FACTS ABOUT MARIJUANA PAUL G. BLAZER SENIOR HIGH SOPHOMORE HEALTH BY AJ “DOC” STADELMEYER FALL 2009

Marijuana Often called pot, grass, weed, reefer, dope, mary jane, bud, sinsemilla. It is smoked or eaten. It looks like dried parsley mixed with stems, buds and seeds. It’s main ingredient is Tetrahydrocannabinal, also called THC The scientific name for marijuana is cannabis savita.

Hashish This is another form of marijuana. Also called hash or hash brownies. It is eaten or smoked. It looks like brown or black balls or cakes. Hash oil looks like concentrated syrupy liquid varying in color from clear to black. The oil is mixed with tobacco and smoked.

Tetrahydrocannabinol Also called THC It is the main active ingredient in marijuana and hashish. It can be smoked or taken orally in a pill form. In pill form it looks like soft gelatin capsules.

Effects of Marijuana The immediate effects of marijuana use are blood shot eyes, increased heart rate, dry mouth and throat, increased appetite, short term memory loss, altered sense of space and time, loss of concentration, impaired coordination, impaired vision, paranoia, loss of knowledge retention, coughing, fatigue, dizziness.

Marijuana and Thinking People do not retain knowledge when they are high. You are unable to learn or remember anything when you are high. Comprehension of new information is lost.

Addiction Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence. They develop tolerance to marijuana; they need more and more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug becomes the center of the users life.

Addiction Marijuana is considered highly addictive. Withdrawal from marijuana can last 3 to 6 months.

Other Ingredients Marijuana contains over 421 different chemicals besides THC. Some of these chemicals are 50 to 100% more carcinogenic (cancer causing) than the chemicals in tobacco. Marijuana contains more cancer causing agents than tobacco.

Marijuana Smoke Because marijuana smokers tend to inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, the smoke is more damaging to the lungs and respiratory system than tobacco smoke is.

Marijuana Users The average age for beginning marijuana use today is 12. The younger the user, the worse and longer the effects. Marijuana is a Gateway Drug. 90% of cocaine users smoked marijuana before trying cocaine.

Facts About Marijuana Users They often have a chronic, hacking cough and red eyes. They usually need money and can’t account for where their money has been spent. They often sell or trade personal items from their home for marijuana. They have a low tolerance for rules and authority.

Facts About Marijuana Users II They are often disrespectful to adults. They have poor impulse control, leading to sudden outbursts of laughter, anger or depression. Their thinking and memory are damaged. Often they can’t remember what happened yesterday.

Facts About Marijuana Users III They can’t use their mind for tasks such as school work or jobs. Depression, self-absorption, manipulative behavior, and frequent lying are common. Deteriorating performance in school and at work, along with non-participation in sports and other school activities is common.

Facts About Marijuana Users IV They are prone to legal problems for driving violations, shoplifting, and vandalism. They have poor judgment and show a detachment from reality. They often show drastic changes in behavior, appearance and personality in a short period of time.

Facts About Marijuana Users VI They are usually reluctant to talk about new friends with their parents. They tend to have discipline and grade problems at school, especially after using marijuana for awhile. They usually abandon their old friends for their new drug using friends.

More Information About THC Today’s marijuana smoke contains 5 to 10 times more THC than the marijuana available just 5 years ago. THC can remain in the body’s fat cells for over a month and show up on certain drug tests for up to 3 months. Marijuana with high THC content (3 – 20%) can trigger panic, anxiety, flashbacks, hallucinations, and toxic psychosis.

Legal Information Marijuana has been illegal to possess, use, or sell since It is a Schedule I drug, along with other “hard” drugs like cocaine, heroin, LSD etc. It is a felony in KY to use or possess marijuana. Possession of more than __?__ounces will result in a drug trafficking charge.

Legal Information II Possession or use within 1000 feet of any school is also a separate felony charge.

Short Term Effects Of Marijuana Use Increased heart rate Blood shot eyes Dry mouth and throat Increased appetite Change in body temperature Hallucinations Slowed Reaction Time Decreased vision Decreased coordination Intoxication Confusion Disorientation Short term memory Loss

Short Term Effects of Marijuana Use II Reduced attention span Loss of balance Coughing Anxiety Paranoia Decreased eye pressure Distorted senses and perception of reality Increased blood pressure Relaxation Injuries from accidents Deaths from accidents Legal Problems

Long Term Effects Of Marijuana Use Loss of money and financial security Psychological dependence Asthma, Bronchitis Respiratory System Damage Decreased Sex Drive Infertility Delusions, Panic Schizophrenia Amotivational Syndrome School Problems Family Problems Legal Problems

Long Term Effects Of Marijuana Use II Long term memory loss Brain tissue damage Damage to unborn babies THC Tolerance Immune System Damage Damage to chromosomes, DNA and genes. Cancer of the lung, throat, mouth Emphysema Aggression and hostility

Long Term Effects Of Marijuana Use III Damaged and decreased sperm in males Disrupted menstrual cycles in females Fetal Marijuana Syndrome (similar to FAS) Pituitary gland damage Difficulty in forming concepts and thoughts Hypertension Heart Disease Arteriosclerosis Increased illnesses