Following the success of the first online lecture on Methamphetamine, Vietnam – HIV Addiction Technology Transfer Center, University of Medicine and Pharmacy (VHATTC-UMP) has conducted the second lecture focusing on MARIJUANA and SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA (commonly known as weed) on June 29, 2018.
Marijuana or even synthetic cannabis is a group of dangerous and unpredictable drugs due to its complex component. Actually, marijuana and marijuana use are still controversial with different approaches based on how people view it as harmful or useful in different contexts.
In addition to the basic information about the drug, its composition, its effects on health, the extent of abuse, and the potential treatments for marijuana and synthetic marijuana use, the speaker also summarized a number of studies on the use of cannabis and synthetic cannabis available in Vietnam (currently limited) as well as in other countries in the world.
One important message obtained from the session, which absolutely noticeable in addiction treatment and HIV: Cannabis, on the level of destruction, may not be as visible and severe as Methamphetamine, but it is a "gateway" for the use of many other dangerous drugs, which increase the risk of HIV infection due to risky behaviors. This is being overlooked by the intervention program developers or policy makers.
PPT slides can be downloaded here: Vietnamese only
Lecture video:
VHATTC-UMP.