Marijuana Cannabis describes any of the different drugs that come from Indian hemp including marijuana and hashish. Street names - pot, reefer, grass, weed, dope, ganja, maryjane, sinsemilla. Looks like - dried parsley, with stems or seeds, rolled into cigarettes or cigars Used - smoked or eaten Effects - usually felt within a few minutes and peak within the first 30 minutes Increased heart rate Lessened coordination and balance A dreamy, unreal state of mind Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals. A typical user inhales more smoke and holds it longer than he would with a cigarette; a joint creates a severe impact on the lungs. Consuming one joint gives as much exposure to cancer causing chemicals as smoking 5 cigarettes. Marijuana can stay in the body for weeks to months depending on usage.

Short term effects Long Term Effects Sensory distortion Panic Anxiety Poor coordination of movement Lowered reaction time After the initial “up” the user feels sleepy or depressed Increased heartbeat (and risk of heart attack) Long Term Effects Weakened immune system, reduced resistance to common illnesses. Growth disorders Increase of abnormally structured cells in the body Reduction of male sex hormones Rapid destruction of lung fibers and lesions (injuries) to the brain can be permanent Reduced sexual capacity Reduced ability to learn and retain information Apathy, drowsiness, lack of motivation Personality and mood changes Inability to understand things clearly

1. Marijuana now exists in forms that are stronger - w/ higher levels of THC, than in the 60's. 2. Teens who rely on marijuana as a chemical crutch and refuse to face the challenges of growing up never learn the emotional, psychological, and social lessons of adolescence. 3. Some studies are linking marijuana use to congenital abnormalities in children of chronic users.