Cannabis
Relevant information on the drug Cannabis, also known as Marijuana, Pot, Grass, Joints, Ganja, Hashish, Weed, Herb.
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Also known as
Marijuana, Pot, Grass, Joints, Ganja, Hashish, Weed, Herb
Description
Cannabis come from any part of a plant of the genus Cannabis.
It contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (‘THC’) 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
Penalties
Trafficking of:
Cannabis
Less than 330 grammes – Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane
Between 330 grammes and 500 grammes – Minimum of 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 – Liable for the death penalty
Cannabis resin
Less than 130 grammes – Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane
Between 130 grammes and 200 grammes – Minimum of 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 – Liable for the death penalty
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
Import or export of:
Cannabis
Less than 330 grammes – Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane
Between 330 grammes and 500 grammes – Minimum of 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 – Liable for the death penalty
Cannabis resin
Less than 130 grammes – Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane
Between 130 grammes and 200 grammes – Minimum of 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 – Liable for the death penalty
Cannabis mixture
Less than 660 grammes – Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane
Between 660 grammes and 1,000 grammes – Minimum of 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 1,000 grammes – Liable for the death penalty
Possession of:
Cannabis
Less than 330 grammes –Maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both
Between 330 grammes and 500 grammes – Minimum of 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 – Minimum of 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 –Maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both
Between 660 grammes and 1,000 grammes – Minimum of 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 – Minimum of 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 –Maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both
Between 130 grammes and 200 grammes – Minimum of 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 – Minimum of 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/cannabis mixture/cannabis resin:
Minimum of 1 year of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, with a maximum fine of $20,000
[1] “Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use”, The New England Journal of Medicine, 5 June 2014 National Institute on Drug Abuse
