Cannabis is the most widely-used illegal drug in Britain. It is usually smoked although some people put it in food such as cakes or brownies.

The effects of cannabis can be feeling chilled out, happy and relaxed. In some cases it can make you hallucinate so you may see, hear or feel things in a different way to normal.

People often think that cannabis is safe because it’s natural, however there are risks associated with the use of any kind of drug.

  • Cannabis affects how your brain works. It can make you feel anxious and paranoid, it can make it difficult for you to concentrate and learn, make your memory worse and make you feel less motivated
  • Tobacco and cannabis have both been linked to lung diseases like tuberculosis and lung cancer
  • Using cannabis has also been linked, in some people, to serious, long-term mental ill-health including depression, anxiety and psychosis.