Drug Abuse at Sea:

Cannabis

Origin

Cannabis, the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), is a bushy plant which grows wild throughout most of the tropical and temperate regions of the world, especially in the Middle East, south west North America, south east Asia and Mexico. It can be grown virtually anywhere in the world although the major 'commercial' movements generally originate in the West Indies, Africa, Turkey, the Indian sub- continent and Thailand.

The most important active ingredients are concentrated in the resin at the top of the plant. Hashish or 'hash' is resin scraped from the plant and compressed into blocks.

Cannabis is the most common illicit drug. It can be found in three forms:

Herbal (marijuana): This is found as a green, yellow or brown herbal material, rough or fine in texture depending on the grade of the sample and similar in appearance to dried stinging nettles or hay. Stalks, stems and twigs may be present as well as small white seeds. The substance smells of spicy damp earth and mild rotting vegetation. There is a noticeably acrid 'bonfire' smell when being smoked. The smell will linger in a non-ventilated environment.

Resin: This appears as beige to dark brown or black (occasionally with a yellowish or greenish tinge) and is normally found as slabs or small chunks, although occasionally in powdered form or moulded shapes. It is slightly sticky in texture. The substance can be moulded into various shapes such as the soles of shoes, beads, carved heads, etc.

Oil: This appears as a dark green to black, occasionally golden, viscous oily liquid, and has a smell similar to herbal cannabis but stronger.

Smell

In general, all forms of cannabis have a spicy smell reminiscent of damp earth and rotting vegetation. It is likely to cause nausea where exposure is prolonged. The smell varies with the age of the sample but is more noticeable in oil than in resin, which is itself stronger smelling than the herbal variety. The smell of the drug lingers in the clothing and the atmosphere where it has been smoked.

Administration

The herbal and resin forms of cannabis are usually smoked, but they may be eaten or chewed. In its oil form it can be painted on cigarettes. Cooking it and eating it makes the effects more intense and hard to control.

Associated Equipment

Long cigarette papers, often several layers, small earthenware bowls, wood pipes or any wide-bored article such as animal horns, water pipes, or crude cardboard tubes or filters are used - all designed to cool the temperature of the smoke. Commercial cigarettes may also be found with a line of oil 'painted' around them.

Degree of Addiction

	Psychological addiction:	fairly strong
	Environmental addiction:	fairly strong
	Physical addiction:	none
	Body tolerance:	none to slight

Influence and Symptoms

The most common effects are talkativeness, bouts of hilarity, relaxation and a greater appreciation of sound and colour. The substances can induce drowsy and uninhibited behaviour with the addict exhibiting markedly slow reactions. There will be a marked inability to follow reasoned argument, the pupils of the eye will dilate and the user may exhibit aggression when confronted. Cannabis may induce cravings for certain foods.

With higher doses there may be perceptual distortion and persons using the drug when anxious or depressed may find their feelings magnified. For people with disturbed personalities, heavy use can precipitate a temporary psychotic disorder.

Its use affects short term memory, the ability to concentrate and co-ordination thereby increasing the risk of accidents. Its use can make users paranoid and anxious. Many users find cannabis hard to give up.

Popular Myths
Fiction:	Cannabis is an aphrodisiac
Fact:	The drug can reduce sperm count and fertility
Fiction:	It is harmless
Fact:	Some experts believe it is stored in the brain and lowers the intelligence rating. It is also carcinogenic