This document provides information about cannabis/marijuana, its effects, dependency, and quitting usage. It discusses cannabis's active chemicals and how they affect the brain. Both short-term effects like relaxation and long-term risks like increased anxiety and depression are described. Symptoms of cannabis dependency and strategies for quitting like reducing usage gradually or stopping cold turkey are presented over multiple sections.

1. CANNABIS Information

2. Presentation content
 Part One
Cannabis information and its effects
 Part Two
Cannabis Dependency
 Part Three
quitting cannabis
 Part Four
 Staying safe

3. WHAT IS CANNABIS? And How it works
 Weed, marijuana, dope, pot, hash are among its names.
 It all comes from a plant called cannabis
 It has 400 active chemicals.
 The main substance that affect the brain is THC.
 When smoked or eaten, it absorbed into bloodstream and
pumped to the brain.
 Once there, the THC attaches itself to specific cannabinoid
receptors, resulting in effects on brain function.

4. Resources
1. This presentation
2. Joel's Library
3. Quitting Marijuana a 30 Day Self Help Guide // Rev. James
E. McDonald, C.S.C., Center for Student Well-Being //
University of Notre Dame (nd.edu)

5. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 It has short and long term effects on human cognitive
functioning,
 short term effects of joy or calmness
symptoms are coughs, dryness in the eyes, mouth,
throat, red-eyed and sensitive to light.
Make you “high” A feeling of being mentally active and
environmentally-oriented.
It will last for about three to four hours.
 experienced smoker 1 to 1.5hrs and thereby urged to
smoke more often to achieve a “high”.

6. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME? In short term
 It gives you a feeling of being more calm and relaxed.
 It enables you to cope better with difficult situations
 It serves to improve or enhance self-awareness.
 It increases your understanding of you and others.
 It gives you tolerance about what is going on around you.
 In this condition it is easy to deny the negative effects
(chronic influence) of cannabis

7. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 when you first started it, it had a lot of positive effects.
 You may have felt happy and relaxed, laughed a lot,
enjoyed a book, music, movie or tv show more than usual,
or felt creative and inspired in your thinking.
 However, over time, it no longer provides as many positive
feelings and experiences,
 But some negative effects have begun to appear.
 For example, initially it may helped to manage anxious
feelings or block out depressing thoughts, but over time it
has made your anxiety and depression worse.

8. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 These positive effects are often the reasons why you
started smoking in the first place. But it is all temporary
pleasure.
 Implications is, to do something you first has to smoke it.
You are not using your full intellectual capacity.
 Cannabis magnifies your negative feelings and causes
anxiety. To get rid of the bad feelings you have to smoke
cannabis again.

9. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 Develop dependency.
 In the beginning you smoke to get stoned.
 But After smoking for years or heavily, you need more
than you used to in order to get the same feeling, or
even just to feel OK.
 This is called tolerance or dependency.

10. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME? Why smoke?
 There are many reasons why individuals are using pot.
 Therefore it is necessary and important that you find your
reason to smoke pot.
 We know that common answers are to relax, to escape,
forget and avoid (or postpone) to solve problems.
 Give three reasons, why you are smoking cannabis:
1........... 2........... 3...........

11. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 Long term effects
 Relationship problems and Financial problems,
 Depression, anxiety disorders and Lower life satisfaction,
 Less academic and career success and Bronchitis/breathing
problems,
 Increased risk of schizophrenia, especially heavy use during
teenage years and increase in other substance use disorders
like alcohol or cocaine
 This is a particular risk for people who have already had a
mental health problem before they started using it.

12. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 It weaken the immune system. Increasing risk of other diseases
 It cause changes to cells (mutations) which may lead to cancer
in lungs, throat, mouth and tongue areas
 There is evidence to suggest that it may lower sex drive, lower
sperm count and increase the proportion of defective sperm.
 impacts on short-term memory, attention and concentration,
making it difficult for some people to remember what they
have just done or what they were just talking about.

13. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 This can affect day to day routine which rely heavily on
your ability to think clearly and utilise your memory.
 It Cause Demotivation and a deterioration in social skills
and concentration.
 Reduction in the energy or motivation for physical activity
and an increase in difficulty in concentrating on
demanding tasks.

14. HOW DOES CANNABIS AFFECT ME?
 It lead to shortness of breath as well as chronic
coughing and wheezing.
 Sharing bongs is also a common way of spreading colds,
flu and other diseases which may affect your
respiratory system.

15. Part Two
Dependency

16. Am I dependent?
 The symptoms of dependence are:
 a persistent desire to use and/or unsuccessful efforts
to control use
 spending a great deal of time obtaining, using and
recovering from use
 important activities are given up or reduced
 continuing use despite knowledge of physical and/or
psychological problems associated with that use
 tolerance (needing to use more of a drug to get the
same effect)
 withdrawal (unpleasant symptoms when you stop)

17. Am I dependent?
1. Do you have difficulties to stop thinking on cannabis?
2. Is it more important for you get it, than your next meal?
3. Do you plan your day according to smoking opportunities?
4. Do you smoke as much as you want?
7. Do you smoke in spite of knowing that many of your
problems depend on your cannabis use?
8. Are you able to abstain from smoking, once you have
started?

18. Am I dependent?
9. Do you become more active and focused under the
influence?
10. Do you have memory deficits that your memory improves
under the influence?
11. Do you wake up numb and try to remedy this with a joint
12. Do you have problems to go to sleep without having
smoked

19. Am I dependent?
 Concerning your verbal ability, Have you noticed,
 that you have become less able to find exact words with
which to express yourself?
 Your ways of expressing feelings have faded?
 that you have a feeling of being screened off.
 that you have problems in taking part in a discussions?
 that you have feelings of being misunderstood and lonely?

20. Am I dependent?
 Concerning your ability to make correct conclusions, Have
you noticed,
 that your ability to assess your own behaviour have faded?
 that you have noticed that you repeat your mistakes?
 that you have problems to correct errors and mistakes?
 that you don’t care about the mistakes you make?
 that you experience feelings of being inadequate and
unsuccessful, emptiness and gloominess in you daily life?

21. Am I dependent?
 Concerning your flexibility of thought Have you noticed,
 that it is difficult to maintain a train of thought in a complex situation?
 that you have become more one-sided?
 that it is difficult to concentrate?
 that it is difficult to maintain attention?
 that it is difficult to have a correct focus of attention?
 that it is difficult to shift attention?
 that it is difficult to understand points of view of others?

22. Am I dependent?
 Concerning your memory Have you noticed,
 that it is difficult to maintain the theme of a story?
 that you forget meetings, promises, and so on?
 that it is difficult to estimate the passage of time?
 that it is difficult to read books, watch a film and so on?
 that it is difficult to recollect the past?
 that you experience feelings of bad memory, and lack of patience?

23. Am I dependent?
 Concerning synthesizing from parts to whole (Analytic-Synthetic
Ability) Have you noticed,
 that it is difficult to sort out adequate information?
 that it is difficult to classify information in a correct way?
 that you have an attitude of living an alternative way of life?
 that you experience feelings like ”I'm different, I’m unique.”?
 that you have a feeling of not knowing yourself?

24. Am I dependent?
 Concerning the ability to locate oneself and function in the time
and space continuum, Have you noticed,
 that it is difficult to be aware of the immediate environment?
 that it is difficult to create routines of the day or the week?
 that it is difficult to notice the relations between other
people?
 that it is difficult to have a mental map of surroundings?
 that you experience feelings like being free, don't belong to
the society?

25. The “cannabis pattern”
 The “cannabis pattern” contains pat answers to every
effort made to convince you to quit the habit,
 e.g. Everybody smokes pot. I can quit whenever I want
to, but I do not want to right now.
 My habit is not a problem. Alcohol is much more
dangerous.
 Cannabis is a natural herb. I become creative and it
enhances my artistic ability, and therefore I can go on
smoking pot.

