Right...Frank has finally replied back to my e-mail...and well here it is...its quite long though lol:


You asked FRANK for information regarding cannabis, please find some information
below that may be of use to you.

Cannabis makes you feel relaxed and, because it's a mild hallucinogen, you can
find colours and sounds brighter and sharper.

It can cause anxiety, affect short-term memory and make you less able to carry
out complicated tasks.

With long term heavy use, the user may feel lethargic, no drive, short term
memory loss, and if used with tobacco, coughs and sore throats.

- smoking it with tobacco may lead to users becoming hooked on cigarettes

- it impairs the ability to learn and concentrate

- it can leave people tired and lacking energy

- users may lack motivation and feel apathetic

- it can make users paranoid and anxious, depending on their mood and situation

There are a number of risks to health associated with misuse of cannabis.

Cannabis affects blood pressure and increases heart rate. This can be
particularly dangerous for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system,
especially those with coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and those
people at risk of strokes.

Cannabis can worsen asthma. Frequent misuse of cannabis may also decrease sperm
counts in men and suppress ovulation in women.

Cannabis is most frequently smoked. Smoking in any form is harmful, and tobacco
smoking is the largest single cause of ill-health and premature death in the
United Kingdom. Smoking cannabis, therefore, presents a real health risk,
potentially similar to that of tobacco, with increased incidence of bronchitis,
asthma, and lung cancer, as well as disorders of the heart and circulation.
Smoking cannabis may be more harmful than smoking tobacco, since cannabis has a
higher concentration of certain chemicals that can cause cancer.

Using cannabis can lead to panic attacks, paranoia and confused feelings.

In some cases, acute cannabis intoxication can produce a psychotic state, which
may continue for some time, and which may require treatment with prescribed
drugs.

Cannabis can worsen schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses, among people who
already suffer from them. The problem being that you may not be aware if you
have an underlying mental health problem.

Anyone who has a mental illness should, therefore, avoid using cannabis.

Cannabis impairs performance of tasks which require concentration and
co-ordination. It can be dangerous to drive or operate machinery when under the
influence of cannabis. The danger increases if alcohol and cannabis are both
consumed.

There is a minimal risk of physical dependence. Psychological dependency can
occur very occasionally.

Smoking tobacco with cannabis may produce dependence on nicotine.

The chance of overdosing on cannabis is very unlikely, although large doses may
lead to unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, panic attacks and paranoia.
These are more likely to occur with stronger strains or if large amounts are
eaten.

Cannabis, as a Class C drug, remains controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Possessing it remains a criminal offence, but the maximum penalties for
possession will be 2 years imprisonment. While police have the power of arrest
for cannabis possession offences (under guidance being issued by the police)
there will be a presumption against this power being used, unless there are
specific aggravating factors.

It is also illegal for the occupier or any person concerned in the management of
premises to (a) allow a person to produce or attempt to produce cannabis there;
or (b) to allow a person to supply or attempt to supply or offer to supply
cannabis there, or (c) to allow the smoking of cannabis while there.

Maximum penalties for supplying and dealing in cannabis will stay at 14 years
imprisonment, and the courts will continue to be able to impose substantial
sentences for serious dealing offences.

Cannabis seeds are not illegal themselves. It is an offence, however, to
cultivate the plants.