Cannabis Q and A

Q. What is cannabis?

A. Cannabis is a plant that can be farmed and harvested like wheat and
corn, or grown wild, like a weed. Although not a native to the UK it will
flourish in our climate. The stalk of the plant is known as "Hemp" and
contains fibres and hurds which can be used to make environmentally
friendly textiles, paper, and other products. The flowers contain a mild
psychoactive (mood altering) ingredient called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
When the flowers or buds are dried and smoked they are more commonly
referred to as "Marijuana".

Q. How much does cannabis cost ?

A. Price varies by "brand". The average for oneeighth of an ounce varies
from £14 for "Dark Moroccan" and "Lebanese" up to £21 for the more powerful
"Skunk" and £22 for the very strong "Northern Lights" variety.

Q. Do cannabis traces linger in the body?

A. Yes. Cannabinoids are fat soluble and traces can be found as long as 30
days, in some cases, after smoking, long after the psychoactive effect has
warn off. In the past numerous sportsmen have been caught out in random
tests and in prisons testing has caused some inmates to switch to heroin
which passes out of the body in three days. Current testing devices will
have to be improved in order to be genuinely effective in catching
motorists who are driving while intoxicated rather than those who may have
taken cannabis weeks earlier.

What are the effects?

Most frequently cannabis users report that the effects are; extreme
happiness (euphoria) followed by mellowness, decreased tension, and a sense
of time passing slowly. Other effects can include, heightened sexual
pleasure, increased appetite, sleepiness and thirst.

Q. Who wants to change the law?

A. An NOP survey published last week showed that two out of five Britons
aged 1534 are in favour of the legalisation of cannabis. However support
for a change in the law diminishes with age. Just under one in five of the
over 55s are in favour while 26 per cent of those between the age of 35 and
54 support legalisation.

Q. Where do you get it?

A. Best source a friend who grows his own. Pay about £7 for an eighth of
an ounce deal. Next best ask a friend who smokes where he gets his. Best
avoid strangers in pubs they may be selling bogus goods or resin cut with
impurities and they might be undercover members of the local drugs squad.

If you have any questions about cannabis, the law, or our campaign, please
write to: Cannabis Campaign, the Independent on Sunday, 1 Canada Square,
London E14 5DL