26. The “cannabis pattern”
 I have many friends, who fit the description but I don’t.
I’m unique. I’m immune to the negative effects.
 I have a deficit that is compensated, when I’m
moderately stoned.
 Do you have your own pat answers?
 ....................
 ...................
 ...................

27. Part Three Quitting

28. WHY SHOULD I QUIT?
 There are of course many reasons why you should quit.
 Give three reasons, why you should quit right now:
 1.........
 2.........
 3.........
 A Poem About Weed by Official P4CM Poet Jackie Hill
@JackieHillPerry - YouTube

29. Quitting Cannabis
 Can You Stop Smoking Weed?
 The short answer is yes.
 The long answer is it depends on your dedication and
willingness.
 Even the heaviest marijuana users can give up weed given
the structured support and help.
 Two ways of quit. Quitting Gradually (Step by Step) and
Cold Turkey

30. Which approach works best for quitting
marijuana?
 Frankly, there is no best way to give up weed.
 An approach that works for someone might not work for you
but there is at least one for everyone.
 Since everyone develops different habitual smoking
patterns, considering different methods and maybe a trial
and error approach may be beneficial.
 In the following slides we will explore the two
options

31. Approach 1: Quitting Smoking Weed Gradually (Step by Step)
 create and stick to a step by step plan.
 Write Down Your Current Weed Intake
 For example: If you smoke 1 gram of weed per day
and 2 grams on the weekends, write this down.
 How Much Will You Cut Down?
 ask yourself what is realistic as a goal for cutting
down?
 For example: Will you be able to cut down to 0.5
grams of weed a day
 Timeline with A Quit Day

32. Set a goal and stick to it

33. Set a goal and stick to it
 Specific: I will stop smoking completely in the next 1.5
months.
 Measurable: I currently smoke 1 gram every day.
 My goal is to reduce this to 0.5 gram in the first WEEK,
 in the second WEEK cut this down to every other day,
 in WEEK 3 cut this down to 0.25 gram every other day,
 in WEEK 4 cut down to 0.25 gram 2 days per week
 And WEEK 5 to 0.10 gram 1 day per week.
 End of WEEK 5: no marijuana.
.

34. Set a goal and stick to it
 Achievable: I believe it is attainable for me to reduce my weed
intake on this gradual plan for the next 1.5 months. It would be
unattainable for me to quit weed cold turkey.
 Realistic: I realize it will be difficult for me to stick to this plan
because all my friends post their smoke cercle on social media. I
realize I will need to either remove them from my contact list or
abstain from calling them for a period of time.
 Time-specific: I have set out this schedule and will stick to
this plan. I will review it at the end of each week and see if it
needs to be adjusted

35. THE PROCESS OF QUITTING
 It will take at least six weeks before most of the cannabis
has left your system.
 It is important to abstain totally, because if you smoke
one joint every day, you will never get a total elimination.
 In that case it will be more difficult to deal with your
emerging feelings on an intellectual basis.

36. THE PROCESS OF QUITTING
 The quitting process may be divided into three phases,
where each phase has its own characteristics and
problems.
 Phase one has
 a bio-medical focus lasting until the 12th day after
smoking cessation.
 Sleeping disorders? Cold and warm perspiration?
Enhanced dream activity? Muscular pain? Headache?
Head cold? Indigestion? Irritation? Negative feelings?
are symptoms often experienced by chronic users

37. THE PROCESS OF QUITTING
 What is your main focus during this phase of the detox?
 Don’t make the decision never to smoke again.
 Make the decision to abstain today. Tomorrow you
make the decision to abstain that day, and so on.
 Relapse during this phase are mainly reactions to avoid
the above listed symptoms.

