There are different drugs that come from the cannabis plant. They contain different levels of chemicals called cannabinoids.
The main cannabinoids are:
- delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - affects how you think, feel or behave
- cannabidiol (CBD) - may reduce some effects of THC such as anxiety or paranoia
Some drugs sold as cannabis contain synthetic cannabinoids. These do not come from the cannabis plant. They are chemicals made to mimic the effects of THC. Synthetic cannabinoids have a high risk of negative or risky effects.
Weed
Dried leaves and flowers from the cannabis plant are often called weed or grass. Weed looks like green or brown herbs.
People smoke weed in a:
- joint or spliff (rolled cigarette)
- bong (water pipe)
- pipe
It can also be used in food or vaped.
Different varieties (strains) of cannabis plants have different levels of THC or CBD. The average level of THC in weed has increased a lot since the 1990s.
Strains with high levels of THC and low levels of CBD are sometimes called skunk. You are more likely to have negative effects with these strains.
Hash
Hash (hashish) is made from the resin of the cannabis plant. It comes as a black or brown lump. It can be soft like putty or harder.
Hash may contain higher levels of THC compared to some strains of weed.
People smoke hash in a:
- joint or spliff (rolled cigarette)
- bong (water pipe)
- pipe
It can also be used in food or vapes.
Cannabis oils
Oils from the cannabis plant include:
- cannabis oil - made using the buds of the plant
- CBD oil
The oils can vary in consistency or thickness. They can be amber, gold or dark brown.
People smoke, vape or eat the oils.
Hash oil and other cannabis concentrates
Concentrates are made using solvents such as butane, propane or dimethyl ether. The solvents extract THC from cannabis. Concentrates contain very high levels of THC.
They can range from thick and sticky liquids to solids that are easy to break.
Names of concentrates include:
- butane hash oil (BHO)
- budder
- wax
- shatter
People smoke, vape or eat concentrates. Using concentrates is sometimes called dabbing.
There is a high risk of negative effects from using concentrates. This is because of the levels of THC. People may also take more too soon after their last use.
There are also risks of burns or explosions if people:
- extract concentrates at home (blasting)
- use blowtorches
Cannabis edibles
All types of cannabis can be added to food, for example:
- butter
- baked goods such as cakes and cookies
- sweets, chocolates and gummies
- drinks
The levels of THC in packaged products are given in milligrams (mg). But sometimes the information on the label is not accurate.
When you eat cannabis, it is important to wait before you take more.
This is because:
- it can take up to 90 minutes for the effects to start
- the effects can last up to 12 hours
- the effects can be stronger compared to other ways of using cannabis
Some edible products contain synthetic cannabinoids or other chemicals related to cannabis. For example, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).