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IntroductionCannabis comes from a plant called Cannabis sativa that was originally indigenous to Asia and South America. The most active chemical which gets you stoned is delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short. Cannabis is a depressant drug as its slows down metabolic rate and body function. Form There are three principle forms of cannabis: Herbal This is the commonest form of cannabis and is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant. The flowers or "heads" contain a much higher concentration of THC and are therefore more valuable. Usually a greenish-brown colour it has a sweet herbal smell. There are various varieties of cannabis plants which have been selectively bred to produce specific desired qualities e.g. "skunk" which has a high hallucinogenic effect. The way in which it is grown also affects potency, the development and refinement of hydroponics has led to a general increase in the potency of cannabis available in New Zealand. Hash Oil Cannabis oil is generally made from the less potent parts of the cannabis plant; the leaves and stalks which are compressed and dissolved in a solvent. This is then filters and left to evaporate leaving a thick oil. It varies in colour from black to gold and smells of rotting vegetables. Cannabis Resin Comparatively rare in New Zealand. Resin is made by compressing the plant into blocks. The colour varies from almost black through to a pale golden brown. Resin is more commonly found in areas of the world where cultivation is difficult and the compressed form is more easily smuggled. Desired Effects Users feel relaxed, happy and sociable if they're with friends. Cannabis users become talkative and the drug is empathetic so users can feel that they have a "deeper insight" into the world. People using the drug often become disinhibited and are prone to finding most things amusing. After the onset of the stone users often get the munchies and feel hungry especially for sweet snacks. The drug heightens many sensations including taste, touch, smell and feel. Cannabis can have mild hallucinogenic effects and in particular changes your perception of time. 
AdministrationCannabis can be used in a number of ways Smoking Dried cannabis in leaf or flower form is mainly rolled up and smoked, either with tobacco, or on its own. Other methods of smoking include pipes or bongs, these have the effect of cooling the smoke. Water bongs also are used to remove the harsh residues from the smoke. Vaporization Using heated metal implements, often knives small amounts of cannabis plant, cannabis oil or resin can be vaporized at high temperatures. Eating Plant leaf or flower can incorporated in baking food to produce cookies or cakes. Addictive Potential Cannabis is not physically addictive except used regularly at very high doses. Tolerance develops slowly Cannabis is psychologically addictive Withdrawal from regular high dose usage is characterised by sweating, anxiety, sleep disturbance and nervousness. Dangers  Cannabis can trigger mental health problems in people who are predisposed to them. People who are schizophrenic should avoid cannabis.
Cannabis can be dangerous for people with breathing problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
Cannabis may be linked to birth defects. Pregnant women should not use cannabis.
Cannabis slows down reflexes and negatively affects co-ordination. Therefore you should not drive motor vehicles or operate machinery when stoned.
Undesired Side Effects Cannabis dehydrates your body and can make your throat tongue and lips feel parched. Short-term memory loss is common amongst regular users. Experimental users sometimes get paranoia or panic attacks and in severe cases may getdelusional. Cannabis affects your ability to concentrate, increases the heart rate and makes the eyes bloodshot. Harm Reduction Cannabis is a relatively harmless substance, significantly less harmful than many legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco, when used responsibly by adults. You can reduce the harm to your health of using cannabis by Eating it rather than vaporizing or smoking it
Vaporizing rather than smoking it.
Use a water bong to remove the harmful impurities in the smoke.
Use a pipe rather than rolling joints, the cooler smoke is less harmful to the tissue in your mouth, throat and your lungs.
If you do smoke joints, use cigarette filters to reduce the amount of tar entering your body.
If you are not a tobacco smoker; do not smoke cannabis mixed with tobacco as you may become nicotine dependent.
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