Appendix 6.

summary of major characteristics of cannabis, methadone and heroin

    Cannabis    Methadone    Heroin

Legal status Illegala A cannabis expiation system was introduced in South Australia in 1987 and the Australian Capital Territory in 1992. Under this system an expiation notice, requiring payment of a fee, is issued to persons found in possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use. The offence is treated as a civil offence if the fee is paid; if not, the offence is criminal. In all other States and Territories all offences are criminal offences.(a) S8 Authorised Illegal in Australia
prescribers only and New Zealand

Action CNS depressant CNS depressant CNS depressant

Route of Smoke Oral Predominantly IV

administration although some
smoke
Ingest IV

Onset of action Minutes 30-45 minutes Very rapid

Duration of action Hours 1/2 life 3-4 hours

15-18 hours

Detected in urine Days 3-4 days 3 days

Withdrawal Mild and variable Prolonged 72-96 hours

medication medication

Medical use Treatment of Treatment of Analgesic

chemotherapy heroin withdrawal
induced nausea,
glaucoma

Addictive potential Weak Strong Strong
a A cannabis expiation system was introduced in South Australia in 1987 and the Australian Capital Territory in 1992. Under this system an expiation notice, requiring payment of a fee, is issued to persons found in possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use. The offence is treated as a civil offence if the fee is paid; if not, the offence is criminal. In all other States and Territories all offences are criminal offences.