For centuries, cannabis products have been used for various purposes. Such as rituals, as a raw material for textiles, as medicine or as drugs. Since the 1960s, cannabis products have also become popular in the Netherlands. At the time, drugs were widely used by hippies and young people. But what is cannabis exactly?
Cannabis (marijuana)
Cannabis is an umbrella term for the drugs weed and hashish. Both are obtained from the cannabis plant. Production and trade in cannabis products are prohibited in the Netherlands, but there is a tolerance policy. This means that it is allowed by the authorities, even though it is forbidden. This tolerance policy tolerates the possession of a consumption amount and the sale of hashish and weed in coffee shops.
What is the difference between hashish and weed?
Weed and hashish come from the female cannabis plant. The female plant contains much more THC than the male cannabis plant. Although marijuana and hashish come from the same plant, some differences exist.
What is hashish?
Hash is the compressed resin of the flower of the female cannabis plant. It looks like a brown sticky bar with small resin glands on the tops of the flowers. Initially, the resin has the function of attracting pollen. But the resin also contains THC, the main active ingredient in hashish and weed.
What is weed?
Weed is the flower top of the cannabis plant. Weed looks like green dried plant material. The strength of the weed is determined by the amount of THC it contains. This THC is not evenly distributed over the plant, meaning some buds are stronger than others.
What is better: hashish or weed?
The big difference between hashish and weed is that hashish usually has a higher THC content and therefore is stronger than weed. The two types also differ in taste. For example, weed is characterized by a spicy, sometimes even fruity, flavour. Hashish is much richer and more complex in flavour.
What are the effects?
Cannabis products make you high or stoned. This makes the user feel more relaxed and calm. It can even make you feel lethargic. Your muscles relax, and the chance of a laugh kick is undoubtedly present. But in addition to these relaxed feelings, they can make you anxious and panicky. If you're already gloomy before using cannabis, it will only get worse when you start using it.
How long is the effect of hashish and weed?
These effects mentioned above last for about 2 to 4 hours when smoking a joint. You will notice a difference after a few minutes. When eating hashish or weed, the effects can last up to 12 hours after starting.
Legislation hashish and weed
Hashish and weed are part of the Opium Act. On List 2 to be exact. That means they fall under soft drugs. In the Netherlands, these products are therefore tolerated. This does not mean they are legal.
How much hashish or weed can you have in your pocket?
The amount you can have in your pocket is also the usage amount of 5 grams.