Cannabis | G.H.B. | Tranquillisers
The most widely used illegal drug in Britain. It's a naturally occurring drug made from parts of the cannabis plant. It's a sedative and mild hallucinogen that makes some people feel chilled out and others feel sick. It's not very expensive and widely available.
The effects of any drug have a lot to do with who the users are with, what mood they're in and how much of the drug they take. Cannabis is no exception. Much like a cigarette, the effects are immediate and last from about an hour to a few hours. Smoking more will make the effects last longer obviously. Smoking cannabis makes most people happy, relaxed and at peace with the world but the effects vary from person to person. Some people who have tried it have said it makes them feel sick. Others get the giggles until the muscles in their face hurt.
Cannabis is quite an introspective drug. Once under the influence, users
can find hidden depths in daytime television/ the most unlikely song lyrics.
It's a mild hallucinogen. Colours and sounds appear brighter and sharper.
It affects co-ordination. So it can make people a bit unsteady on their
feet. Doing complicated things like operating machinery is not a good idea.
Some people use it to relieve muscle pain associated with illnesses like
MS (Multiple Sclerosis).
- Some people begin to feel tired all the time and can't seem to get motivated
- Hardcore smokers can get anxious, panicky and suspicious
- Someone who's been smoking a lot will have bloodshot eyes a dry mouth.
- After using cannabis, people have reported feeling hungry which is known as 'getting the munchies'
- Heavy use of aftershave or perfume to disguise the smell
Cannabis is a Class C substance. It's illegal to own it and it's illegal to supply it. It's also an offence to grow cannabis.
Possession can get you up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine, although most people are either cautioned or fined. Serious offences of supplying cannabis can get you up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
If you're convicted, the court has discretion to take account of the circumstances of the offender and the offence before passing sentence.
Not to be mistaken with GBH the crime, although there are reasons why people might confuse the two. GHB is a dangerous drug which can cause grievous bodily harm. That's because it's hard to tell the difference between a dose that gives a pleasant buzz and an overdose that could kill you.
A small capful has a euphoric effect that makes users feel happy, sensual and uninhibited. As more and more is taken it acts like a sedative or downer and makes people sleepy.
If you take too much the person may feel disoriented and sick. Muscles can go numb or start to spasm. Excessive use can cause a fit or seizure. Because GHB can really knock you out it's been linked to drug assisted sexual assault. And because it's almost tasteless it's easily slipped in a drink. In a Home Office report in June 2000, 123 victims of drug-assisted assaults were questioned and 70% of the rapists were known to the victim. One in five could not remember the assault but 70% felt physically unable to resist. Source: Metropolitan Police June 2000
- Feeling drowsy
- Giddiness
- General silliness
- Slurring of speech
- Loss of co-ordination and vomiting in some individuals
- Can cause deep ‘unrousable’ sleep for 3-5 hours
GHB is a class C drug and it’s illegal to have, give away or sell. Possession can get you up to two years in jail. Supplying someone else can get you up to five years.
Benzodiazepines (minor tranquillisers, sleeping tablets) come in tablet or capsule form and each brand can be prescribed in different strengths. They are sedative drugs which are prescribed by doctors to reduce anxiety, to promote sleep or to act as a muscle relaxant. They are used illicitly to offset the effects of stimulant drugs, or with other 'downer' drugs such as alcohol and heroin.
Benzodiazepines can relieve the symptoms of stress and anxiety, to promote calmness, relaxation and sleep. They may soon become ineffective as sleeping tablets after only two weeks of continuous use, and ineffective in controlling anxiety after four months of regular use.
Effects include drowsiness, forgetfulness and confusion and impairment of driving skills.
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of benzodiazepine use
Possession of benzodiazepines is not illegal (except for temazepam) without a prescription. If caught in possession of temazepam without prescription the maximum sentence is two years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Supply is supply is illegal and the maximum sentence is five years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
