The resin obtained from the cultivated Indian hemp plant (cannabis sativa), is used as a hallucinogenic drug. It is known as charas in eastern Asia.
Most hashish comes from Lebanon, Nepal, and other Asian countries. The resin is separated from the flowering tops of the cannabis plant by beating the tops against burlap, thus forming lumps from which a dark brown exudates is obtained. Sugar is often mixed with this exudates to add weight.
Hashish is closely related to marijuana, which is made from parts of the plant itself. Marijuana is, however, less potent than hashish. The potency is thought to be determined by the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in the preparation. Marijuana usually has 0% - 3% THC, while hashish has from 10% - 15%.
use. Hashish has been used for centuries throughout the world. It is, for example, described in The Arabian Nights, by the Roman writer Pliny, and by the medieval traveler Marco Polo. It was used by French artists and writers in “Le Club des Hashichins” in the 1850’s.
Hashish is the form of cannabis most commonly used in western Europe, and it became increasingly popular in the United States during the late 1960’s. It is most frequently smoked in a water pipe or mixed with tobacco and smoked in an ordinary pipe. It is can also be eaten, but it less potent by weight when swallowed. Cannabis preparations are not presently used in medicine, but some preliminary work has been done to evaluate the possible usefulness of THC in medicine.
effect. The effect of hashish are stronger than those produced by marijuana, but not so strong as produced by LSD. Hashish can induce a broad spectrum of mental changes, depending on the personality of the user, the setting in which drug is consumed, and the expectation of the user.
Most frequently, users describe a dreamlike fantasy. Time and space distortions occur and, rarely, hallucinations.
Anxiety and panic may also occur, but a feeling of euphoria is more frequently reported. Uncontrollable laughter is produced in some people. Sleepiness and craving for food also sometimes occur with hashish use, unlike LSD, which does not produce this effect.
The results of smoking hashish over long periods of time are not scientifically known. In those countries where hashish use is traditionally widespread, heavy use is considered detrimental. Apathy, loss of ability to think logically, and occasionally bizarre behavior have been frequently described as characteristic of habitual users. As with other disinhibiting drugs, a person under the influence of hashish may loose control and become aggressive. As a rule, however, passivity occurs, and the chronic users gravitates to a group of other heavy users, who make a “career” of hashish smoking.
Most hashish comes from Lebanon, Nepal, and other Asian countries. The resin is separated from the flowering tops of the cannabis plant by beating the tops against burlap, thus forming lumps from which a dark brown exudates is obtained. Sugar is often mixed with this exudates to add weight.
Hashish is closely related to marijuana, which is made from parts of the plant itself. Marijuana is, however, less potent than hashish. The potency is thought to be determined by the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in the preparation. Marijuana usually has 0% - 3% THC, while hashish has from 10% - 15%.
use. Hashish has been used for centuries throughout the world. It is, for example, described in The Arabian Nights, by the Roman writer Pliny, and by the medieval traveler Marco Polo. It was used by French artists and writers in “Le Club des Hashichins” in the 1850’s.
Hashish is the form of cannabis most commonly used in western Europe, and it became increasingly popular in the United States during the late 1960’s. It is most frequently smoked in a water pipe or mixed with tobacco and smoked in an ordinary pipe. It is can also be eaten, but it less potent by weight when swallowed. Cannabis preparations are not presently used in medicine, but some preliminary work has been done to evaluate the possible usefulness of THC in medicine.
effect. The effect of hashish are stronger than those produced by marijuana, but not so strong as produced by LSD. Hashish can induce a broad spectrum of mental changes, depending on the personality of the user, the setting in which drug is consumed, and the expectation of the user.
Most frequently, users describe a dreamlike fantasy. Time and space distortions occur and, rarely, hallucinations.
Anxiety and panic may also occur, but a feeling of euphoria is more frequently reported. Uncontrollable laughter is produced in some people. Sleepiness and craving for food also sometimes occur with hashish use, unlike LSD, which does not produce this effect.
The results of smoking hashish over long periods of time are not scientifically known. In those countries where hashish use is traditionally widespread, heavy use is considered detrimental. Apathy, loss of ability to think logically, and occasionally bizarre behavior have been frequently described as characteristic of habitual users. As with other disinhibiting drugs, a person under the influence of hashish may loose control and become aggressive. As a rule, however, passivity occurs, and the chronic users gravitates to a group of other heavy users, who make a “career” of hashish smoking.
Sidney M.Cohen, M.D.
Division of Narcotic Addiction and Drug Abuse
National Insitute of Mental Health
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