Marijuana: What do you know? Where does Marijuana come from? What is the mind-alternating ingredient in it? Is marijuana weaker or stronger compared to 30 years ago? Marijuana used in small amounts are legal?

Q: Why do young people use marijuana? See their friends or siblings doing it To fit in or be cool See it on TV or hear about it in songs Escape from problems

Marijuana: What do you know? Marijuana can be eaten or smoked? In addition to THC (mind altering drug), there are over 400 other chemicals in it? THC can be detected in your body for weeks? The marijuana sold today is a lot weaker than that sold in the 1960’s? Marijuana used in small amounts are legal? True False

Truth is, marijuana is not just a plant. Marijuana smokers use the dried leaves of the plant called Cannabis sativa. It’s the active chemical ingredient in marijuana, THC, which makes people high. The more THC, the higher the marijuana’s potency.

Q: What is marijuana? Q: What is the name of the mind altering ingredient? It is the leaves, stems, and flowering tops of the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)

Facts About Marijuana: It can act as a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen Has lasting negative effects on your health May be deadly if combined with alcohol or other drugs

What happens when you smoke? It all depends on….. Previous experiences How strong the marijuana is (how much THC it has); User’s expectations How it is taken Other Drugs in your system (You don’t have to copy this…….) Lets see who pays attention. Some people feel …..  nothing,  some feel relaxed,  some feel nervous,  some feel hungry,  some feel anxiety,  some feel paranoid, In other words, you never know what you will get.

Effects of Marijuana (Short term) Distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch) Difficulties thinking and problem solving Increase heart rate Feelings of anxiety or paranoia Loss of motivation Damages short term memory

Effects of Marijuana – Long Term Cancer- marijuana contains many of the same cancer causing agents that are found in tobacco. Breathing Problems- (coughing and wheezing are common). Damages Immune System Changes in the brain (stress, motivation) Emotional Problems

In 2009, over 39,000 teens aged 12–17 were admitted to emergency rooms for marijuana related causes. And in 2009, 64% of teens aged 12–17 in drug treatment were there for marijuana problems.

Some teens have a pretty casual attitude about marijuana—and believe there’s no penalties for growing and dealing. States and the federal government have strict laws against marijuana. Federal law is tough: grow 1–49 plants and you could spend 5 years in prison. Do it twice, and it’s up to 10. In some states, even possession is a felony. And dealing marijuana near schools or to minors brings extra punishment. You can lose your student loan if you sell or grow marijuana while you are receiving educational assistance from the government

One in six (15%) teens reported driving under the influence of marijuana, a number nearly equivalent to those who reported driving under the influence of alcohol (16%). A recent study from a large shock trauma unit found that 20% of automobile crash victims under age 18 tested positive for marijuana. Studies show that accident odds increase significantly when the THC concentration of smoked marijuana is 5% or greater. Combine driving, pot and alcohol and the risk for accidents is even greater.

One Saturday morning, an Ohio man, intoxicated on marijuana and other drugs, crashed his car into Victoria Rogers’ automobile. She was killed. Her two young daughters suffered head and neck injuries, while her niece suffered severe facial injuries requiring plastic surgery Four small children and the driver died in April 2002 when a Tippy Toes Learning Academy van veered off a bustling freeway and hit a concrete bridge abutment. Investigators said the driver, Wesley Hudson, regularly smoked marijuana. The kids had nicknamed him “Smokey.” He was found with marijuana in his pocket at the crash scene.

Q: What effects can marijuana have on you?

Marijuana affects your brain. THC affects the nerve cells in the part of the brain where memories are formed. Marijuana affects your self-control. Marijuana can seriously affect your judgment. Bad decisions are made when under the influence. Marijuana affects your lungs. There are more than 400 known chemicals in marijuana. A single joint contains four times as much cancer-causing tar as a filtered cigarette. Marijuana affects other aspects of your health. Marijuana can limit your body's ability to fight off infection Marijuana is not always what it seems. Marijuana can be laced with other dangerous drugs without your knowledge. "Blunts"--hollowed-out cigars filled with marijuana--sometimes have substances such as crack cocaine, PCP, or embalming fluid added. Know the facts… Marijuana can be addictive. Not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, but some users do develop signs of dependence. In 2011, more than 220,000 people entered drug treatment programs to kick their marijuana habit.

Before you risk it… Know the law. It is illegal to buy or sell marijuana. In most States, holding even small amounts of marijuana can lead to fines or arrest. Get the facts. Smoking any substance--tobacco, marijuana, or crack cocaine--increases your risk of developing pneumonia and other illnesses. Stay informed. It has not yet been proven that using marijuana leads to using other drugs. But very few people use other drugs without first using marijuana. Teens who smoke marijuana are more likely to try other drugs, in part because they have more contact with people who use and sell them. Know the risks. Using marijuana or other drugs increases your risk of injury from car crashes, falls, burns, drowning, and other accidents. Keep your edge. Marijuana affects your judgment, drains your motivation, and can make you feel anxious. Look around you. Most teens aren't smoking marijuana. According to a 2010 study, about four out of five 12- to 17-year- old youths had never even tried marijuana