Cannabis – Low Risk

Thanks for using our self-assessment tool; you have indicated that you are using cannabis at a low level.

We know that using cannabis can have desirable short term effects like feeling happier and more relaxed and as you’re probably well aware; any cannabis use can have short term negative effects like dry/ pasty mouth, trouble concentrating, blurred vision, slowed reflexes, audio and visual disturbances, increased heart rate, lowering of blood pressure, mild anxiety and paranoia.

To reduce the risks and harms associated with cannabis use, the safest option is not to use it. However  to  help make sure your cannabis use stays low risk:  try eating it in cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. as ingesting it avoids all the harms associated with smoking and if you do choose to smoke cannabis; try to avoid mixing cannabis with tobacco as it can increase the intake of toxins and if using a bong use a bong made of glass, stainless steel or brass as bongs made of plastic, rubber, wood and aluminium, can give off toxic fumes when subjected to heat (Information from Steve Liebke’s  “A Cannabis User’s Harm Reduction Handbook”).

For more information on cannabis check out our resources section or Touchbase  - an LGBTI focused website for alcohol and other drug information and support.

If you are concerned about your cannabis use get in touch with ACON’s substance support team here or on (02) 9206 2000.  Counselling not your thing? You can also call the alcohol and drug information service (ADIS). ADIS is a 24 hour telephone based information , education, referral and support service call 9361 8000 in Sydney or 1800 422 599 (non-metro areas).