Long Term Effects

If you take cannabis regularly over a long period of time then you may experience the following health problems:

• dependence
• increased risk of getting bronchitis, lung cancer and other diseases of the respiratory system
• decreased motivation
• decreased concentration, memory and ability to learn new things
• decreased sex drive
• depression
• psychological effects — this is more likely if the person already has a schizophrenic condition or has a pre-disposition to schizophrenia which can be triggered by cannabis use

Cannabis use is illegal and most people who use illegal drugs first used drugs like alcohol, tobacco or cannabis. However, most people who use alcohol, tobacco or cannabis never go on to use other illegal drugs.

Regular cannabis use at a younger age increases the risk of other drug use but only 4 per cent of cannabis users have ever used heroin. The link between cannabis use and the use of other illegal drugs is usually due to the personal traits that make it more likely for the person to take part in risky behaviour and the increased likelihood of exposure to other illicit drugs.

• Immediate effects
• Dependence