Cannabis

UKP Team

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Origins of Cannabis

(for recreational use)

The recreational use of cannabis can be traced back thousands of years, with its origins deeply rooted in ancient civilisations. One of the earliest records of cannabis being used recreationally dates back to ancient China, where it was consumed for its psychoactive properties as early as 2,500 BCE. The Chinese emperor Shen Nung is said to have experimented with various herbs and plants, including cannabis, and documented its effects. From China, the knowledge and use of cannabis spread across different parts of Asia, including India, where it became an integral part of religious and spiritual practices. Cannabis was regarded as a sacred plant in Indian culture, used by sadhus (holy men) during meditation and religious ceremonies.

Beyond Asia, cannabis also found its way to other regions of the world, where it was embraced for its recreational properties. In ancient Greece, cannabis was known as "kannabis" and was used for its euphoric effects. Greek historian Herodotus mentioned its use in ancient Scythia (modern-day Ukraine and Russia) where the Scythians would throw cannabis seeds onto heated stones and inhale the resulting smoke for relaxation and enjoyment. Similarly, cannabis was utilized by the ancient Celts and Druids in Europe for recreational purposes, often during celebrations and festivals. With the exploration and colonisation of different continents, cannabis made its way to the Americas, where it was used recreationally by indigenous tribes such as the Native Americans. The rich history of cannabis as a recreational substance spans across cultures and continents, illustrating its enduring appeal throughout human civilisation.

Forms of Cannabis

Cannabis can take various forms, each with its own characteristics and uses. Here are some common forms of cannabis:

📌 Flower/Buds

The most recognisable form of cannabis is the dried flowers or buds of the plant. These are typically smoked or vapourised and come in different strains with varying levels of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD).

📌 Concentrates:

Cannabis concentrates are products that contain highly potent extracts of cannabinoids. Common types of concentrates include:

📌 Hashish

Produced by separating the resin from the plant material, resulting in a concentrated form of cannabis.

📌 Shatter

A glass-like substance that is made by extracting cannabinoids using solvents like butane or CO2.

📌 Wax

A sticky, wax-like substance that contains high levels of THC and other cannabinoids.

📌 Oil

Cannabis oils are extracted from the plant material and can be used for various purposes, including vaporisation, ingestion, or as an ingredient in edibles.

📌 Edibles

These are food or drink products infused with cannabis extracts or oils. Edibles can include items like cookies, brownies, gummies, chocolates, beverages, and more. The effects of edibles typically take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping because they need to be digested.

📌 Capsules

Cannabis capsules contain concentrated cannabis oil or powdered forms of cannabis. They are similar to traditional medication capsules and are ingested orally.

📌 Drinks

Cannabis-infused drinks have gained popularity in recent years. These include cannabis-infused sodas, teas, coffees, and other drinks, which can contain THC, CBD, or both.

These are just a few examples of the many forms that cannabis can take.

Appearance

The appearance of cannabis can vary depending on its form. Here's a general description of the appearance of different cannabis products:

📌 Flower/Buds

Cannabis flowers or buds are the dried, harvested parts of the cannabis plant. They typically have a green colour, although it can range from light green to dark green, and may be accentuated by orange or brown pistils (hairs) that protrude from the buds. The surface of the buds is covered in a sticky resin that contains cannabinoids and terpenes, giving them a frosty or crystalline appearance. Trichomes, which are tiny resin glands, often make the buds look sparkling or covered in a layer of white, yellow, or amber-coloured crystals.

📌 Hashish

Hashish is typically brown or dark green and has a dense, solid texture. It can be soft and pliable or hard and brittle, depending on the production method.

📌 Shatter

Shatter has a glass-like appearance and texture. It is transparent and amber or golden in colour. When broken, it can shatter like glass.

📌 Wax

Wax concentrates have a sticky, waxy consistency and can range in colour from light yellow to amber or brown. They often have a crumbly texture.

📌 Oil

Cannabis oils can vary in colour, from light amber to dark brown or even black. They are viscous liquids that can be transparent or slightly opaque, depending on the extraction method.

📌 Edibles

Cannabis-infused edibles can resemble regular food items, such as cookies, brownies, gummies, chocolates, or drinks. Their appearance is similar to non-infused versions of the same products, but they may have a cannabis-related logo or marking to indicate their cannabis content.