38. THE PROCESS OF QUITTING
 Don’t forget, these symptoms are only temporary.
Notice even the minor changes in your perception of
the immediate social environment.
 Consider in what different directions you change.
Compare your way of functioning, now and under the
influence of cannabis
 Ask your friends or relatives if they have noticed any
changes

39. THE PROCESS OF QUITTING
 Phase Two
 Phase two has a psychological focus lasting until three
weeks after smoking cessation.
 The negative feelings will surface during this period.
 Remember that these feelings may be the result of the
inability to verbalize feelings of anger, sadness and so on.
 In this phase your dream activity becomes more intense.

40. Coping Skills
 Look at new ways of coping with stress, feelings of anxiety
or depression before reducing use.
 Prepare yourself for the reduction by looking into what
might work for you.

41. Approach 2: Quitting Weed Cold Turkey
 It certainly has the clear advantage of a quick impact.
 You’ll see results straight away. However, it’s much more
complicated than it appears.
 You have to have a strategy to deal with the withdrawal
symptoms
 You can’t simply put down your spliff and say goodbye to it
without looking back.
 This is because even if you are mentally prepared for the
challenge of giving up weed. Your body probably isn’t ready.
 Although going cold turkey might be worth a try, it’s rarely
successful on its own without a solid strategy. It’s difficult to fight
against your own biology.

42. Useful strategies for quitting cold
turkey
 Step 1: Reflect honestly - what function does cannabis serve
for you? Is it a sleep-aid? Anti-anxiety?
 Set yourself up for success by having other strategies ready
to use in place of cannabis to help fill these functions.
 Step 2: Remove temptations. This may seem obvious, but start
by removing all your weed and weed-related equipment
- pipes, bongs, vape pens, dab rigs, even lighters from your
house.
 This helps remove temptation and the option to use. Lock
up your stash, or have a trusted friend hold onto it.

43. Useful strategies for quitting cold turkey.
(Prepare Yourself)
 Step 3: Know your triggers. A “trigger” is something that
you’ve been conditioned to associate with weed.
 For example: Being with a certain friend who you
always smoke with, your route home takes you by the
dispensary, midterms stress has you reaching for your
vape.
 Knowing when and why you’re conditioned to use can
help you better prepare to avoid tempting situations
and to take extra steps to minimize your risk for
relapse.

44. Useful strategies for quitting cold turkey.
(Prepare Yourself)
 Step 4: Know your support network. Having friends and
supportive people who know you’re planning to quit can
help a great deal!
 Letting friends in on your plan can create a sense of
accountability.
 You don’t have to tell everyone! But, having one or
two trusted friends that you can check in with if you’re
struggling can help make this process smoother.

45. Part Four Staying Safe

46. withdrawal
 Withdrawal is typically relatively mild and short-term.
 The most common symptoms are: irritability, urges to
smoke – cravings, anxiety, depression, anger and
confusion.
 The physical symptoms may include: sleep problems,
restlessness, loss of appetite, tremors, night sweats,
diarrhoea.
 the symptoms may be uncomfortable but are not
dangerous and will pass and are positive signs.
 They actually show that the body is recovering and re-
adapting to being no longer dependent on cannabis.

47. Managing withdrawal(use the 4 ds)
 Distracting: think or do something else, that will take
your mind off your symptoms
 Delaying: if you have an urge to smoke, delay the decision
 DE catastrophising: stop thinking withdrawal is worse.
 De-stressing: Do something that will help you relax e.g.
go for a walk, have a warm bath, and listen to Quran.
 Stick with it, they do pass. During this time try to eat
well and get some exercise, as it will help.

48. IDENTIFYING RISKY SITUATIONS
 Cannabis consumption is often linked to particular
situations, moods, routines or company.
 You may have felt a certain way or found yourself in an
uncomfortable situation and you smoked cannabis to help
you get through it.
 Identifying these feelings and situations will help you not
to rely on cannabis (or other substances) as a way of
dealing with what's going on in your life.


