History Used as a form of medication 1800’s wide spread use in France 1890 hemp is the #1 cash crop in the South. 1920’s increase in use for recreation 1930’s anti-marijuana crusades –killer weed 1950’s Gateway drug 1960 Act of Rebellion

Marijuana Classified as “an other drug” Psychoactive chemical--THC Has both stimulant and depressant qualities Debate over Legalization Is considered by some to be an unrecognized drug.

Marijuana Hashish: Potent form made from resin of the dried female flower. THC content of 10 to 20%. Ganja: Taken from the leaves of the plant. THC content of 5 to 8%

Effects of Marijuana Use ROA: Smoke, oral Effects are almost immediate Peak effects occur within the 1 hour after use. Levels drop quickly, but can still be detected up to 12 hours after use in the blood stream. Half-life of 30 hours to 4 day

Marijuana THC content of Marijuana in the US rarely exceeds 8%, typically 4 to 5%. Average joint contains.5 to 1 gram of marijuana. THC content of 5% yields 50 mlgrms. Of THC 25 t0 50% of THC is available in smoke, yielding 12 to 25 mlgrms. Absorption of social smoking is.4 to 12 mlgrms

Immediate Physical and Psychological Effects of Marijuana use Relaxation Altered sense of hearing, time, and vision Dilated pupils Euphoria Increased heart rate and appetite Memory Impairment

Urine Testing Urine testing is completed to identify the metabolites of THC. These metabolites can be detected in the body for 30 to 45 days.

Central Nervous System Recreational Dose –altered perception of time –mild euphoria –slowed reaction time –impaired memory functioning –impairment of coordination

Central Nervous System High/Toxic Dose –intense emotional response –sensory distortion –mild hallucination –anxiety –depersonalization –psychotic episode

Cardiovascular System Increased heart rate Dilation of blood vessels in eyes Pulmonary System Altered lung function Bronchial irritation

Immune System Immune system suppression Reproductive System Reduction of testosterone Reduction in fertility Crosses placental barrier -correlated to cognitive/behavioral problems in children

Tolerance Tolerance develops rapidly, but disappears rapidly too. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, irritability, mild agitation, insomnia, sleep disturbances, and nausea. Dependence: Mild to Moderate Physical and Psychological Dependence

Therapeutic Uses Approved Uses: Marinol (synthetic THC) used as an appetite stimulant for AIDS and cancer patients. Dronabinol treatment for nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. Reduction of muscle spasms in people with Multiple Sclerosis and reduction of intraocular pressure in glaucoma.

Legal Issues LOUISIANA Possession (no quantity specified; usually under 2 oz. in one container): 0-6 months; $500 (1st offense) 0-5 hard labor; up to $2,000 (2nd offense) 0-20 hard labor (3rd offense) Possession with intent to distribute, cultivation or sale: <60 lbs.: 5-30 hard labor; up to $50,000 >=60 lbs.: 5-30 hard labor; $25,000-$50,000; no probation or parole

Legal Issues Possession with intent to distribute, cultivation or sale: >=2000 lbs.: hard labor; $50,000-$200,000; no probation or parole >=10,000 lbs: hard labor; $200,000-$500,000; no probation or parole Sale to minor: penalty doubles Sale within 1,000 ft. of school: at least half of maximum term for offense served without parole or suspension Driver's license suspension: 90 days-1 year