Marijuana Notes

What is marijuana? Dried flowers, seeds and leaves of the Indian hemp plant Also called-pot, reefer, weed, grass, Astro turf, Texas tea, Hash The drug is a “hallucinogen” which distorts how the mind perceives the world you live in The chemical that creates this distortion is known as “THC”

How is it Used? It is the most commonly used “illegal” drug in the world Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette, also know as a “joint” (picture) It can also be mixed with food and eaten or brewed as tea

Alcohol vs. Marijuana Alcohol consists of one substance only: “ethanol” Marijuana has over 400 known chemicals, including some of the same cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke. People who smoke marijuana tend to hold the smoke in their “lungs” longer than cigarette smokers, causing more damage to the lungs Alcohol is eliminated in the body within a few hours, but THC stays in the body for weeks, possibly months THC damages the “immune” system, alcohol does not

Effects of Marijuana When a person smokes a joint, they usually feels its effect within “minutes” Discomfort to the “lungs” Can cause chest colds and “sore throats” Marijuana smokers have poorer “memories” and “mental” aptitude than do non-users

Short Term Effects Sensory distortion Panic Anxiety Poor coordination Lowered reaction time After an initial up, the user can feel depressed and sleepy Increased heartbeat Increase risk of heart attack

Long Term Effects Reduced resistance to illness (colds/bronchitis) Lowered immune system Growth disorders Reduction of male sex hormones Destruction of lung fibers/lesions to the brain Apathy, drowsiness, lack of motivation Mood changes