📌 Capsules

Cannabis capsules are often small, opaque capsules that resemble traditional medication capsules. They can be filled with cannabis oil or powdered forms of cannabis

📌 Drinks

Cannabis-infused drinks can resemble regular non-alcoholic drinks, such as sodas, teas, coffees, or bottled drinks. They may have a cannabis-related branding or label.

Positive Effects

Users often claim a wide range of positive effects, some proven others not so much. Some reported positive effects include:

📌 Pain relief: Cannabis is known for its potential pain-relief properties. It may be helpful for conditions such as arthritis, migraines, neuropathic pain, and multiple sclerosis-related pain.

📌 Relaxation and stress reduction: Cannabis can have calming and relaxing effects, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. Some strains with higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC are often associated with these effects.

📌 Improved mood: Cannabis may have mood-enhancing effects for some individuals. It can potentially alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood by increasing the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin.

📌 Increased creativity and focus: Some users report that cannabis can enhance creativity and promote a sense of focus and concentration. However, the effects can vary, and it may not be the case for everyone.

📌 Enhanced sensory perception: Cannabis can heighten sensory experiences, making activities like listening to music, watching movies, or enjoying food more enjoyable and immersive for some individuals.

📌 Increased appetite and nausea relief: Cannabis is known to stimulate appetite, which can be beneficial for individuals with a reduced appetite due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy. It may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with certain medical conditions or treatments.

📌 Sleep aid: Certain strains of cannabis, particularly those high in CBD, are reported to have sedating properties, which can aid in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia symptoms

Negative Effects

Whilst cannabis is generally considered to have a lower risk profile compared to many other substances, it is not without its potential drawbacks. Here are some commonly reported negative effects:

📌 Short-term memory impairment (especially whilst under the influence).

📌 Impaired cognitive function: Heavy or long-term cannabis use, particularly in adolescence when the brain is still developing, may affect cognitive function, attention, and decision-making abilities. It can also impact academic and occupational performance.

📌 Decreased motivation: Basically, it can make you lazy.

📌 Respiratory issues: Smoking cannabis, like smoking tobacco, can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Regular smoking of cannabis has been associated with chronic bronchitis symptoms, coughing, and an increased risk of respiratory infections.

📌 Psychiatric effects: Cannabis use, particularly in susceptible individuals or in high doses, can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, or schizophrenia. It is especially important for individuals with a history of mental health issues to be cautious about cannabis use.

📌 Impaired driving and coordination: Cannabis use can impair motor skills, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when operating vehicles or machinery.

📌 Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Cannabis use can cause temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure, which may be problematic for individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions.

Sativa vs Indica

Sativa and indica are two major subspecies of the cannabis plant with distinct properties. Sativa strains are typically associated with uplifting and energizing effects, promoting creativity, focus, and sociability. They are known for their higher levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Indica strains, on the other hand, are known for their relaxing and sedating effects, often inducing a body high and promoting relaxation and sleep. Indica strains tend to have higher levels of CBD, a non-intoxicating compound that can have therapeutic benefits. However, it's important to note that the effects of cannabis can vary widely depending on individual factors, strain genetics, and consumption methods. Most modern strains are "hybrids" and a mix between the two, each containing more or less of the other depending on strain.

Addiction

While cannabis addiction is less common than with substances like nicotine or opioids, it is possible to develop a dependence on cannabis, particularly with frequent and heavy use. Some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, and mood disturbances when they stop using.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, please visit the UKP Addiction Page, and check our some of the links in the Web Resources section towards the end of this page.

Routes of Administration

Many of these have already been mentioned above, however the most common ROAs for recreational Cannabis use are:

📌 Smoking

This is the most traditional and widely recognised method of consuming cannabis. It involves inhaling the smoke produced by burning dried cannabis buds.

📌 Vapourisation

Vapourising cannabis involves heating the plant material or cannabis concentrates to a temperature that releases the active compounds in vapour form. This method reduces the exposure to harmful combustion byproducts associated with smoking.

📌 Edibles

Edibles are food or drink products infused with cannabis extracts or oils. When consumed, the cannabis compounds are absorbed through the digestive system, leading to a slower onset of effects compared to inhalation methods.

Dosaging

When Inhaled

Taken Orally

Onset Times and Duration

When Inhaled

Users can expect an onset time between 0-10 minutes, a come-up between 5-10 minutes, peak effects between 15-45 minutes and a total duration of effects for anywhere between 2-5 hours.

