Cannabis

Also known as

• Marijuana, Pot, Grass, Joints, Ganja, Hashish, Weed

Description

• Cannabis come from any part of a plant of the genus Cannabis.

• It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which affect one’s mood – causing euphoria, and also anxiety, disorientation or paranoia.

• Cannabis can affect concentration and memory which weakens the abuser’s ability to learn.

Adverse effects of short-term use and long-term or heavy use of cannabis^[1]

Effects of short-term use

• Impaired short-term memory, making it difficult to learn and to retain information.

• Impaired motor co-ordination, interfering with driving skills and increasing the risk of injuries.

• In high dose, can cause paranoia and psychosis.

Effects of long-term or heavy use

• Addiction. The earlier one begins to abuse drugs, the higher the risk of addiction.

• Altered brain development. Adults who smoke cannabis regularly during adolescence have impaired neural connectivity (fewer fibres) in specific brain regions.

• Cognitive impairment, with lower IQ among those who were frequent users in adolescence.

• Symptoms of chronic bronchitis.

• Poor education outcome, with increased likelihood of dropping out of school.

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Sleeping difficulties

• Craving for the drug

Cannabis is also listed as a Schedule I drug in the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is an international agreement to control the cultivation of opium poppy, coca bush, cannabis plant, and their products which are referred to as "narcotic drugs". Singapore is one of the 184 signatories to the Convention. Together with the other signatories, we are committed to prevent the misuse and illicit trafficking of these drugs, which include cannabis.

Penalties

Possession of:

• Cannabis

  • Less than 330 grammes – Up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

  • Between 330 grammes and 500 grammes – At least 10 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane

  • More than 500 grammes – At least 20 years of imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

• Cannabis mixture

  • Less than 660 grammes – Up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

  • Between 660 grammes and 1,000 grammes – At least 10 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane

  • More than 1,000 grammes – At least 20 years of imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

• Cannabis resin

  • Less than 130 grammes – Up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

  • Between 130 grammes and 200 grammes – At least 10 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane

  • More than 200 grammes – At least 20 years of imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

Consumption of cannabis:

• At least 1 year of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment with a maximum fine of $20,000

Illegal traffic, import or export of:

• Cannabis

  • Less than 330 grammes – At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane

  • Between 330 grammes and 500 grammes – At least 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment or imprisonment for life and 15 strokes of the cane

  • More than 500 grammes – May face the death penalty

• Cannabis resin

  • Less than 130 grammes – At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane

  • Between 130 grammes and 200 grammes – At least 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment or imprisonment for life and 15 strokes of the cane

  • More than 200 grammes – May face the death penalty

• Cannabis mixture

  • Less than 660 grammes – At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane

  • Between 660 grammes and 1,000 grammes – At least 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

  • More than 1,000 grammes – May face the death penalty

^[1] “Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use”, The New England Journal of Medicine, 5 June 2014 National Institute on Drug Abuse