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Fact Sheet 1: Cannabis
Marijuana, hashish and hashish oil are all products of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, a hardy annual that grows in both tropical
and temperate climates. The chief ingredient in the cannabis plant — the one that alters mood and perception — is called delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Although THC and other cannabis constituents have been tested for treatment of asthma, epilepsy, glaucoma, anorexia nervosa and
nausea caused by anti-cancer therapy, so far there are no generally accepted medical uses. Cannabis, however, is the most widely
used illegal psychoactive drug in North America.
Marijuana comes from the flowering tops and leaves of the dried plant, and frequently contains seeds and stems. It ranges in colour
from greyish-green to greenish-brown, and in texture from a fine substance resembling the herb oregano to a coarse substance that
looks like tea. It is smoked in pipes or in hand-rolled cigarettes called “joints.”
Hashish, known as “hash,” is the dried, caked resin from the flowers and leaves of the female plant. It usually contains a higher THC
concentration than marijuana, and is therefore more potent. It is sold in either soft or hard chunks and ranges in colour from light or
medium brown to nearly black. Hash is usually mixed with tobacco and smoked in pipes or joints.
Is cannabis dangerous?
While no one has ever died of a cannabis overdose, those who use cannabis should be aware of the following possible dangers, and
take measures to avoid them:
●● Cannabis impairs depth perception, attention span and concentration, slows reaction time, and decreases muscle strength and
hand steadiness—all of which may affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
●● Cannabis and alcohol, when taken together, intensify each other’s effects and can cause severe impairment.
●● Cannabis intoxication affects thinking and short-term memory. Using cannabis while at school or work may interfere with learning
or work performance.
●● Unless you have a medical exemption, it is illegal to grow, possess or sell cannabis.
●● Illegal cannabis products are not subject to any health and safety standards, and may be contaminated with other drugs, pesticides
or toxic fungi.
●● Large doses of potent cannabis, especially when swallowed, can cause “toxic psychosis.” Symptoms include auditory and visual
hallucinations, paranoid delusions, confusion and amnesia. When cannabis use is stopped, these symptoms usually disappear
within a week.
●● Cannabis use raises the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. People with angina or other coronary artery disease may increase
their risk of heart attack if they use cannabis.
●● Using cannabis during pregnancy may affect the fetus. Research suggests there may be a link between cannabis use during
pregnancy and subtle cognitive problems in children. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same chemicals found in cigarette
smoke, which are dangerous to the fetus.
Is cannabis addictive?
It can be. People who use cannabis regularly can develop psychological and/or mild physical dependence. People with psychological
dependence crave the high. The drug becomes overly important to them, they may feel they need it, and if they can’t get it, they
feel anxious. Long-term frequent use can lead to physical dependence. People who develop physical dependence may experience
a mild withdrawal syndrome if they suddenly stop using cannabis. Symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, upset stomach, loss
of appetite, sweating and disturbed sleep. These symptoms generally last for a week or so, although sleep problems may continue
longer.
Cannabis and the law
A first-time conviction for possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana can result in a six-month jail sentence or a $1,000 fine (or
both)—and a criminal record, which limits employment and travel. Subsequent convictions and possession of larger amounts can
result in more severe penalties. A first offense of possession of small amounts of cannabis usually results in a fine or discharge.
Adapted from: Do You Know: Cannabis, CAMH, http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/cannabis_dyk.html
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Student Resource 4: Fact Sheets
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Fact Sheet 2: Tobacco
What Is It?
Tobacco is a plant (Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica) that contains nicotine, an addictive drug with both stimulant and
depressant effects.
Tobacco is most commonly smoked in cigarettes. It is also smoked in cigars or pipes, chewed as chewing tobacco, sniffed as dry snuff
or held inside the lip or cheek as wet snuff. Tobacco may also be mixed with cannabis and smoked in “joints.” All methods of using
tobacco deliver nicotine to the body.
