Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal Issues:What is cannabis poisoning?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, Indian hemp, hashish, ganja, pot, dope and grass, is made from the Indian hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Cannabis is often abused and, in some countries it is used almost as much as alcohol or tobacco.

Cannabis harms the brain; however, it does not cause much harm to adults, unless it is injected. The signs and symptoms start within 10 minutes of smoking the drug and last for about 2–3 hours. When taken orally, the effects start to appear within 30-60 minutes and last for 2–5 hours. The major effects are a feeling of well–being, happiness and sleepiness; high doses may cause fear, panic and confusion, impaired balance, hallucinations, drowsiness, slurred speech, coughing if the drug is breathed in, as when smoking cigarettes. If the drug is injected it may cause more serious problems such as severe headache, dizziness, irregular breathing, fever, low blood pressure, unconsciousness.

• If the patient is unconscious or drowsy, lay him or her on one side in the recovery position. Check breathing every 10 min. A patient who is anxious or confused should be kept in a quiet, warm room. If the cannabis was swallowed: there is no need to make the patient vomit.
• If the patient is fully awake, breathing normally, and not vomiting: Give activated charcoal and water to drink.
• If the patient is hallucinating or violent: Give chlorpromazine, 50–100 mg (adult dose), intramuscularly.
• If cannabis has been injected: Monitor breathing, pulse, blood pressure, temperature. Supportive care, including oxygen and mechanical ventilation, should be given as needed. If low BP, keep the patient lying with the feet higher than the head; intravenous fluids can be given.