CANNABIS KNOW HOW- Q & A

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What‘s THC and CBD?

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for the state of intoxication you get from cannabis. THC is the most studied and powerful psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

CBD (cannabidiol) is also one of many other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD does not produce a high. The following effects are attributed to CBD, among others: antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anti-nausea effects.

Is Cannabis a gateway drug?

No! The rumor that cannabis encourages people to use other drugs such as heroin or cocaine is not true. The vast majority of cannabis users never switch to other illicit substances. The gateway drugs, if you want to use such a term at all, in our culture are medicines, caffeinated drinks, tobacco and alcohol.

Is Cannabis mixed with extenders?

Yes! It might occure that extenders are added to cannabis either to increase the overall mass or to make that « bad » cannabis look/smell « better ». Spices, sand, sugar, hairspray but also special extenders can be used for this. Synthetic cannabis is also sometimes used to make natural cannabis more “potent ».

The effects of impurities in cannabis products can create a serious health hazard. Drug checking is the only safe way to test cannabis for impurities.

Is smoking cannabis less harmful than smoking tobacco?

No! If cannabis is smoked, frequently, such as tobacco, it can cause various respiratory problems. In addition, cannabis is usually mixed with tobacco when smoked, which can exacerbate the problems. If tobacco and/or cannabis is burned, pollutants are produced that enter the lungs. Even those who smoke cannabis pure inhale harmful combustion substances.

Is smoking cannabis less harmful than drinking alcohol?

No! Neither substance is fundamentally « healthier » or « more harmful ». Both are drugs with different effects and side effects and are consumed in different ways.

The possible health consequences must therefore be considered individually for each consumer. In addition to the aspects mentioned, of course, the quantity, frequency, the age and the health condition of the person play a role.

Can cannabis be used as a medicine?

Yes! Cannabis has great benefits for medicine. This has been reported repeatedly for thousands of years and in fact the therapeutic use of cannabis is also well documented in modern science.

Since 2018, THC-containing cannabis can be prescribed in Luxembourg for the following ailments/diseases:

… in case of serious illnesses and chronic pain
… for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
… for multiple sclerosis

Is cannabis with a high THC content more dangerous than cannabis with a low THC content?

There is no general answer to this question. Wine is also not necessarily more dangerous than beer, all substances depend on consumption patterns, circumstances, motivation and the total amount consumed. The question of whether cannabis with a high THC content could be responsible for increased mental illness still needs to be researched… however, the relationship between THC and CBD also seems to play a significant role here.

Here is a selection of more Cannabis Know How cards:

For any further questions about Cannabis please feel free to contact our Cannabis Hotline:

By phone: (+352) 49 7777 55 every Tuesday between 9 m-1pm & 2pm-5pm
By E- Mail: cannabis@cnapa.lu
By WhatsApp: (+352) 691 497 755

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