Although tobacco is legal, federal, provincial and municipal laws tightly control tobacco manufacture, marketing, distribution and
use. Second-hand tobacco smoke is now recognized as a health danger, which has led to increasing restrictions on where people can
smoke. Violations of tobacco-related laws can result in fines and/or prison terms.
Is Tobacco Dangerous?
Yes. Tobacco use is the primary cause of preventable disease and death in Canada, and is considered our greatest public health
concern. One study estimated that more than 45,000 Canadians die each year of smoking-related causes. This includes people who
smoke, and people who are exposed to second-hand smoke.
Nicotine itself is extremely toxic. Ingesting about 40 milligrams of pure nicotine, or roughly the amount contained in two cigarettes,
is fatal. However, when a cigarette is smoked, most of the nicotine is burned, and only one to four milligrams are absorbed by the
smoker.
When tobacco is burned, a dark sticky “tar” is formed from a combination of hundreds of chemicals, including poisons that cause
cancers and bronchial disorders. Tar is released in tobacco smoke in tiny particles that damage the lungs and airways and stain teeth
and fingers. Tar is the main cause of lung and throat cancers.
Burning tobacco also forms carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas you can’t see or smell. When smoke is inhaled, CO replaces
oxygen in red blood cells. While nicotine speeds up the heart, making it work harder, CO deprives it of the extra oxygen this work
demands. This is one way that smoking contributes to heart disease.
Is Tobacco Addictive?
Yes. Once a person begins to smoke, particularly at a young age, the chances of becoming addicted are quite high. New smokers
quickly develop tolerance to the initial ill effects, and if they enjoy the stimulant and pleasant effects, they may begin to smoke
regularly. Regular smokers tend to smoke a consistent number of cigarettes per day. Canadian smokers have, on average, about 16
cigarettes per day.
Nicotine dependence involves psychological and physical factors. Psychological factors may include feelings of pleasure and
alertness. People who smoke regularly may learn to rely on the effects of nicotine to bring about these feelings. They also develop
conditioned signals, or “triggers,” for cigarette use. For example, some people always smoke after a meal, while working at a certain
task or while in certain emotional states, such as feeling depressed or anxious. These triggers lead to behaviour patterns, or habits,
which can be difficult to change.
Signs of physical dependence include the urge to smoke within minutes of waking, smoking at regular intervals throughout the day,
and ranking the first cigarette of the day as the most important.
People who are dependent on nicotine may become tolerant to the desired effects. They may no longer experience pleasure from
smoking, but continue smoking to avoid nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, restlessness,
anxiety, insomnia and fatigue. These symptoms vanish within a couple of weeks. Some people may be unable to concentrate, and
have strong cravings to smoke, for weeks or months after quitting smoking.
Taken from: Do You know: Tobacco, CAMH,
http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/tobacco_dyk.html
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Student Resource 4: Fact Sheets
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The Dangers of Substance Use
Date:
Name:
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Fact Sheet 3: Steroids
Steroids include a wide variety of chemicals found in both plants and animals—for example cholesterol, toad poisons, sex hormones
and plant toxins. One member of the steroid family are the anabolic steroids which are a chemically manufactured version of the
male sex hormone, testosterone. Anabolic steroids have both anabolic (tissue building) and androgenic (masculinizing) effects.
They are used primarily in veterinary medicine but they also have medical uses in humans. Athletes and body builders use anabolic
steroids in the belief that steroids will enhance performance, and increase muscle bulk and body size. Increasingly, adolescents
use steroids to “improve” their appearance. Dissatisfaction with body image particularly the perception of being too small or not
muscular enough is common in individuals who use anabolic steroids. Despite the fact that there is little compelling evidence that
anabolic steroids enhance athletic performance, the general public and young athletes in particular are often convinced that these
drugs can improve physique and athletic performance. While it is illegal to sell anabolic steroids in North America, possession of
these drugs is not illegal.
Are steroids addictive?
Yes, they can be.
Addiction to steroids differs from many other drugs in that tolerance to the effects does not develop.
However, some people who abuse steroids meet criteria for drug dependence in that they:
●● continue to take steroids, even when they experience negative physical or emotional effects
●● spend large amounts of time and money obtaining the drugs
●● experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, depression, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex
drive and the desire to take more steroids.
