Bell Ringer #3 Answer the following question. (2 paragraphs, 5 sentences in each) Is there a drug problem in the City of Harrisonburg? What do you think are the most common drugs used by our citizens? Do you think HHS is affected?

Marijuana

Takes on characteristics of stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. It is the most widely used illicit drug in the U.S. Not legal to grow in the U.S. It’s the 4th most popular drug in the U.S. behind tobacco, alcohol and caffeine (which are all legal).

ACTIVE INGREDIENT- THC THC(Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannibinol) THC levels around 1% in the 1970’s whereas today averages around % and rising all the time Amount of THC determines effectiveness

What is Marijuana Green, brown, or gray mixture of dried,shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant Sinsemilla, hash, and hash oil are stronger forms All forms are mind altering It is usually smoked Placed in paper, in cigarettes, pipes, or cigar wrappers. Often combined with other drugs. There are over 200 slang terms for Marijuana

PARAPHERNALIA

SHORT TERM EFFECTS Sleepiness Difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory Reduced concentration and coordination Increase heart rate Potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease Blood shot eyes Dry mouth and throat Decreased social inhibitions Paranoia and Hallucinations Short term effects last 3-5 hours

LONG TERM EFFECTS Enhanced cancer risk due to carcinogens like those in cigarettes Lower sperm counts and difficulty having children Lung and airway problems like dry coughing and wheezing. More chest colds arise, and are more likely to develop pneumonia and lung infections. Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect Immune system problems arise due to THC damaging the cells and tissues that protect against disease and infection

Marijuana and the Brain Studies show heavy or daily uses of marijuana affects the parts of the brain that control memory, attention, and learning. A working short-term memory is needed to learn and perform tasks that call for more than one or two steps to accomplish. Smoking marijuana causes some changes in the brain that are like those caused by cocaine, heroin, and alcohol.

SIGNS OF MARIJUANA USE Seem dizzy and have trouble walking Seem silly and giggly for no reason Have very red, bloodshot eyes Have a hard time remembering things that just happened Can become very sleepy after effects start to wear off

DRUG TESTING FACTS It is fat-soluble It is stored in the body long after it has been introduced Stored in fatty areas (heart, lungs,liver, brain) THC can stay in the body for as long as 3-6 weeks after other chemicals are gone. (There are over 400 chemicals)

Why do people use it? Influence from family or friends TV, music, or Movies showing/saying that it’s cool Feeling that it helps one escape from problems No matter how many shirts and caps you see printed w/ the leaf, or people saying it’s great or harmless, remember this: Marijuana is illegal to buy, sell, and use!!! And it is very harmful to your body!

Extra Facts Marijuana can make you mess up in school and sports (memory, perception, and judgment issues). Marijuana is a gateway drug that leads to use of harder drugs. Cocaine being the drug of choice for most users that step up. This is due to the brain being affected during the use of Marijuana. Driving is affected. Alertness, reaction time, etc. are diminished with use of marijuana. Marijuana can become addictive over long term use!

Extra Facts, cont. Marijuana use by a pregnant mother can affect the fetus. Usually behavioral problems occur in the child, stemming from the mother’s use of the drug. Marijuana is used as a medicine. THC, the active ingredient, is developed into a pill available by prescription. It’s used to treat nausea and vomiting that occur in some cancer patients. Also used with AIDS patients to help them eat more to keep up their weight.

THE ADDICTION!!! YES!!!, Marijuana use can become addictive. Those long-term users can’t control their urges to seek out and use the drug. A “tolerance” can be developed over a period of time, and may require the user to take more of the drug to achieve the desired effects that they once got from smaller doses.

Want to quit? There are currently no medications to help one stop using marijuana. Treatment facilities are becoming more common. Numerous programs have been developed to help stop using. Doctors are a good source of info for helpful hints.