Cannabis (or marijuana) is a drug derived from one of three species of cannabis plants (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis). There are also lab-made versions of cannabis (“synthetic cannabanoids”) which are manufactured to contain similar chemical compounds.

Cannabis is a depressant drug which reduces brain activity. There are more than 500 chemical compounds in cannabis, but the main psychoactive component is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When cannabis is used, THC is the main active chemical constituent absorbed into the bloodstream, activating receptors in the brain to produce the associated “high”.

There are three main forms of illicit cannabis: the dried leaves and flowers (heads), hashish (made from the resin of the plant), and hash oil. Cannabis is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (known as ‘joints’), in pipes or special water pipes (‘bongs’), or mixed with tobacco. It can also be added to food and eaten.

Please note that the NADK focusses on illicit (i.e. non-medical) cannabis use; for information related to medicinal cannabis in Australia, please refer to the Therapeutic Goods Administration Medicinal Cannabis Hub.