What are the long-term effects of taking steroids?
Some of the effects of steroids disappear when drug use is stopped, but others are permanent. The effects of long-term use include:
●● acne, cysts, oily hair and skin, and thinning scalp hair in both sexes
●● feminization in men, including permanent breast development
●● testicle shrinking, difficulty or pain urinating and increased risk of prostate cancer in men
●● masculinization in women, including breast size and body fat reduction, coarsening of the skin, enlargement of the clitoris,
deepening of the voice, excessive growth of body hair, loss of scalp hair and changes or cessation of the menstrual cycle; with
long-term use, some of these effects may be permanent
●● in children or adolescents, the high levels of testosterone stop bone growth, preventing them from ever growing to full height
●● aggression and violence; personality changes revert when drug use is stopped.
Adapted from: “Do You Know: Anabolic Steroids,” CAMH,
http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/anabolic_steroids_dyk.html
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Student Resource 4: Fact Sheets
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Fact Sheet 4: Gambling
What Is Gambling?
You are gambling when:
●● you risk something of value (for example, money)
●● the outcome is uncertain (you don’t know if you will win or lose).
What Do People Gamble For?
Most people gamble money. Other possessions that are sometimes used for betting include cigarettes, mp3 players, jewellery, CDs or
brand-name sneakers.
Is Gambling Addictive?
Some people do become addicted to gambling. You can become addicted to any activity that feels good or allows you to forget your
problems for a while. This includes drinking alcohol, using other drugs and shopping, as well as gambling.
Who Is at Risk of Developing a Gambling Problem?
You are more at risk of developing a gambling problem if:
●● you start gambling at an early age
●● you have a big win early in your gambling history
●● you have money problems
●● you have had a recent personal loss or change, such as relationship problems or the death of a loved one
●● you gamble to cope with physical pain, emotional pain or stress
●● you often feel lonely, bored, depressed or anxious
●● you feel your life lacks direction
●● you have been abused or traumatized
●● you or someone in your family have (or had) problems with alcohol or other drugs, gambling or overspending
●● you think you have a way of gambling that increases your chances of winning
●● you feel you have to win back what you have lost
●● you often take risks or act without thinking
The more items in this list that are true for you, the more care you need to take if you gamble.
How Does Gambling Make You Feel?
Thinking about winning can be very exciting, and an actual win can make you feel important, successful, skilled—and very happy.
However, when you lose, these feelings can be replaced by anxiety, sadness, desperation, frustration and anger.
Adapted from “About Gambling,” CAMH, http://www.problemgambling.ca/EN/Documents/2859e-Abt%20Gam_Eng_Ws.pdf
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Fact Sheet 5: Alcohol
What Is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a drug that slows down parts of your brain. Drinking alcohol can make you feel more relaxed. It can also make it harder to
think clearly, make good decisions and do various tasks.
Alcohol is made by fermenting (and sometimes distilling) fruits, vegetables or grains. Alcohol itself is a clear liquid. The colour in beer,
spritzers, wine and other alcoholic drinks comes from other ingredients and from the process of fermentation.
Is Alcohol Addictive?
Yes, alcohol can be addictive. About one person in 20 who drinks is dependent on alcohol. People with an addiction may have
difficulty stopping by themselves, even if they want to, and even if other negative effects (such as financial or other personal
problems) begin to outweigh the positive effects. Alcohol dependence can also cause major problems with friends, family, school,
work, emotional and mental health, the law and money!
How Does Alcohol Make You Feel?
Alcohol may slow your reflexes, movement and thinking. For a short time, alcohol can make you feel:
●● more calm and relaxed
●● more talkative
●● less shy
●● warm (skin may be flushed)
●● less co-ordinated
Alcohol can make some people aggressive. For others, drinking can depress them or make them more depressed.
When people are intoxicated (drunk), they may:
●● have blackouts (lose their memory)
●● slur their speech or have trouble walking
●● feel sleepy or lose consciousness
●● be more likely to have falls and other accidents
●● get alcohol poisoning or die
●● have slower reflexes and thinking
●● take more risks and make bad decisions
Is Alcohol Dangerous?
