What is the drug: Dagga

Dagga is a South African term used to describe cannabis. A plant originally cultivated for hemp, now more commonly sold as dagga or marijuana as a drug. The plant itself, not just the dried form, has also been referred to as dagga within South Africa.

The word dagga comes from the Khoekhoe language, which has a similar word, daxa, to describe a local plant known as wild dagga. Wild dagga has no relation to the cannabis plant outside of the leaves having a similar shape.

How to identify the dagga plant.

The leaves of the dagga plant are the most notable feature, usually having five to seven leaflets that look like fingers, varying in size, with the middle leaflet being the largest. At the stop of a mature dagga plant is the cola. This is a roughly cone-shaped part of the plant where the flowers are. These flowers have parts called pistils, which look like short strands. Cultivated dagga, for the purpose of making drugs, usually has a high amount of trichomes that look like little feelers or hairs.

After harvesting, dagga is dried and looks like dessicated nubs of plant matter.

Street names for dagga.

Dagga itself is a South African street name for cannabis, but it can also go by many other names in the country. These include:

Benefits and disadvantages of dagga.

In the past, dagga was prohibited. Today, doctors sometimes prescribe it, and you can even buy dagga products from shops because it has been shown to have benefits to people who use it. As a drug, dagga does not come without significant disadvantages that need to be considered. If you think you can benefit from dagga, it’s best to consult your doctor rather than buy the product over the counter.

The main benefits that people turn to dagga for are to reduce anxiety and manage chronic pain. Dagga is a depressant that can tune down anxious thoughts and give the user a sense of calmness. For medical uses, dagga is used to help relieve some pain, helping avoid the use of stronger drugs. For both the pain and the potential in helping the treatment, many cancer patients turn to dagga for help while they undergo chemotherapy.

On the flip side of the coin, dagga can cause more anxiety depending on how the individual reacts. That same calming effect can also impair motor skills, making the use of machinery, cars and sharp objects dangerous. Smoking dagga will also cause harm to the lungs. It also negatively impacts cognitive development in children and adolescents.

Symptoms and side effects of dagga.

Dagga affects people differently depending on how it is used, the strength and the user’s tolerance or health. When smoked or vaped, effects begin within minutes, while edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and tend to last longer.

Short-term effects vary, but commonly include a sense of feeling “high,” happiness, relaxation, altered time perception and increased appetite. Dagga can also impair thinking, memory, coordination, and movement, affecting a person’s ability to concentrate, drive, or perform daily tasks safely. At higher doses, users may experience anxiety, panic, or even hallucinations. It is worth noting that accidental consumption by children can lead to serious illness and can result in accidental overdosing.

Long-term effects of dagga.

Dagga use, particularly when started during teenage years or used heavily over time, can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Smoking can damage the lungs and airways in a similar way to tobacco, potentially leading to breathing problems and an increased risk of lung cancer. It has also been linked to a higher chance of serious heart issues like stroke and heart attack, as well as digestive problems and, in rare cases, severe recurring bouts of nausea and vomiting.

How does dagga affect the brain?

Mental health can be affected by dagga too, with regular users often experiencing difficulties with memory, learning, and attention. These cognitive effects tend to be worse for those who start using in their teens, when the brain is still developing, and heavy use has also been connected to a greater risk of developing conditions like schizophrenia, even for people who started as adults.

Dagga withdrawal symptoms.

While dagga, and all cannabis products, are not as strongly addictive as other drugs, users can still become addicted, which means that there will be withdrawal when use stops. The symptoms usually begin about one to two days after the last dose. These symptoms include:

These symptoms can last for up to seven days, except for insomnia and irritability, which can last up to two weeks, sometimes longer.

While the withdrawal process isn’t life-threatening, the disturbance to everyday life and the factors that caused dagga abuse in the first place can quickly cause a relapse without the right support.

How to quit dagga for good.

If quitting cannabis, THC products or any of their other variants is proving difficult, rehabilitation centres can step in to help you walk away from addiction. We provide a safe space, away from the triggers, so you can get through the withdrawal process. Our staff also includes psychologists, counsellors and therapists to help you avoid turning back to dagga in the future. If you or someone you know is in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Way Recovery, and one of our addiction specialists will be in contact with you.

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