Marijuana

Introduction  Background of Cannabis  Produced from a weedlike plant: Cannabis Sativa (Hemp)  Many uses:  Rope, cloth, paper  Seeds are used for oil Psychoactive agent = ∆ 9 Tetrahydocannabinol (THC) **Found in all parts of the plant, but concentrated in the sticky resin secreted the flowing tops of ♀ plants.

Tetrahydocannabinol (THC)  THC is readily absorbed through the lungs and into blood plasma.  After levels of THC reach their peak it is stored in liver and fatty tissues in various organs throughout the body.  Since THC is the main active chemical in marijuana, the amount of THC in marijuana determines its strength or potency and therefore its effects.  The THC content of marijuana has been increasing since the 1980s.  In general, standard urine tests can detect traces (metabolites) of THC several days after use. In heavy users, however, THC metabolites can sometimes be detected for weeks after use stops.

Cannabis  Cannabis, also known as marijuana, and by numerous other names, is a preparation of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug and as medicine.

What is Marijuana?  Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp, or cannabis, plant.  It goes by many different names—pot, herb, weed, grass, reefer, ganja, Mary Jane—and stronger forms include sinsemilla (sin-seh-me- yah), hashish (“hash” for short), and hash oil.  Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals.

The Body and Marijuana

Lungs  Significant damage and destruction of the air sacs of the lungs.  Reduces the ability to bring in O2 and remove CO2  Marijuana smoke deposits 4x more tar in the lungs and contains 50% to 70% more cancer- causing substances than tobacco.  One major research study reported that a single cannabis joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as up to five regular cigarettes smoked one after another.  Long-time joint smokers often suffer from bronchitis, an inflammation of the respiratory tract.

Immune System  Marijuana depresses immune systems’ ability to protect itself and body against invaders.  Organs and Glans Affected  Thymus  Lymph Systems  Spleen  Stomach  Bone Marrow

Endocrine System  Marijuana damages the network of glans, organs, and hormones involved in growth and development, energy levels and reproduction.  Organs and Glands affected  Pituitary Gland  Thyroid Gland  Stomach  Pancreas  Adrenal Glans  Testis

Reproductive Systems Male & Female  Males  Changes the structure of sperm cells, Deforming them.  Small amounts of marijuana can temporary sterilize a man.  Decreases sperm count and movement.  Lowers sex-drive  Females  Egg Damage  Suppression of ovulation  Disrupted menstrual cycles  Alteration of hormone levels

Heart  Speeds up heartbeat as much as 50 % and will last for 3 hours after being smoked.  Increases blood pressure  Great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease.

Eyes  Eyes look sleepy, and blood-shot with dilated pupils.

Brian & Central Nervous System  Marijuana (THC) is an extremely powerful and pleasurable intoxicant.  It affects, alters, and damages brain cells controlling the following.  Thinking  Emotion  Pleasure  Coordination  Mood  Memory

Brain & Central Nervous System  The pituitary gland is also damaged which regulates the following  Hunger  Thirst  Blood Pressure  Sexual Behavior  Release of sex hormones

Other Affects on Central Nervous System  Distortions of perception, thinking, and reality  Difficulty in forming concepts and thoughts  Poor concentration  Mental confusion  Loss of motivation  Wide mood swings  Aggression and hostility  Depression, anxiety, and paranoia

Clogged Synapses, Brain Damage, and Addiction  Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between nerves cells in the brain – called ‘synapses.’  This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing transfer of critical information.  Long term use can cause the brain to stop producing brain chemicals necessary to ‘feel goo’ – a negative feedback condition causing the user to become chemically addicted to the drug.

Affects on a Developing Fetus  Studies suggest that children of mothers who used marijuana while pregnant may have subtle brain changes that can cause difficulties with the following  Problem-solving skills  Memory  Attention

Marijuana Withdrawals  The symptoms are similar in type and severity to those of nicotine withdrawal such as  Irritability  Sleeping difficulties  Anxiety  Craving  Peaking a few days after regular marijuana use has stopped.  Withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for someone to stay off marijuana.

Medical uses of Marijuana

Medical Marijuana  Although several states have passed laws allowing medical use of marijuana the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it to treat any diseases.  We do know the marijuana plant does contain ingredients to could contain important medical uses.

Medical Marijuana Continued  Currently, two pill versions of THC, marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient, have been approved to treat nausea in cancer chemotherapy patients and to stimulate appetite in some patients with AIDS.  A new product that is a chemically controlled mixture of THC and cannabidiol (another chemical found in the marijuana plant) is available in several countries outside the United States as a mouth spray.

Health Risks with Medical Marijuana  It’s important to remember that because marijuana is usually smoked into the lungs and has ingredients that can vary from plant to plant, its health risks may outweigh its value as a treatment.  Scientists continue to investigate safe ways that THC and other marijuana ingredients can be used as medicine.

Marijuana in Colorado

First to Legalize  Colorado began allowing the sale of recreational marijuana on January 1, 2014 to anyone age 21 or older.  Colorado became the first state in the nation to open recreational marijuana stores and became the first place in the world where marijuana will be regulated from seed to sale.

Tax  Retail marijuana will have a 25% state tax -- plus the usual state sales tax of 2.9% -- making recreational marijuana one of the most heavily taxed consumer products in Colorado.  Some communities are adding even more taxes to the product.

Difference between Medical and Recreational  Medical marijuana won't face the additional taxes.  Medicinal marijuana in Colorado still requires a physician's recommendation, and the dispensaries will be separate outlets from the recreational marijuana retailers.

Who can buy recreational marijuana?  If you are 21 or older, you can buy up to an ounce at a licensed store, as long as you have a Colorado ID.  People from outside Colorado can buy a quarter ounce.  It's illegal to possess and use marijuana if you're under 21.

Laws on where the marijuana can be consumed.  You won't be allowed to smoke marijuana in public and, in fact, can't even smoke in the marijuana shop or other establishments governed by the state's Clean Indoor Air Act.  That leaves the smoking to private properties, with the owner's permission.  Communities and counties can still choose not to allow recreational marijuana stores in their local jurisdictions, and a good many towns have, such as Colorado Springs and Greeley.

Marijuana DUI  A motorist in Colorado can be ticketed for impaired driving if his or her blood shows more than 5 nanograms of active THC, the active constituent of marijuana.

Federal Law vs. State Law  Federal law says the drug's possession, manufacture, and sale is illegal, punishable by up to life in prison.  Federal law does out weigh state law.