Yes, alcohol can be dangerous in a number of ways. Too much alcohol can cause a hangover (headache, feeling sick, shakiness and
vomiting). Too much alcohol can also cause alcohol poisoning and even death.
Is Alcohol Legal?
Yes, alcohol is a legal drug if you are of legal age. In Ontario you must be at least 19 years old to buy or drink alcohol. The legal
drinking age is 19 years throughout Canada, except for Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta. These provinces allow drinking at age 18. In
the United States, the drinking age is 21 years.
Adapted from “About Alcohol,” CAMH, http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/about_alcohol.pdf
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Student Resource 4: Fact Sheets
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The Dangers of Substance Use
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Fact Sheet 6: Caffeine
What Is It?
Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up your central nervous system, and is the world’s most popular drug. Caffeine occurs naturally
in products such as coffee, tea, chocolate and cola soft drinks and is added to a variety of prescription and over-the-counter
medications, including cough, cold and pain remedies.
Where Does Caffeine Come From?
Both words, caffeine and coffee, are derived from the Arabic word qahweh (pronounced “kahveh” in Turkish). The origins of the words
reflect the spread of coffee into Europe via Arabia and Turkey from northeast Africa, where coffee trees were cultivated in the 6th
century. Coffee began to be popular in Europe in the 17th century. By the 18th century, plantations had been established in Indonesia
and the West Indies, and by the 20th century, coffee had become the biggest cash crop on earth.
Caffeine was first isolated from coffee in 1819. It is also found in tea; in cacao pods, and hence in cocoa and chocolate products; in
kola nuts, used in the preparation of cola drinks; in the ilex plant, from whose leaves the popular South American beverage yerba
mate is prepared; and in guarana seeds, an ingredient in some soft drinks.
Is Caffeine Dangerous?
Moderate amounts of caffeine — up to about 300 mg a day (e.g., three to four average cups of coffee) — will rarely harm an
otherwise healthy adult. But if you regularly drink more than six to eight cups of coffee — or your daily dose of caffeine, from
various caffeine-containing products, is higher than 600 mg — you may have trouble sleeping, feel anxious, restless and depressed
and develop stomach ulcers. Higher amounts can cause extreme agitation, tremors and a very rapid and irregular heartbeat.
Small amounts of caffeine have a greater effect on children because of their smaller body size. It is wise to be aware of how much
caffeine your children consume in chocolate products, soft drinks and medications. Although caffeine has not been proven to cause
birth defects, pregnant women are advised to take as little of it as possible to reduce possible risks to their baby’s health. Nursing
mothers should be aware that caffeine is excreted in breast milk.
An adult can die from orally consuming more than 5,000 mg—the equivalent of 40 strong cups of coffee—over a very short time.
Is Caffeine Addictive?
Regular use of caffeine can make you physically dependent on caffeine. That means that if you abruptly stop using caffeinecontaining products, you may feel edgy and tired and have a bad headache. These symptoms usually appear 18 to 24 hours after the
last use of caffeine, and gradually fade over the following week.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Taking Caffeine?
Healthy adults do not appear to suffer any long-term effects from consuming moderate doses of caffeine daily. Larger daily doses
(in some individuals as little as 250 mg, or three cups of coffee a day) may produce restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, flushed face,
increased urination, muscle twitching, stomach upset and agitation.
Caffeine use appears to be associated with irregular heartbeat and may raise cholesterol levels, but there is no firm evidence that
caffeine causes heart disease. Although caffeine is suspected to be a cause of cancer, the evidence is contradictory and does not
allow a clear conclusion. Some studies indicate that caffeine can cause changes in the cells of the body and in the way these cells
reproduce themselves.
Lifelong use of coffee and other forms of caffeine may be associated with loss of bone density in women, increasing the risk of
osteoporosis.
Adapted from “Do you know: Caffeine,” CAMH, http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/caffeine_dyk.html
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