Cannabis Where does it come from? *cannabis sativa, a type of hemp plant * Hash comes from resin of plant-a bit more potent; has more of the active ingredient THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol * Hash oil History - smoked or used for literally thousands of years; it served religious functions in India & used for medical reasons in China

Cannabis - History  in Colonial America, cannabis was farmed for its fiberous material, hemp, and was important crop until after Civil War  hash and marijuana brought to attention of western world in 1800s  primarily used in US as a medicine for various ills, not for its mind altering properties  prohibition sparked increased usage in 1920s (tea pads)  by 1937, most states had laws forbidding non-medical use of marijuana  Marijuana Tax Act of 1937  penalties grew more strict, even in 1960s when smoking pot was popular until early 1970s when laws eased

Cannabis Strict laws and social taboos on use of the drug despite commission reports and scientific findings throughout this century stating that marijuana not that harmful to user or society; nor has it been found to be as seriously “addictive” as other psychoactive drugs

Cannabis Effects  Physiological: smoking is most efficient way to use it (holding it in…); peak levels in minutes, with highs usually lasting 2-4 hours  raises serotonin levels; lowers ACH; increases heart rate; dry mouth, hunger, sedation and drowsiness may occur  Anandamide, a naturally occurring brain chemical, and THC bind to same protein in brain cells; 2-AG is another chemical similar to THC that exists in our brains

Cannabis  Psychological / Reasons for use  medical reasons for usage: in 1996, California and Arizona were first to pass laws permitting medical use of marijuana 1. Nausea (aids, chemo pts.) 2. as appetite stimulant 3. glaucoma **pot not in pill form is still a Schedule I drug except in a few states; synthetic versions of THC, such as Marinol, are absorbed more slowly

Cannabis - Prevalence the most frequently used illegal drug in US 33% have used it at least once in their lifetimes, including president and politicians! - pot use hit a peak in late 70s and has declined in all age groups since then

NHSDA Marijuana Use % (2004) LifetimePast yrPast mo Total & older Male female

Cannabis  Negative effects - withdrawal symptoms that may occur after heavy use include: 1.nausea 2.irritability 3.sleep problems - apathy, decrease in motivation - short-term memory impairment (hippocampus, 2-AG may play role in memory loss) - impaired driving - may trigger paranoia, usually mild forms

Cannabis - Negative Effects - chronic use associated with low sperm count, abnormal sperm formation and motility, and possible male impotence; enlarged breasts in males has also been reported. - in females, failure to ovulate has been noted -if used during pregnancy may be associated with low birth weight, premature birth (but these women may also be smokers, drinkers) - lung damage; associated with cancer? - pot as a “gateway” drug? (Adolescents tend to use drugs in this sequence: cigarettes, alcohol, pot, cocaine-heroin) **

MEDIA SPOTS