Does Wacky Backy make ya wacky?
Tuesday, 4 April 2006.
Originally from express article 15 March 2006
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS).
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Cannabis, dope, dak, pot, electric puha, smoke, weed – just a few names for a drug that has been used for thousands of years. It is New Zealand’s most commonly used illicit mind-altering drug. But can it make you go mad?
This has been suggested more than once in the media of late.
Well the answer is yes….. and no.
Yes – there is evidence that if you have an underlying predisposition towards mental illness, heavy use of cannabis will increase the risk of it developing.
But No – there is no conclusive evidence that the use of cannabis in itself causes psychosis (sourced from Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs – report for Home Office Dec. 2005).
So, if you have family history of mental illness (especially schizophrenia) then my advice to you is to steer well clear of the wacky backy.
Also it must be said that cannabis is not a harmless drug!
One reason it is harmful is because it is smoked, and there is a MYTH that holding down the (very hot) smoke will increase the buzz – well I have got news for you – IT DOESN’T!!! The active ingredient – THC is absorbed instantly by your lungs; all holding down smoke does is expose your lungs to the toxins for longer.
Eating cannabis is one way to avoid all the harms of smoking, it can however be quite a different experience as it is a more psychedelic ‘trippy’ one. Also eating cannabis means it takes a lot longer to come on, people sometimes get inpatient and eat more - not a good idea!
To sum up, Cannabis like any drug is harmful so no use is safest. Remember:
- Avoid it completely if you have a family history of schizophrenia,
- Moderate/occasional use is safer that continual use,
- Mixing with tobacco increases lung damage,
- Do not take deep tokes and hold down for a long time it only damages your lungs,
- Cannabis affects motor co-ordination so – make sure you are not stoned if you are going to drive,
- Don’t share spit…
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's
cannabis or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact
CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz
or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800
787 797.
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