Completely harmless, isn't it?

Er…no. Big myth, this one. Effects of the friendly joint can include:

• Paranoia & anxiety
• Short-term memory loss
• Crap concentration & co-ordination
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Feeling slow, sloth-like & tired - not to mention spots and weight gain from munchie-induced junk food cravings
• Hot rock holes in clothes & furniture & torn-up books/cards due to roach-creation.
• 'Whities' - going white, feeling sick & passing out from puffing too much or smoking weed with alcohol - may be v. funny for observers but are less amusing if it's you.

... continued

• Increased risk of breathing disorders, coughs, sore throats.
• Cannabis caners have a higher risk of mental health problems. Dope can bring on schizophrenic episodes in people with the disorder (1 in every 100 people) plus there's a risk of lung cancer due to smoking it with tobacco, inhaling deeper & holding smoke in longer.
• It can get you hooked on smoking cigarettes - which kills 100,000 people per year.
• Caning it too much can destroy your motivation & turn you into lazy git with a daytime TV habit & psychological dependence so you HAVE to have it to relax/cope with life.
• Can be hard to quit & heavy users may get withdrawal symptoms: paranoia, anxiety, insomnia. Lovely!