THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA By: Carson McIntosh/Block C

What is Marijuana It is the most commonly used drug in Canada Marijuana is dried leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds from the Hemp Plant It is green, grey, or brown in color It contains a mind Hallucinating chemical called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) There are many ways of use for this drug including smoking a joint, pipe, bong, even baking food with marijuana in it is a way

The Gateway Drug Marijuana is greatly known as “The Gateway Drug” because it is often the first drug people do They think the effects of Marijuana are smaller than the effects of other drugs People use Marijuana to mask or forget any bad or unwanted feelings At first this works but when it can no longer get you high anymore people tend to turn to more potent drugs to mask their problems

Risks & Effects Change Mood (When you’re not high or when you’re out of the drug) impair body movements Cause difficulty thinking Permanently effect memory Effects brain development (when done at a young age) Breathing Problems Use of Marijuana while pregnant leads to brain and behavioral problems in the baby Studies also show that early use can lead to depression and anxiety Although Marijuana itself can’t kill you it has been known to be laced with other, much more potent drugs such as meth, fentanyl, cocaine, etc.

Facts on Marijuana Approximately 90% of Marijuana seized in Canada came from the provinces of B.C, Quebec, and Ontario Stats show that for approximately ever 800 tones of Marijuana delivered only 50 is seized In 2013 close to 75,000 Canadian’s were busted for Marijuana offences Studies believe that almost 30% of production of all Marijuana is done in Canada

How it Specifically Effects the Brain THC affects the interplay between chemicals called Neurotransmitters, it also affects communication between neurons and brain circuits Cannabinoids regulate how the cells communicate without them the brain would be overwhelmed with the amount of signals “jumping around” Affects the EC system (Endocannabinoid System) when the THC enhanced cannabinoid crosses over from neuron to neuron into its receptor. When the THC attaches to these receptors it disrupts the EC system

P.S.A Don’t Do Marijuana!!!!