Cannabis in the Netherlands

A presentation by Pier Coppola – MP5APersonal Project

“How can I raise awareness to teenagers about cannabis and its effects?”

Contents

• What is cannabis?• What’s it composed of?• Effects on the body? (Short-term/long-term)• Bad trip/Good trip?• How does it affect teenagers?• Is cannabis an addictive drug?• Who uses this substance?• Current Dutch Law

What is cannabis?

• A narcotic drug that specifically targets the brain.

• Marijuana: a natural plant• THC makes it a drug• Depressant: slows down processes of the body• Smoked (Joint), Eaten (Spacecake)

What’s it composed of? What makes it a drug?

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) • Acts on brain receptors, changes the way we

act• The more THC, the more powerful the weed• Average THC concentration in Dutch weed: 18-

19%. Has risen by 9% since 1995• Gradually rising causing authorities to

question the legalization policy

Effects of CannabisShort-term• Short-term memory• Concentration

(enhanced/deprived)• Well-being

(Depressed/Happy)• Eye and Skin perception• Reflexes slowed down• Creativity (Artistic/Visual), • Blood-shocked eyes • Extreme hunger (“Munchies”)• Increased Heart-rate• Talkativeness

Long-term• Bronchitis • Lung cancer• Decreased concentration,

caring, and memory.• Decreased production of

hormones• Mental Probelms

(Schizophrenia, Depression)

Is cannabis an addictive drug?

• Psychologically addictive.• Minorly physically addictive, but THC is

withdrawn from your system slowly, so no major effects felt by the user.

• Cravings and depression.

How Marijuana Affects the Brain

• Dopamine is the chemical that affects our happiness: “The more, the merrier”. • If one consumes too much cannabis, our body gets used to the high amounts of dopamine in our blood stream. •Depression occurs when withdrawn, because THC is needed by the body to stimulate dopamine production.

How does it affect teenagers?

• Lack of co-ordination affecting sports• Fitness conditions also affected• Costs to keep such a habit• Reduced hormone production (growth, sperm, etc...)• Depression if withdrawal occurs

12% reduction of the hippocampus (memory), 7% reduction of the amygdala (emotions and memory) in heavy users.

Also lack of decision-making skills.

Teenager use in the Netherlands

• 43% of 17-18 year-olds have tried it.• 16% of 12-16 year-olds have tried it• Estimate of 408,000 people in the Netherlands

are regular users (2.5% of all population)• Why do teens do it?

Bad Trip/Good Trip

• Many factors influence your trip• Bad trips uncommon, but extremely scaring

for the experiencer

• Euphoria (Happiness)• Liberated (Feeling Free)• Confident• Relaxed• Laughing Mood

• Paranoid• Depressed• Tired• Bad memories brought up

Good Trip Bad Trip

Dutch Law on legalization of cannabis

Current Dutch Law• 18+, you’re allowed in a

coffeeshop.• You’re allowed to have 5g

on you at once.• Growing marijuana is illegal.

Pending requestments • Cannabis types with more

than 15% THC should become illegal (hard drugs)

• Only Dutch residents should be allowed in coffeeshops.

• Membership card needed to enter.

Conclusions

• Cannabis affects the brain and has negative long-term effects if consumed often for a long-term.

• Stricter laws might be made in the future.• Enhances happiness but intenses depressions.• Peer pressure and media play a large role.