 The Truth About Marijuana

What is it?  Dried leaves and flowers of cannabis plant.  Active ingredients are THC (psychoactive) and CBD (anti-anxiety & painkiller)  THC stays in the body for several weeks  A person can be under the effects of THC even though the “high” has worn off.

How is it used?  Smoked, ingested, or taken as a pill.  Used to get a feeling of calmness and/or euphoria  Other short term effects include increased heart-rate, reddening of the eyes, talkativeness, and giddiness.

How is it used?  Some people get quiet and reflective  Nearly all users report a change in how they perceive time.  Large doses can cause anxiety and paranoia

Medical Uses Synthet ic THC can:  Lessen nausea – cancer patients  Increase appetite – AIDS patients  Treat glaucoma (build up of pressure in eyeball)  Synthetic THC produces very little euphoria

Effects of Marijuana Use THE BRAIN:  Interferes with balance, posture, and coordination  Interferes with short-term (and possibly long term) memory

Effects of Marijuana Use THE BRAIN, continued:  Alters all five senses: taste, touch, sight, hearing, smell  Changes in emotions during withdrawal (similar to cocaine, heroin, and alcohol withdrawal)

Effects of Marijuana Use THE LUNGS:  Marijuana leaves have more coal tar than tobacco leaves  Increased risk of chest colds, bronchitis, and lung cancer  Two marijuana cigarettes have the same carcinogenic potential as a pack of regular cigarettes

Effects of Marijuana Use THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM:  Decreases testosterone production  Can cause breast tissue to develop in males

Effects of Marijuana Use PERSONALITY  “Amotivational syndrome” – lack of motivation  Lethargy, lack of focus, and inability to concentrate on future goals  Homework, graduating high school, getting a part-time job, not showing up to hang out with friends...

What does it mean to “develop a tolerance” to marijuana? Needing more and more of a drug to get the same effect.