MARIJUANA THE FACTS

MARIJUANA Has effects on many parts of the body Has more than 400 known chemicals in one joint Is often “laced” with other drugs Is usually the first, and most frequently used, illegal drug Is not used by as many teens as you think!

THC The “active ingredient” in marijuana Is fat soluble May be stored in the body for up to 28 days Is stored in areas of high fat content: the lungs, brain and reproductive organs

AS A HALLUCINOGEN MARIJUANA CAUSES SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS CAUSES USER TO FEEL EUPHORIC ALTERS SENSE OF TIME AND SPACE CAUSES LACK OF CONCENTRATION AND COORDINATION CAUSES MOOD CHANGES

HARMFUL EFFECTS ON THE BODY May cause chronic cough Chronic lung disease, bronchitis, emphysema Irritates air passages Marijuana joints contain more carcinogens than tobacco cigarettes Increased heart rate and appetite Disrupts ovulation and menstrual cycle Decreases sperm count

USING MARIJUANA By young males before and during puberty can have harmful long term effects on their reproductive systems Can dramatically increase the risk of lung diseases!

USING MARIJUANA Slows the process for new learning Reduces inhibitions Impairs the ability to do complex tasks Decreases the effect of the immune system