What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that belongs to the hemp family. The active substances in cannabis are called cannabinoids. There are many different cannabinoids, but the most important one for the feeling of being high is called THC.
Cannabis comes in several forms and can be used in different ways:
Hash is brown or black chunks made from material from the cannabis plant. It is crumbled and usually smoked with tobacco. The strength of hash has increased over the last 10–15 years and can vary between 2 and 49% THC, with an average of around 27%.
Marijuana is the flowers of the cannabis plant, which are ground or broken up before use, and smoked on their own or with tobacco. Marijuana has also become stronger in recent years, but the strength can vary a lot (between 1–28%). The average is around 15% THC.
Cannabis oil is a concentrated, liquid form of cannabis with a high THC level. Oil is less commonly used, but it can be eaten, smoked or vaped. Because it is strong, cannabis oil can give a very powerful effect, especially for people who are not used to using it.
Edibles are foods and drinks that contain cannabis. These can come in many forms, such as brownies, cookies, sweets and beverages. When cannabis is swallowed, the effect comes later than when it is smoked. This makes it easy to take too much without noticing it right away. When cannabis is eaten, THC is converted in the liver into another substance (11-hydroxy-THC). This substance gives a stronger effect that lasts longer, and many people therefore find that edibles feel surprisingly strong.
Vapes are electronic devices that heat cannabis so it can be inhaled as vapour. There are vapes that are made to be filled with both oil and plant material. HHC and delta-8-THC are newer cannabis substances that are similar to THC, but the effect can feel milder and shorter. HHC has become illegal in Norway – be aware that some websites may sell products they claim are legal even if they are not.
Synthetic cannabinoids are “chemical cannabis”. These are other substances that act on the same parts of the brain, but they can be much stronger than THC. They are therefore harder to dose, and many people experience unpleasant reactions. Because these substances are stronger, they are also much more harmful to health than the substances from the cannabis plant.
Dosing
A common amount of hash or marijuana when smoking is 0.2–0.3 grams, but this depends on how strong the cannabis is. How much cannabis you have used before is also important. If you do not have much experience with cannabis, it is wise to start with a small dose. If you are eating or drinking cannabis, it is safer to use less, because the effect can be stronger and last longer.
How does cannabis work?
THC (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the substance in cannabis that causes the high. THC attaches to receptors in the brain and body through what is called the endocannabinoid system. This is a system in the body that helps regulate mood, memory, appetite, pain and movement.
CBD (cannabidiol) does not make you high in the same way, but it may help reduce some uncomfortable effects of THC, such as anxiety and restlessness. Modern cannabis has more THC than it used to, and when the cannabis contains (much) more THC than CBD, the risk of side effects and unpleasant experiences increases.
When the effect starts
If you smoke or vape cannabis, you usually feel the effect after a few minutes, and it can last for 3–4 hours. The experience is often strongest after 20–30 minutes. Some types of vaping can give a stronger high than smoking, so it is a good idea to start slowly.
If you eat or drink cannabis, it takes longer before the effect starts. Sometimes it can take 1 to 2 hours before you feel anything. If you get impatient, it is easy to take more, but then it can quickly become too much.
Many people describe the high as relaxing and pleasant. Senses like light, sound and colour can feel stronger, and time may feel different. Some people get the giggles, think deep thoughts or feel more creative. It is also common to get cravings for food or sweets.
Side effects and unpleasant experiences
Side effects (unpleasant effects) of cannabis can vary a lot from person to person. Some notice very little, while others may experience anxiety, panic, paranoia or confusion. It is also common to have a fast heartbeat, dry mouth, red eyes, nausea or dizziness.
In some cases, cannabis can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and/or delusions. For example, you might think that other people are lying to you or are out to get you. These episodes can be mild and only last a few minutes, but sometimes they can be intense and last for hours or even several days.
Most of these problems fade when the high wears off, but if they last a long time, it is important to talk to someone about it. You can, for example, contact a youth health clinic or your doctor.
Long-term use, risks and dependence
People who use cannabis regularly may feel more tired, less motivated and notice problems with sleep, memory and concentration. These difficulties usually improve quite quickly after stopping.
Mixing cannabis with tobacco causes more damage to the lungs and increases the risk of illnesses such as COPD and cancer. Research shows that people who use a lot of cannabis in their teenage years are more likely to have problems later in life.
Heavy cannabis use in adolescence increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety, paranoia and psychosis. You can also become dependent and experience restlessness, sleep problems and irritability. This can be more serious for young people because the brain is more vulnerable while it is still developing.
How to recognise dependence
- You feel that you “have to” use it, even though it causes problems.
- You try to take breaks, but you cannot manage it.
- You think a lot about cannabis and plan your day around it.
- You care less about things you used to enjoy.
There is help available. You can contact a youth health clinic, outreach youth workers or the local substance use services in your municipality – or get anonymous support via www.rusinfo.no.
You can also use the HAP app (HasjAvvenningsProgrammet), which offers guidance, exercises and support if you want to reduce or stop your cannabis use.