49. HANDLING RISKY SITUATIONS
 Negative emotional state (feeling bad, bored or depressed) Your own
example..................................................................................
 What can I do instead of using drugs?..............................................
 Positive emotional state (feeling good, celebrations, socialising) Your own
example.....................................................................................
What can I do instead of using drugs?.................................................
 Negative physical state (tiredness, physical pain) Your own
example.....................................................................................
 What can I do instead of using drugs?..................................................

50. IDENTIFYING RISKY SITUATIONS
 What are your risky situations?
 They could include feeling stressed or tired after work
and wanting to relax and unwind, sitting around the house
on a weekend bored or hanging out with a group of friends
who all smoke or under line health issue.
 Use the examples on the next page to identify a risky
situation and a way you might deal with it instead of
reaching for the bong

51. HANDLING RISKY SITUATIONS
 Social pressure to smoke (from friends or family) Your own
example.............................................................
 What can I do instead of using drugs?........................
 Interpersonal conflict (arguments with others, feeling
stressed) Your own example....................................
 What can I do instead of using drugs?..........................
 Having access to money or cannabis Your own example....
 What can I do instead of using drugs?........................

52. CONTINGENCY PLANNING
 A contingency plan helps you to deal with risky situations
before they occur.
 Think about the situations in which cannabis might be
offered to you and the people who might be involved,
 And plan your response to refuse these offers.
 Practise the responses or planning to remove yourself
from locations associated with cannabis use:
 Saying 'I don't feel like it today', 'I'm trying to give up' or
'Thanks but no thanks’.
 Answering in a clear, firm voice without hesitation. Not
being afraid to set limits.

53. CONTINGENCY PLANNING
 Asking your friends to stop offering you cannabis
 Not feeling guilty about refusing cannabis.
 Remembering strategies to remove yourself from risky
situations,
 It is also important to have supporters in place who can
help remind you of the reasons why you have chosen to
reduce or stop smoking.
 They can be of great assistance during the difficult early
stages of withdrawal, lending support (or providing you
with a distraction) to help you achieve your goals.

54. CONTINGENCY PLANNING
 When you feel like smoking or find yourself in a situation
where it would be tempting to smoke,
 remember the rules you have made for yourself.
 For example: • 'I won’t smoke when I feel depressed’
 'I won’t smoke when I'm bored’
 'I won’t smoke out of habit’
 'I won’t smoke to block out, forget or put off my
problems' or

55. HANDLING URGES AND CRAVINGS
 The cravings are like waves in the ocean, which start off
as a small swell, grow in size, break and then ripple away
to nothing.
 When making the decision to reduce or stop smoking,
 As you see benefits in stopping, you may also miss the
positive aspects of cannabis.
 These positives may be linked to activities, situations,
people and the effects that come from smoking itself.
 They are temporary and do pass, becoming more
manageable as time goes on. Use the concept of Ds

56. HANDLING URGES AND CRAVINGS
 Developing activities that distract you from the urge to
smoke is the best way to delay your decision.
 Once you are engaged in a distraction or an absorbing
activity, it is usual for the cravings to fade away.
 Decide all over again to stay committed to your goal.

57. HANDLING URGES AND CRAVINGS
 Reward yourself with something healthy and know that
the next time you get a craving to smoke, it will be less
intense and you can manage it.
 you should aim to spend less time with smoking friends
and remove yourself from the activities associated with
cannabis use.
 Although difficult, this modification of lifestyle is
necessary if the longer term goal of reducing or stopping
smoking is to be achieved.

58. GETTING SUPPORT
 let a supportive person know what you are doing and
enlist their help, encouragement and understanding of the
problems you may be experiencing.
 letting fellow smokers know that you are quitting can
reduce tempting situations.
 Some friends will encourage you, but be prepared for
others who may not be as enthusiastic about it as you are.
 Stay positive and stick to your plan. The reword is great.

59. LIFE WITHOUT SMOKING
 Smoking can become a major part of your life.
 When you make changes to your habits and routine,
 you could feel a sense of loss as if something is missing.
 Quitting means spending less time with certain friends and
missing out on activities associated with smoking.
 Filling these gaps is hard work, but taking up alternative
activities to smoking is crucial.

