What are the FACTS we all need to know? Marijuana What are the FACTS we all need to know?

Marijuana is a hot topic.

The active chemical is found in the leaves, stem, flowers and seeds. Marijuana Scientific Name Cannabis Sativa The active chemical is found in the leaves, stem, flowers and seeds. This chemical is called THC

This is the chemical that creates the “high” in marijuana TetraHydroCannibal THC This is the chemical that creates the “high” in marijuana 400+ chemicals many are the same carcinogens (or cancer producing chemicals) found in tobacco

Marijuana has many names: pot weed ganja grass Mary Jane wacky tobaccy gold herb the list goes on…

Pot is stronger than it use to be! The potency of pot is 10x HIGHER than in the past two decades. 3.4 % THC in 1993 36 % THC in recent years

So what’s the big deal? Marijuana Short-term Effect Sense of Calm Relaxation Rush of Pleasure Enhanced Senses Intermediate Effect Panic Paranoia High Anxiety So what’s the big deal? Long-term Effect Reduction of brain matter Dependency & Withdrawals

What are the differences between: Alcohol & Marijuana

Alcohol vs. Marijuana Depressant Depressant, Stimulant, Hallucinogen Moves quickly through bloodstream Moves slowly through fat.

Effects of Marijuana Become more relaxed and physically inactive (Depressant) Become talkative, laugh easily and feel less inhibited (Stimulant) Experience changes in perception (Hallucinogen) --the perception of time goes slower --the perception of space and distances becomes distorted --the senses become sharper

THC on the brain - Maintaining Short Term Memory - Solving Complex Problems Basal Ganglia Hippocampus - Learning Cerebellum - Coordination

Become unmotivated to do the things you used to like to do.

could make you an addict! How many times a week do you have to use THC to have it active in your brain all week? THC is active for 24-48 hours! Only 3 Times a Week could make you an addict!

In the 1950s… TODAY… $

Things that teens have been told about marijuana… It’s natural, an herb, so it’s safe!

Things that teens have been told about marijuana… It’s not addictive. Marijuana does not have withdrawal symptoms like other drugs: severe aches & pains vomiting seizures etc. Marijuana DOES have withdrawal symptoms: Headaches Restlessness Irritability Metallic Taste in Mouth

Many have Things that teens have been told about marijuana… No one has ever died from marijuana. Hallucinations Erratic Behavior Suicide Levy Thamba

Illegal under the age of 21. Even if legalized… Illegal under the age of 21.

Medical Marijuana Marijuana is useful in the treatment of certain medical conditions and the elimination of certain symptoms. THC properties can help with: Reducing Nausea and Vomiting Increasing Appetite after Chemotherapy Managing Pain

K2 is a synthetic marijuana product. Also known as: Spice Cloud 9 Euphoria Herbal Cigarettes

K2 Get high and pass drug tests. It’s legal.

K2 K2 PCP The side effects of K2 are many and serious… Headaches Agitation Vomiting Dangerous Hallucinations Loss of consciousness Elevated Blood Pressure Seizures Increased Heart Rate

Questions/Concerns Mrs. Lau, Bldg 6, Rm 122

The Truth about Marijuana http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana.html