Safer use tips
- Start with a small amount and wait. This is especially important if you are inexperienced. Take one or two puffs and wait at least 10 minutes before you think about taking more. If you eat or drink cannabis, it can take up to two hours before you feel anything – so be patient. The effect can build up gradually.
- Do not mix cannabis with alcohol, pills or other drugs. This can make the high stronger and more unpredictable.
- Do not accept cannabis from people you do not know or trust.
- If you feel stressed, sad or physically unwell, cannabis can feel stronger or more uncomfortable. In that case, it might be better to wait until you feel better.
- Smoking can irritate your lungs and cause coughing or breathing problems. Try not to take very deep puffs or hold your breath. Vaping leads to fewer combustion products in the lungs, but often gives a stronger high – use less.
- Use cannabis in a safe place, preferably with people you know. If you become scared or anxious, move away to a quieter space, breathe slowly and get support from someone you trust.
- If you have had psychosis or mental health problems (for example anxiety or depression), the recommendation is to avoid cannabis because it can make your condition worse.
Do you need help with cannabis use?
If you want to stop or cut down, there is help available. The HAP app (HasjAvvenningsProgrammet), developed by Uteseksjonen in Oslo and RUSinfo, gives you information, tips and support along the way.
Uteseksjonen also offers counselling. You can also talk to your GP, a youth health clinic or contact the local substance use services where you live. Many municipalities also offer specific support programmes for stopping cannabis use.
Do you have questions or need someone to talk to?
If you need help but want to stay anonymous, you can contact RUSinfo by phone on 915 08 588 or via chat at www.rusinfo.no.
Cannabis - pregnancy and breastfeeding
Research suggests that pregnant people should not use cannabis, because it can affect the baby in a negative way.
THC passes into breast milk and can therefore affect the baby. For this reason, people who are breastfeeding are advised not to use cannabis. The risk increases the more often and the more heavily you use.
Cannabis can also reduce sperm quality in men, although this varies a lot from person to person.
Mixing cannabis with other drugs
If you mix cannabis with other drugs, the effects can be hard to predict. Drugs can strengthen or weaken each other, and using them together increases the risk of an unpleasant experience. If cannabis is used with other substances, it is important to be very careful with the amounts.
Together with alcohol or sedatives, cannabis can make you feel sleepy, dizzy or nauseous. With stimulants such as amphetamine or cocaine, the combination can make you feel more restless and anxious. This varies a lot from person to person.
With psychedelic substances such as mushrooms or LSD, cannabis can intensify the experience and make it much stronger.
Laws on cannabis
In Norway, it is illegal to use or possess cannabis without a prescription. This is regulated by the Medicines Act, and use or possession is usually punished with a fine – even for small amounts. In some cases, it can lead to a prison sentence, depending on the amount and the situation.
For larger amounts, or in cases of smuggling, production or sale, the Penal Code applies. The penalties are then much stricter, and in serious cases this can mean several years in prison.
Even though there are ongoing political discussions about possible changes to the law, the current rules are clear: Even small amounts are illegal. At the same time, there is a growing focus on offering health care rather than punishment to people with serious substance use problems.
Cannabis and driving
Driving a car while under the influence of cannabis is treated in the same way as drink driving. Norway has strict laws on this, so if you use cannabis often, you can be convicted of driving under the influence even if it has been many hours since you last used it. Depending on how much and how often you have used, it may be safest to wait many days after your last use before driving. If you are caught driving under the influence, you risk a fine, losing your driving licence – and in some cases going to prison.
Using cannabis can also mean that you do not meet the health requirements for having a driving licence – even if you never drive while high. Doctors, psychologists and opticians have a duty to report if they believe your substance use is harming your health and increasing your risk in traffic. This means that the use affects your health so much that it reduces your ability to drive safely, both when you are under the influence and when you are not. There is no clear limit, but in practice many doctors consider that even occasional cannabis use may not be compatible with the health requirements for a driving licence.
Blood, saliva and urine tests
When testing for cannabis use in blood and saliva, the test looks for THC, while urine tests detect THC acid (a breakdown product of THC). How long cannabis can be detected varies a lot from person to person. It depends on how your body breaks it down, and how much and how often you use it.
If you use cannabis only once, it can be detected in saliva or blood for several hours, and for several days (up to about a week) in urine.
If you use cannabis regularly, it can be detected for much longer. In that case, it can show up in saliva or blood tests for several days, and in urine tests for several weeks or even months.
What to do if someone becomes unwell
- Call 113 straight away – Get professional help quickly.
- Check breathing and pulse
– Is the person breathing? Place them in the recovery position.
– Not breathing? Start CPR and follow the instructions from 113.
- Do not give drinks to an unconscious person – this can cause choking.
- Inform the health professionals: Say what the person has taken, and if you do not know, describe the symptoms.
- Do not leave the person alone: Even if the situation feels scary, the most important thing is to get help. Health professionals have a duty of confidentiality. It is always better to call 113 one time too many than one time too few.
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