What is cannabis?

Cannabis is the general name for drugs that are made from the plant cannabis sativa. It's the most used illicit (illegal) drug in Australia.

There are different forms of cannabis.

• Marijuana is made from the plant's dried leaves and flowers (buds). This is the most common form of cannabis. It's smoked in a joint (rolled cigarette) or bong (water pipe).
• Hashish is the dried resin from the plant. It's usually mixed with tobacco and smoked or added to food like cookies or brownies.
• Hash oil is a liquid oil. It's added to the tip of a joint or cigarette.

Other names for cannabis include:

• yarndi
• pot
• weed
• hash
• dope
• 420

Is cannabis legal in Australia?

In all Australian states and territories, it is illegal to distribute or sell cannabis.

It is also illegal to possess cannabis in:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• Tasmania

In the ACT, Northern Territory and South Australia, it is not a criminal offence to have a certain amount of cannabis. However, you can still be fined.

In the ACT, growing a certain number of cannabis plants is allowed for personal use. Growing cannabis is illegal in all other states and territories. In the ACT, it is still illegal to use cannabis in public.

It is illegal to drive under the effects of cannabis in all Australian states and territories.

Medicinal cannabis

Medicinal cannabis is cannabis prescribed to relieve the symptoms of a medical condition. Medicinal cannabis continues to be researched. It is increasingly being used as a medicine for several health conditions including:

• chronic pain
• nausea and vomiting such as when caused by chemotherapy
• epilepsy
• multiple sclerosis (MS)
• palliative care
• cancer-related anorexia

The supply of medicinal cannabis is tightly controlled in Australia. It must be prescribed by a doctor.

Synthetic cannabis

Synthetic cannabis mimics the effects of the active ingredient in cannabis (known as THC, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). It is produced in a laboratory, not from a plant.

Synthetic cannabis is not legal in Australia. They are powdered chemicals that are mixed with solvents and sprayed onto herbs and sold in colourful packets. Not all forms of synthetic cannabis successfully mimic THC. Some may be more harmful than real cannabis.

Synthetic cannabis is sold under names such as:

• spice
• kronic
• northern lights
• herbal incense

What are the effects of taking cannabis?

Cannabis can affect people differently. The same person may also have different experiences each time they use cannabis. Some factors that could influence the effect of cannabis are:

• how much you take
• how strong it is
• your size, height and weight
• if you've had cannabis before, and how often you use it
• if you take other drugs at the same time
• your personality

Cannabis can make some people feel:

• relaxed
• happy
• sociable
• hungry
• drowsy
• easily amused
• like their senses are heightened

Some people may feel anxious or paranoid after taking cannabis.

The effects are usually felt soon after it is smoked or vaporised. This is because the active ingredient is absorbed directly from your lungs into your blood. If you eat cannabis, it needs to be digested. This means it can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to have an effect.

Cannabis can also cause side effects such as:

• balance problems and slower reflexes
• rapid heart rate
• red, dry eyes
• dry mouth
• nausea
• memory problems

You can read more about how drugs and alcohol can impact your health.

What are the risks of using cannabis?

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). For help and support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

There are many risks with cannabis use including:

• unpredictable effects when mixed with other drugs
• dependence and withdrawal
• mental health risks, such as psychosis

Cannabis can cause an overdose, particularly synthetic cannabis. This can cause:

• chest pain or pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing

Synthetic cannabis can sometimes be laced with other drugs. These can increase your risk of harm. Opioids such as nitazenes have been found in synthetic cannabis. This can lead to an overdose.

If you think you or someone else has had an overdose, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

People who have taken a lot of cannabis can experience:

• confusion
• amnesia
• delusions
• hallucinations
• anxiety
• agitation

There is evidence that cannabis increases the risk of psychotic symptoms for people who have experienced psychosis before. You should avoid cannabis if you or a family member has a mental health condition like:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• anxiety

Anxiety and panic symptoms are also seen with cannabis use. Daily use is linked with an increased risk for suicide attempts, especially among adolescents.

Vaping cannabis

Vaping cannabis means breathing in vapour from heated cannabis. Some people think this is safer than smoking marijuana. Vaping can still hurt your lungs and may make you dependent on cannabis. Vaping may also cause burn injuries.

Can cannabis cause long-term problems?

People who use marijuana over long periods may have:

• social and financial problems
• family and relationship issues
• employment problems
• health issues related to smoking, such as chest infections, upper respiratory tract cancers, chronic bronchitis and damage to airways
• a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
• dental problems
• problems with their memory

It can also impact your mental health, leading to an increased risk of developing:

• depression
• anxiety
• schizophrenia
• psychosis
• bipolar disorder
• suicidal thoughts

Regular cannabis users can become dependent and experience withdrawal.

Can I become dependent on cannabis?

You could become dependent on cannabis if you are using it regularly.

Signs you are dependent include if cannabis is affecting your daily life. You might feel like you need cannabis to get through your day. You may also find it hard to stop using cannabis.

People who use cannabis regularly may experience withdrawal symptoms including:

• cravings (a strong urge) to use cannabis
• problems sleeping
• feeling depressed or anxious
• changes in appetite
• mood swings
• restlessness
• nausea

These problems are usually at their worst 1 to 4 days after quitting and may last about 3 weeks.

If you are think you are dependent on cannabis or you are experiencing problems with withdrawal, seek help and speak with your doctor.

What if I use other drugs or alcohol together with cannabis?

Avoid mixing cannabis with other drugs, such as:

• alcohol
• other illegal drugs like cocaine or LSD (acid)
• prescription medicines

This is because cannabis can make the effects of these drugs stronger and more unpredictable. This can then increase your risk of harm.

Resources and support

For more resources and support, you can:

• call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for confidential crisis support
• call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for confidential advice
• find out more about cannabis on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website or by sending an email to DrugInfo
• visit the Your Room website for information on cannabis

Languages other than English

Positive Choices has information and resources on drug use for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Positive Choices has information and resources on drug use for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has resources and drug facts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Your Room has information on alcohol and drugs for Aboriginal and//or Torres Strait Islander people

Information for sexually and gender-diverse people

QLife offers resources and support for sexually and gender-diverse people. You can call on 1800 184 527 or use their webchat.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.