• When eating or drinking cannabis products, the effects are more unpredictable and less controllable than when smoking; the risk of overdose is high. Approach the right dose carefully, don't add to it right away! Be aware of the delayed onset of effects.
• Vary the products, do not consume only indoor grass.
• Instead of tobacco-cannabis mixtures for a joint, better use a vaporizer or pay attention to good filtering methods (activated carbon filters) when smoking.
• Since cannabis products are consumed mixed with tobacco, there is also a tobacco dependence (stronger dependence) with daily consumption. Smoke pure or use tobacco substitutes (knasters).
• The younger you are when you start smoking pot, the greater the risk of developing psychological problems and an addiction.
• In schizophrenia, cannabis use can worsen the course of the disease or lead to relapses.
• Cannabis use should be avoided in cases of lung disease and existing heart conditions or heart disease.
• Alcohol and other drugs can significantly increase the effects and side effects.
• By consuming an upper (stimulants), the perceived effects of cannabis can be influenced but not reversed.
• For some years now, cannabis products containing synthetic cannabinoids have been tested again and again. These pose a considerable risk to your health. Therefore, have newly purchased cannabis analyzed in a drug-checking service. If this is not possible, test newly purchased cannabis products by taking 2-3 puffs and waiting to see the effect.

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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.