60. Action strategies
 One important factor that allows you to manage your
withdrawal is knowing what to expect.
 Here are some action strategies that may be helpful in
getting through withdrawal:
 Keep occupied — plan activities and distractions.
 Eat a healthy diet to assist with a general state of well
being.
 Exercise to expend energy, improve sleep patterns,
relieve boredom
 provide a 'natural high' and distract yourself from
cravings.

61. Action strategies
 Increase your water intake to assist your body in flushing
out the toxins and rehydrating cells.
 • Sleep well— search hints for better sleep on the web.
 Obtain support from others who will be there for you in
difficult moments, and avoid people who may make things
hard for you.
 Try complementary therapies to enhance general
wellbeing, assist in relaxation and help manage agitation,
anxiety, irritability and moodiness.
 Try spas/saunas/baths, aromatherapy and herbal teas

62. Getting active without weed
 Try to plan activities that will help distract you when you
have a strong urge to smoke and assist you in managing
risky situations.
 Think about things that allow you to experience the
positive aspects of smoking.
 These might include activities that increase relaxation,
decrease stress, allow you some time to yourself and
activate your thinking.
 Taking on something new and letting go of familiar habits
can be uncomfortable and awkward.

63. Getting active without weed
 Changing behaviour takes time, determination, planning
and creativity.
 Change is a process, not an event.
 For example, if smoking cannabis relaxes you and helps
you wind down at the end of the day,
 alternatives could be to walk the park, swim, join a
gym, or cook. You could take some time out to read,
write a diary or listen to Quran.
 Other activities may need some forward planning to
become part of your lifestyle and help you work towards
your goals.

64. MANAGING RELAPSE
 A lapse is defined as a 'slip up' - smoking cannabis once
you have decided to stop or smoking more frequently than
you planned.
 A lapse does not necessarily lead to a relapse, which
happens when you return to smoking cannabis after a
period of non-use.
 Ask yourself:
 Why did I start smoking again?
 What was the risky situation?
 What would I have preferred to do in that situation?
 Do I need to change my strategies and my goals?

65. MANAGING RELAPSE
 It's a good idea to review the factors that lead to the lapse.
 Go over your notes on identifying risky situations, as well as
your contingency plan.
 It's easy to blame a lapse (or relapse) on causes that seem out
of your control.
 However, lapses occur due to factors that can be controlled
through your increased awareness and planning.
 Remember that you always have a choice whether to smoke
or not.
 Don't be too hard on yourself if you do slip up. It may happen
from time and time and you can learn from it.

66. Challenging unhelpful thoughts
 Unhelpful thoughts often come to mind when you notice your
mood is changing, you're beginning to feel stressed, anxious
or run down and you're starting to crave a smoke.
 You might have a lapse and think: "I've blown it now, so I may
as well keep smoking“
 Negative thoughts like these give you permission to fall back
into your old habits of thinking and behaving, the very habits
you are trying to change.
 On the other hand, if you are prepared for these unhelpful
thoughts, you can challenge them when they occur by
thinking more positively and optimistically.

67. Challenging unhelpful thoughts
1. Practice a relaxation technique such as deep breathing to
switch off your thoughts and concentrate on the moment.
2. Remind yourself that everyone has a slip-up. You haven't failed
completely, you are not a loser and back at square one.
3. If you notice you are 'breaking the rule', try to think more
helpful thoughts (use the following examples as a guide).

68. Challenging unhelpful thoughts
 Unhelpful thought: “I've blown it now, so I may as well keep
smoking.
 " More helpful thought: "I've just had a slip-up and I can get back
on track.
 " Unhelpful thought: "I knew I wouldn't be able to stop.
 " More helpful thought: "I have been able to make changes... this
mistake won't put me off... I need to keep on trying.
 " Unhelpful thought: "Obviously none of this therapy has worked
so why should I bother?
 " More helpful thought: "This is only a change in my mood... I can
handle this... this feeling will pass... I don't have to act on my
craving."

