1. CANNABIS :
Dr. SHARMAKE AHMED DINI
DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC MEDICINE
FACULTY OF MEDICINE
UNIVERSITY OF DAARU SALAAM
2. CANNABIS
(HASHISH,BANGO,MARICHUANA) :
It is a resinous brownish green material
prepared by compressing the flowering tops
of cannabis sativa plant.
Bango is derived from the leaves and stem of
cannabis sativa plant.
3.
4.
5. Is delta-9- tetrahydro- cannabinol which is
rapidly oxidized into cannabinol.
Ways of intake :
Smoking
As a drink with coffee.
Swallowed as capsules .
6.
7.
8. Toxicokinetics:
It absorbed from the GIT especially if it is an
oily solution.
It is rapidly metabolized by the lung and liver.
It is stored in fatty tissue.
Excretion take place by the kidney over 24-48
hours.
9. Clinical picture :
It depends upon the dose, route of
administration, expectation of the user and
whether it is alone or with other drugs or
drink as alcohol.
10. Mild toxicity:
euphoria with a sense of well being, relaxation
and sleepiness. The person becomes pleased
with himself, cheerful and talkative. There is
increased appetite resulting in gaining of
weight. There may be impaired coordination.
11. Moderate toxicity:
Psychological and neurological manifestations:
The person passes into a dreamy semiconscious
state with flashing of ideas, lack of concentration.
Loss of judgment of time and space and
diminished ability to perform complex motor
functions leading to road traffic and machinery
accidents.
Ataxia and loss of memory resulting in
deterioration of occupational performance.
12. Cardiovascular manifestation:
The pulse is rapid, and there may be
palpitation .
Eye signs :
The eyes are red with normal pupils and
decreased intraocular pressure .
13. Severe toxicity:
Acute toxic psychosis will result. There will be
confusion, hallucination, paranoid feeling. Then
the patient gets periods of complete loss of
consciousness and soon passes into deep sleep
form which he awakes hungry thirsty. If the drug
is taken with alcoholic drinks, excitement may
appear.
Intravenous use of the drug will lead to collapse
and death.
14. Long term use :
Cannabis causes psychological dependence
and physical dependence can occur.
15. Irreversible effects occur in the form of :
Cerebral degeneration leading to psychomotor
dysfunction and dementia
Hoarseness of voice, chronic bronchitis with
decreased pulmonary function and carcinogenic
effects.
On the reproductive system, it causes diminished
sperm count and testosterone level in males and
in female it suppresses ovulation. All these effects
lead to infertility.
16. • Withdrawal of cannabis: Will lead to sleep
disturbance, mild anxiety and fine tremors,
nausea and diarrhea. They are self limited and
treatment is not required.
17. Management :
Treatment of acute cannabis poisoning:
ABC
Decontamination: stomach lavage .
Diazepam for agitation and excitement.
