Caught Up On Cannabis
Growing up is about finding yourself, pushing the boundaries and trying new things, you’ll start spending less time with the `rents and more time with your mates. We’ve all been there; you’ve acted in a way that will cause your friends to high five you, and your parents to ground you! Before you relied on your parents for the latest fashion fixes, now you turn to your bestest for fashion must have’s. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to be like your friends, and trying the things they seem to want to try. Even if it’s dangerous. Where do you draw the line?
Lately the addictive hallucinogenic drug cannabis has been in the papers, this drug appears to be the most popular with young people. It is easily accessible, and many young people claim it is a “safe way” to feel relaxed and calm. But this is simply not the case.
Cannabis is also known as “dope” and “grass” is the most widely used illegal drug in Britain. People use it to produce a chilled out feeling. Yet like all drugs the side effects of cannabis can vary. Some people may feel chilled out, relaxed and happy, while others have one puff and feel dizzy, sick and anxious. Others get the giggles and may become talkative. Hunger pangs are common and are known as 'getting the munchies'. Cannabis users may become more aware of their senses or get a feeling of slowing of time, which are due to its hallucinogenic effects.
Cannabis can be additive and this depends on a number of factors which include how long you’ve been using it, how much you use and whether you are just more prone to become dependent. You may find you have difficulty stopping regular use and you may experience psychological and physical withdrawals when you do stop. The withdrawals can include cravings for Cannabis, irritability, mood changes, appetite disturbance, weight loss, difficulty sleeping and even sweating, shaking and diarrhoea!
If you've only been using for a short while stopping should be easier, but with continued regular use of Cannabis, this can become more difficult. You’re also at risk of getting addicted to nicotine from smoking 'joints' with tobacco, not to mention potential lung damage and mental health problems.
Although Cannabis is described as a safe drug it is actually a Class B drug - illegal to have, give away or sell. Possession can get you up to 5 years in jail. Supplying someone else, including your friends, can get you 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine. If you are caught with cannabis the police will always take action. If you’re caught with even a small amount of Cannabis the police will confiscate the drug and you can be arrested.
What the police will do depends on the circumstances and how old you are. Usually, you’ll get a Cannabis warning if you’re 18 and over. If you’re under 18 and get caught you’re likely to: get a warning; get a reprimand; your parent or guardian will be contacted; and be referred to a Youth Offending Team.
If you’re 18 and over and you get caught you’re likely to get a Penalty Notice of Disorder, which is an on-the-spot fine of £80. This gets logged on the Police National Computer. Regardless of how old you are, if you’re caught with Cannabis for a third time it’s likely you will be arrested. The police are more likely to arrest you if: you are blatantly smoking in public; and/or have been caught with cannabis before.
If you continue to break the law, you can end up with a criminal record which could affect your chances of getting a job. It could also affect whether you can go on holiday to some countries. The maximum penalty for possession is 5 years in prison plus an unlimited fine.
So do all the things that growing up is about, but stay safe! Drugs are responsible for killing thousands of young people each year, don’t become a static. Say no to drugs say yes to life!
(image by Hann;; Flickr.com)
3 Comments – Postiwch sylw
kelleee
Rhoddwyd sylw 20 mis yn ôl - 16th June 2010 - 11:58am
i dont understand how people would want to smoke cannabis. all your doing is hurting yourself. there are much safer and funner ways to have fun!
lincoln
Rhoddwyd sylw 20 mis yn ôl - 16th June 2010 - 13:01pm
hear hear! right, now I've read that I'm off to tesco to buy a nice safe drug that can make me unconscious in under 30 minutes, is highly addictive, causes appalling violence and kills around 20,000 people in the UK each year. the best part is not only is it legal, but it is advertised as a social activity, is on billboards and TV and is available everywhere! cheers! *glug glug*
SwooshMe
Rhoddwyd sylw 20 mis yn ôl - 16th June 2010 - 16:35pm
Lincoln you're very right and a fair comment. Alcohol is major problem in this country, binge drinking, violence, underage drinking, proxy buying.... i's all there! The problem with alcohol is how responsible (or not!) a person is with it and sadly it is abused every day. There are ways to have fun and get involved, which are both safe and legal.