69. HINTS FOR BETTER SLEEP
 Poor or disturbed sleep is a common cannabis withdrawal
symptom.
 Do not use your bed for anything except sleeping and
intimacy if applicable
 Try not to watch television, eat, read or worry in bed.
 If you do find reading helps you fall asleep, feel free to
break this rule and read in bed
 Develop regular habits. Get up at the same time every
morning, regardless of how long you have slept.
 This will help your body develop a regular sleep rhythm.

70. HINTS FOR BETTER SLEEP
 Do not nap during the day as this can cause restless sleep at
night.
 Exercise during the day as it can help you fall asleep faster
and awaken less often during the night.
 Avoid stimulants such as caffeine or cigarettes late at night
and cut down on your caffeine consumption during the day.
 Hot drinks such as green tea, or warm milk at night can help
you feel sleepy.

71. REDUCING CANNABIS-RELATED HARM
 If you choose to continue to smoke cannabis keep the risk of
harm to your body reduced
 Bear in mind that cannabis can potentially affect your
mental health as well as your physical health.
 Paranoia, anxiety and panic attacks can affect first-time and
long-term smokers, although more subtle effects such as
memory and concentration problems are more common.
 If you experience serious problems, it is a good idea to stop
using cannabis altogether, and if symptoms persist, you
should see your general practitioner or get in contact with
your local alcohol and drug agency.

72. REDUCING CANNABIS-RELATED HARM
 The following tips aim to minimise some of the more
common harms.
 CUTTING DOWN USE A simple strategy to reduce harm is
to decrease the amount or
 Don't make huge mixes as you are likely to smoke it all
 Don't use the party cone, stick to a smaller one
 Don't enter into long sessions with heavy smokers
 Think about your long-term cannabis use goals

73. REDUCING CANNABIS-RELATED HARM
 Pace yourself Be clear about the number of
bongs/joints you want to have on any given day or
decide on your pace and stick to it.
 Beware that the smoking environment can be a
powerful trigger for cravings to smoke.
 It is important to keep occupied during the times you
have decided not to smoke.


74. REDUCING CANNABIS-RELATED HARM
 Bongs, pipes, cones, billies Bongs are a popular way to
smoke and allow for easy rationing. However, that using a
bong causes the most harm to your body.
 Beware of germs transmitted from one mouth to another
when using communal bongs and joints.
 Hepatitis A, colds and flu and herpes can be transmitted
by sharing bongs
 Tobacco is a powerfully addictive drug in its own right,
and although it can add a stimulant effect to your mix, it
increases the amount of tar and carcinogens in the smoke.

75. REDUCING CANNABIS-RELATED HARM
 Remember anything burnt and inhaled may damage your
lungs.
 REDUCING HARM Reducing risk of accidents Avoid mixing
cannabis with other drugs or alcohol.
 Polydrug use can vastly increase intoxication, which may
lead to unwanted effects such as vomiting, disorientation,
blackouts and overdose.
 Being stoned can effect your ability to concentrate,
cause confusion and affect motor co-ordination.

76. REDUCING CANNABIS-RELATED HARM
 Getting out and doing things you enjoy with non-smoking
friends and family will make your days and nights off
much more meaningful than simply thinking of it as a time
when you can't smoke.
 It is very risky (as well as illegal) to drive a vehicle or
operate machinery when under the influence of cannabis.
 It is a good idea to keep an eye on your
cigarette/cannabis ratio.

77. REDUCING CANNABIS-RELATED HARM
 Cooking and eating Eating cannabis eliminates the damage
to the nose, throat and lungs that occurs with smoking,
and is probably the safest method of consumption.
 Remember that when eating cannabis, the stoned effect
can take a while to come on (1-3 hours) and tends to
creep up on you.
 Unlike the rush you get from smoking, patience is
required. The effects are generally more intense and last
a lot longer — anywhere from 4-12 hours or longer, so it
may require some planning.
