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.
If you have any other questions about cannabis, please contact our FroNo hotline:
- By phone: (+352) 49 7777 55, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm.
- By e‑mail: email hidden; JavaScript is required
- By WhatsApp: (+352) 691 497 755
Here is a selection of additional Cannabis Know How Cards!
If you notice that a person is not well after having consumed legal or illegal drugs, act responsibly and look after that person. If in doubt, phone the emergency number and administer first aid.