LOCAL DRUGS OF CONCERN
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO

CANNABIS

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Cannabis contains chemicals called cannabinoids that are unique to the cannabis plant. One of these, delta-9-tetrhydrocannabinol (THC), is believed to be responsible for most of the characteristic psychoactive effects of cannabis. Research has resulted in development and marketing of dronabinol (Marinol), a product containing synthetic THC, for the control of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of cancer, and to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients.

Cannabis products are usually smoked. Their effects are felt within minutes, reach their peak in 10 to 30 minutes, and may linger for two or three hours. The effects experienced often depend upon the experience and expectations of the individual user as well as the activity of the drug itself. Low doses tend to induce a sense of well-being and a dreamy state of relaxation, which may be accompanied by a more vivid sense of sight, smell, taste, and hearing as well as by subtle alterations in thought formation and expression. This state of intoxication may not be noticeable to an observer. However, driving, occupational, and household accidents may result from a distortion of time and space relationships and impaired coordination. Stronger doses intensify reactions. The individual may experience shifting sensory imagery, rapidly fluctuating emotions, a flight of fragmentary thoughts with disturbed associations, an altered sense of self-identity, impaired memory, and a dulling of attention despite an illusion of heightened insight. High doses may result in image distortion, a loss of personal identity, and fantasies and hallucinations.

Three drugs that come from cannabis--marihuana, hashish, and hashish oil--are currently distributed on the Canadian illicit market. Today, cannabis is illicitly cultivated, both indoors and out, to maximize its THC content, thereby producing the greatest possible psychoactive effect.

LOCAL FORMS:

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Marihuana – The term marihuana, as commonly used, refers to the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant. A tobacco-like substance produced by drying the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant, marihuana varies significantly in its potency, depending on the source and selection of plant materials used. The form of marihuana known as sinsemilla (Spanish, sin semilla: without seed), derived from the unpollinated female cannabis plant, is preferred for its high THC content. Marihuana is usually smoked in the form of loosely rolled cigarettes called "joints" or hollowed out commercial cigars called "blunts." Joints and blunts may be laced with a number of adulterants including phencyclidine (PCP), substantially altering the effects and toxicity of these products. Street names for marihuana include pot, grass, weed and smoke. Although marihuana grown in North America was once considered inferior because of a low concentration of THC, advancements in plant selection and cultivation have resulted in highly potent domestic marihuana. In 1974, the average THC content of illicit marihuana was less than 1 percent; in early 1994, potency averaged 5 percent. The THC of today's sinsemilla ranges up to 17 percent. Marihuana contains known toxins and cancer-causing chemicals, which are stored in fat cells for as long as several months. Marihuana users experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers, such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchial asthma. Some of the effects of marihuana use also include: an increased heart rate, dryness of the mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concentration, and frequent hunger and an increased desire for sweets. Extended use increases risk to the lungs and reproductive system, as well as suppression of the immune system. Occasionally hallucinations, fantasies and paranoia are reported.

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Hashish – Hashish consists of the THC-rich resinous material of the cannabis plant, which is collected, dried, and then compressed into a variety of forms, such as balls, cakes, or cookie-like sheets. Pieces are then broken off, placed in pipes and smoked. The Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan/Afghanistan are the main sources of hashish. The THC content of hashish that reaches the United States, where demand is limited, averaged 6 percent in the 1990s.

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Hashish Oil – The term hash oil is used by illicit drug users and dealers but is a misnomer in suggesting any resemblance to hashish. Extracting the cannabinoids from plant material with a solvent produces hash oil. The color and odor of the resulting extract will vary, depending on the type of solvent used. Current samples of hash oil, a viscous liquid ranging from amber to dark brown in color, average about 15 percent THC. In terms of its psychoactive effect, a drop or two of this liquid on a cigarette is equal to a single "joint" of marihuana.

LOCAL PACKAGING AND PRICING:

Marihuana – locally in the Thunder Bay and Northwest region, marihuana is packaged in small ziplock baggies, baby bottle liners, sandwich bags, and tinfoil wrap. Prices are approximately $20.00/gram, $90.00/¼ ounce, $150.00-$200.00/½ ounce, $250.00-$300.00/ounce, $950.00-$1200.00/¼ pound, $1900.00-$2400.00/½ pound, $3000.00-$3500.00/pound, and $7500.00-$8500.00/kilogram.

Hashish – locally hashish is packaged in tinfoil wrap and small sandwich baggies or ziplock baggies. Typically hashish is sold by the gram for $15.00-$20.00. Other quantities and prices are as follows: ¼ ounce - $50.00-$100.00, ½ ounce - $150.00-$200.00, ounce - $250.00-$350.00, ¼ pound - $1100.00-$1400.00, ½ pound - $2000.00-$2500.00, pound - $3700.00-$5100.00, kilogram - $7800.00-$9000.00.

Hashish Oil – locally hashish oil is packaged in glass or plastic vials, which hold quantities of 1 gram ($20.00), 2.5 grams ($50.00), and 5 grams ($100.00). It is also found in larger quantities in plastic film containers at 1 ounce ($350.00 – $450.00), baby food jars at 1/4 pound ($1400.00 – $1800.00), margarine containers at ½ pound ($2800.00 - $3600.00) and 1 pound ($4500.00 - $6000.00) and mason jars at 1 kilogram ($9000.00 - $11000.00).

Paraphernalia associated with the use and sale of cannabis products are:

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Pipes - usually small with a small bowl or burning area. Pipes may be professionally made or home made out of pipefittings or even tin cans.

Rolling papers – used to roll marihuana cigarettes, or regular tobacco with added hashish.

Pins or pieces of wire - for use with hashish oil, to spread the liquid. Used pins or wire will have a black tar like substance on them and a strong odor.

Roach clips or tweezers - used to hold marihuana cigarette ends and allow the cigarette to be smoked in its entirety without burning the fingers.

Small hand scales – are typical for marihuana users and small scale dealers. They are use to ensure accurate weights.

Water pipes or "bongs" - used to draw the hot smoke through cool water and avoid burning the throat of the user. Water pipes and bongs will have a small bowl or burning area attached to a tube, which is submerged a short distance into water. There will be a second piece of tubing which the user draws breath through which ends above the water.

Knives "hot knives" - used with hashish. The used knives will have blackened or burned ends from being heated to red hot on a stove burner or a torch.

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For further information contact:

TRI-FORCE / KENORA JOINT FORCES DRUG UNIT
Tel: (807) 475-0198
Fax: (807) 475-0328
E-mail: info@tri-forcedrugs.com

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