Cannabis: "Soft" but hard to stop?

"I found I had less and less time and energy for important activities such as work or studies. Everything was suffering".

Most people consider it to be a "soft drug" causing short term relaxation and euphoria. However, despite the fact that most cannabis users and most people who smoke will have no long term physical or psychological effects, one in ten will become dependent and three quarters will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using.

Cannabis can cause serious harm. Cutting down or stoping can be hard, but this is a great place to start.

A great place to start

It'll never happen to me...

One in three adults have tried cannabis with 2.5 million having used it in the last year. In January 2009 cannabis once again became a Class B drug. It is most commonly but not exclusively used in the 16 to 25 year old age group.

Unpleasant effects such as short lived anxiety and paranoia, nausea and vomiting and breathing problems are common and are reported to happen "often" by most users. Regular use of cannabis is associated with a range of health, emotional and social problems that can have long lasting effects and consequences. Some groups, such as adolescents, pregnant users and those with a personal or family history of mental health problems are at increased risk of long term problems.

Do you recognise any of these comments in others or yourself?

"I need to keep using more, just to get the same effect"

"I find myself using more, or for longer, than I really meant to"

"I am constantly thinking about using, or trying to give it up and failing"

"I know I spend too much time either getting it, using it or recovering"

"I keep on using, although I know deep down it's harming me"

"I need to keep using more to get the same effect"

"I feel terrible when I stop"

"I know I am purposefully ignoring comments from family and friends whom I know are concerned."

"I tend to hang out with others who do use and have lost touch with friends who don't"