MARIJUANA Gateway drug?? What does that mean?

What’s the Big Deal About Marijuana? “But it’s only marijuana” or “it’s only alcohol,” you say. “It’s a rite of passage.” “Teens are expected to experiment.” Not any more. The world has changed, and so have the drugs. In fact, the marijuana of today is stronger than ever before. Todays marijuana is 10x more powerful than that of previous generations. HGM is also made to order. Drug and alcohol use can lead to many negative consequences, including bad grades, broken friendships, family problems, trouble with the law, etc.

Grass Pot Weed Bud Mary Jane Dope Indo Hydro 420 Acapulco Gold BC Bud Buddha Wacky Tabacky Cheeba Chronic Ganja Green Goddess Herb Homegrown KGB (Killer Green Bud) Kindbud Locoweed Shake Sinsemilla Skunk

Most important, teens’ brains and bodies are still developing, and substance use can interfere with their emerging independence and efforts to establish their own identity. Drug and alcohol use can change the direction of a young person’s life – physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. It can weaken the ability to concentrate and retain information during a teen’s peak learning years, and impair judgment leading to risky decision making that could involve sex or getting into a car with someone under the influence of drugs. “Experimentation,” even with marijuana, can also lead to addiction. Not everyone progresses from use to abuse to addiction, but it is a dangerous road and there is no way to know who will become addicted and who won’t.

most commonly used illicit drug 6.8% of high school students reported using marijuana in the past month Nearly 69 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime

A mind-altering (psychoactive) drug, hallucinogens A green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant A mind-altering (psychoactive) drug, hallucinogens 1 joint = 20 cigarettes Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol cultivated marijuana contains 10x more THC than wild marijuana

THC can also be stored in brain, lungs, ovaries, and testes. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active chemical and is stored in fat cells for long periods of time (stored up to 30 days) THC can also be stored in brain, lungs, ovaries, and testes. THC content is rising 1960’s THC level = 1-2% 1990’s THC level = 21% 2015 THC In excess of 30% It is stronger and more damaging!!!

Problems caused by Marijuana Decreases blood sugar Anxiety/Panic reactions Lung Problems Dilated Pupils Red Eyes Weakens immune system Impairs Motor Control Slows reaction time Short-term memory loss Visual Impairment Warps time sense Increases Heart Rate

Quick Facts Reaction time for motor skills, such as driving is reduced by 41% after smoking 1 joint and is reduced 63% after smoking 2 joints average age of first trying marijuana is 11-12 years old!!!

Marijuana and Addiction Raises levels of dopamine-produces a pleasurable feeling. Can be intense. Can wear off dramatically-Crash Users get addicted to the dopamine release (intense pleasurable feeling)

Physical Consequences Most Significant During Developmental Stage Teens especially-reproductive organs Males-sperm production and testosterone levels lower Females- raises testosterone levels

Gateway Drug??? Marijuana, Tobacco and Alcohol are all considered Gateway drugs. It is an indicator that if any of the three have been used it is a good possibility that the user will move on to use more dangerous and addictive drugs. This does NOT mean that every person will do this.