In Paraguay, cannabis cultivation occurs mainly in the departments of Alto

Paraná, Amambay, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Canindeyú, Concepción, Itapúa and San Pedro.
[7]
To make pressed bricks, marijuana is harvested, allowed to dry, and compressed in
a hydraulic press.[8]
Adulterated brick weed
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Sometimes brick weed is adulterated with other binding substances including industrial
glues such as Neoprene, tar, ammonia, bitumen, petroleum-derived hydrocarbons, dog
food or even human or animal excrement.[7][8][unreliable source] to make it cheaper, thus being of
poorer quality. Its use is strongly discouraged due to the contamination and toxicity of
adulterants.
Low quality cannabis
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People involved in the production of pressed marijuana often have little or no
knowledge about cannabis cultivation, so, during the process, large amounts
of trichomes (the most psychoactive part) are wasted, while leaves, stems and seeds are
included,[8] which should be avoided. Little care is taken when the branches are left in the
sun to dry them; As they are stacked on top of each other, moisture is retained and
certain parts begin to rot, parts that will be negligently incorporated into the final
product.[8] In some cases, marihuana prensada contains no marijuana, but grass. [9]
Despite its poor quality, its use is widely spread among the lower classes
throughout South America.[10]
Marihuana prensada is the most harmful derivative of marijuana, being more toxic than
natural marijuana. [9] It is difficult to determine the effects on the human body because
its ingredients vary greatly depending on who makes it. In addition, at customs
crossings at international borders, it is remixed with other products to mask the smell of
cannabis.
The combustion of petroleum and mineral tar increases the risk of cancer in the
respiratory tract. Neoprene, a glue considered a drug, contributes to further addiction to
the product, especially if it contains toluene. In addition to
serious neurodegenerative damage, it can also damage vital organs such as the liver,
heart or brain, affecting cognitive function. [9]