Human Development

Modes of awareness associated with use of cannabis

Description:
Effects on consciousness and behaviour are small, but this substance is used not only for pleasurable sensations but also to produce self-transcendence. It has been used as an aid to meditation and as a ceremonial drug in a number of cultures. Cannabis intoxication may include states of euphoria or anxiety, panic, dysphoria and possibly derealization or depersonalization. There may be a feeling of slowed time. Although the effects of low doses are simply hilarity and loquaciousness, possibly with changes in perception of time and space, impaired coordination, judgement and memory plus increased visual and hearing sensitivity, higher doses may bring illusion, delusion, depression, confusion, alienation and hallucination, possibly to a degree that resembles psychosis and its associated fear and aggression.
Related:
Sacred drugs