This document summarizes information about cannabis in the Netherlands. It defines cannabis and its main psychoactive component THC. It describes both the short-term and potential long-term effects on physical and mental health. The document also discusses Dutch laws around cannabis, noting that while possession of small amounts is legal for those over 18, growing remains illegal. It addresses rates of teenage use and factors that may influence their decisions to use cannabis.

1. Cannabis in the Netherlands
“How can I raise awareness to teenagers about cannabis and its effects?”
A presentation by Pier Coppola – MP5A
Personal Project

2. Contents
• What is cannabis?
• What’s it composed of?
• Effects on the body? (Short-term/long-term)
• Bad trip/Good trip?
• How does it affect teenagers?
• Is cannabis an addictive drug?
• Who uses this substance?
• Current Dutch Law

3. What is cannabis?
• A narcotic drug that specifically targets the
brain.
• Marijuana: a natural plant
• THC makes it a drug
• Depressant: slows down processes of the body
• Smoked (Joint), Eaten (Spacecake)

4. What’s it composed of? What makes it
a drug?
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Acts on brain receptors, changes the way we
act
• The more THC, the more powerful the weed
• Average THC concentration in Dutch weed: 18-
19%. Has risen by 9% since 1995
• Gradually rising causing authorities to
question the legalization policy

5. Effects of Cannabis
Short-term Long-term
• Short-term memory • Bronchitis
• Concentration • Lung cancer
(enhanced/deprived) • Decreased
• Well-being (Depressed/Happy) concentration, caring, and
• Eye and Skin perception memory.
• Reflexes slowed down • Decreased production of
• Creativity (Artistic/Visual), hormones
• Blood-shocked eyes • Mental Probelms
(Schizophrenia, Depression)
• Extreme hunger (“Munchies”)
• Increased Heart-rate
• Talkativeness

6. Is cannabis an addictive drug?
• Psychologically addictive.
• Minorly physically addictive, but THC is
withdrawn from your system slowly, so no
major effects felt by the user.
• Cravings and depression.

7. How Marijuana
Affects the Brain
• Dopamine is the chemical
that affects our happiness:
“The more, the merrier”.
• If one consumes too
much cannabis, our body
gets used to the high
amounts of dopamine in
our blood stream.
•Depression occurs when
withdrawn, because THC is
needed by the body to
stimulate dopamine
production.

8. How does it affect teenagers?
• Lack of co-ordination affecting sports
• Fitness conditions also affected
• Costs to keep such a habit
• Reduced hormone production (growth, sperm, etc...)
• Depression if withdrawal occurs
12% reduction of the hippocampus
(memory), 7% reduction of the amygdala
(emotions and memory) in heavy users.
Also lack of decision-making skills.

9. Teenager use in the Netherlands
• 43% of 17-18 year-olds have tried it.
• 16% of 12-16 year-olds have tried it
• Estimate of 408,000 people in the Netherlands
are regular users (2.5% of all population)
• Why do teens do it?

10. Bad Trip/Good Trip
• Many factors influence your trip
• Bad trips uncommon, but extremely scaring
for the experiencer
Good Trip Bad Trip
• Euphoria (Happiness) • Paranoid
• Liberated (Feeling Free) • Depressed
• Confident • Tired
• Bad memories brought up
• Relaxed
• Laughing Mood

11. Dutch Law on legalization of cannabis
Current Dutch Law Pending requestments
• 18+, you’re allowed in a • Cannabis types with more
coffeeshop. than 15% THC should
• You’re allowed to have 5g become illegal (hard drugs)
on you at once. • Only Dutch residents should
• Growing marijuana is illegal. be allowed in coffeeshops.
• Membership card needed
to enter.

12. Conclusions
• Cannabis affects the brain and has negative
long-term effects if consumed often for a long-
term.
• Stricter laws might be made in the future.
• Enhances happiness but intenses depressions.
• Peer pressure and media play a large role.