Taken Orally

Users can expect an onset between 1-10 minutes. A come-up between 15-30 minutes, a peak between 30-60 minutes and a total duration lasting between 3-7 hours.

All of the above information is dependent on the amount ingested.

Potential Risky Interactions

Although compared to most recreational drug Cannabis has a strong safety profile, there are drugs that Cannabis can interact with. Some examples include:

📌 Drugs that effect blood sugar levels (eg insulin). Cannabis can lower blood sugar levels (ever had the munchies?). If you take drugs that effect blood sugar we recommend monitoring how Cannabis effects your blood sugar.

📌 Drugs that effect blood pressure. One of the major features of THC is that it simultaneously activates the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Activating both receptors induces a cardiovascular stress response that can elevate cardiac oxygen consumption while reducing blood flow in coronary arteries. While reports of adverse events are relatively rare, patients who are taking blood pressure medication should be aware that cannabis may compound effects.

📌 Drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (e.g blood thinners). It is believed that Cannabis may amplify the effects of these kinds of drugs. How? By possibly slowing down the metabolism of these drugs. To a lesser extent, THC may displace warfarin from protein binding sites. We recommend monitoring closely if you take Cannabis with these medicines.

📌 Any drugs with sedating effects. Whilst it’s not as risky as mixing sedative with alcohol (which can prove deadly), the combination is still risky. Users should exercise extreme caution, or better yet, avoid the combination altogether.

Detection Times

Detection times are a guideline as these can be subjective. As THC can be stored in fat cells, being overweight may increase detection times. The following are detection time guidelines for different methods of testing:

📌 Urine

According to Wikipedia, Cannabis use can be detected up to 3–5 days after exposure for infrequent users, 1–15 days for heavy users, and 1–30 days for chronic users and/or users with high body fat (THC is stored in fat cells).

📌 Saliva

Cannabis is detectable by saliva testing. Saliva testing detects the presence of parent drugs and not their inactive metabolites. This results in a shorter detection window. Delta 9 THC is the parent compound for Cannabis. If tested in a lab, detection up to 3 days is possible. For instant dip tests this will be lower.

📌 Blood

Blood is a rarely used testing method. Like Urine, it tests for the parent drug and not metabolites. Cannabis is detectable in the blood for approximately 12–24 hours, with heavy/frequent use detectable in the blood for up to 7 days.

📌 Hair

As is common, a strand of hair is like a time capsule for all of your bad behaviour. Up to 90 days is the commonly accepted detection time for hair testing, though this detection is uncommon due to the costs involved.

General Safety Tips

We always encourage basic safety precautions and health maintenance before and during drug use, should you decide to use them. Here are some basic tips:

📌 Test your drugs where possible, especially if you're buying from an unknown source.

📌 A lot of people use benzodiazepines or other pharmaceutical sleeping tablets to kill a comedown. We urge extreme caution when doing this (especially if you've had alcohol too) and recommend trying more natural sleep aids such as melatonin to see if they work for you.

📌 Always start with a low dose and work your way up slowly to avoid the risk of adverse effects. The effects of some substances can be unpredictable, and individual sensitivity can vary greatly.

📌 Use in a safe and comfortable environment: Use substances in a safe and comfortable environment, preferably with someone you trust who can assist you if necessary. Avoid crowded or unfamiliar places that could cause anxiety or distress.

📌 Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but be careful not to drink too much as this can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), which can be life-threatening.

📌 Be careful when combining with other drugs. Research what drugs interact with each other an risk adverse effects.

📌 Take breaks between uses. As a general rule limit your use to 1-2 times per week.

📌 Seek medical attention if necessary. Your health is an absolute priority and not worth risk because you fear somebody finding out about your drug use.

📌 We recommend that you take a multi-vitamin the morning after or with food and take liver function tablets the morning of the day of drug use and again the morning after. Drink plenty of water before bed after use. If you take drugs every week then take liver function tablets every day. However, we recommend that if you choose to use drugs, then try to limit use to 1-2 times per week maximum.

Web Resources

UKP Mega Index - Addiction

Pysconautwiki - Cannabis

NHS - Drug Addiction

TalkToFrank - Cannabis

Bluelight Forum - Cannabis Discussion