Drug misuse is defined as the use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines. It harms health and functioning and may take the form of drug dependence, or be part of a wider spectrum of problematic or harmful behaviour. The list of drugs misused is long, but here we will discuss the commonly misused drugs.

     Cannabis is derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant Cannabis sativa. When it is smoked, the onset of effect occurs within half an hour but when ingested the onset is 1 to 3 hrs. The duration of effect is 4 hrs to 8 hrs. Cannabis produces euphoria, perceptual alterations, and reddish conjunctiva.

    This is followed by increased appetite, feeling of relaxation and occasionally high blood pressure, increased pulse rate, slurred speech, and difficulty in walking. High doses may produce anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and psychosis.

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