I think marijuana…

What is Marijuana? Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves of the hemp plant. You may hear marijuana called by street names such as pot, herb, weed, grass, More than 200 slang terms

How it produces it’s effects All forms of marijuana are mind-altering. In other words, they change how the brain works. They all contain THC (delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active chemical in marijuana. THC- depressant and hallucinogen in brain Stimulant for heart They also contain more than 400 other chemicals. Cannibidiol (more on this later)

Is All Marijuana the Same? Marijuana's effects on the user depend on the strength or potency of the THC it contains. THC potency of marijuana has increased since the 1970s 1980 – 4%THC %THC ave. up to 36%

Routes of Administration Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (called a joint or a nail) or in a pipe or a bong. Also in cigars called “blunts.”

Short term effects problems with memory and learning distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch) trouble thinking and problem-solving loss of coordination increased heart rate (risk of heart attack quadruples within 1 hour of smoking) Anxiety (60% report at least one experience)

Effects on Brain THC suppresses the neurons in the information-processing system of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivation. Researchers have discovered that learned behaviors deteriorate after chronic exposure to THC. Chronic abuse of marijuana also is associated with with impaired verbal reasoning and memory

Effects on Respiratory System Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have daily cough and phlegm symptoms of chronic bronchitis more frequent chest colds Can induce asthma attack Scientists have found signs of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke Contains 50-70% more hydrocarbon carcinogens than cigarette smoke Deposits 4x more tar in lungs than cigarettes

Effects cont. Depression? Sedation Decrease voluntary movement: mellow Lower aggression Block convulsions and reflexes Impair cognition May cause hallucinations, time distortion at higher THC levels

Long Term Effects Lower male sex hormones Impairs focus, attention in chronic users Amotivational syndrome: Depression? Weakened immune system Growth disorders Reduced ability to learn and remember information Lack of motivation Personality and mood changes Destruction of lung fibers and brain lesions could be permanent

Gateway Hypothesis?

Medical Uses? THC- psychoactive chemical that creates “high” CBD (cannabidiol)- chemical that does not create high Being studied for potential medical uses Time article

Colorado Legalization? ms/dor- tax/A64TaskForceFinalRe port.pdf

“Regular marijuana use may contribute to the development of more passive, inward-turning personality characteristics. For numerous middle-class students, the subtly progressive change from conforming, achievement orientated behavior to a state of relaxed and careless drifting has followed their use of significant amounts of marijuana…Such individuals exhibit greater introversion, become totally involved with the present at the expense of future goals, and demonstrate a strong tendency toward regressive, childlike magical thinking.” – William McGlothin

Decriminalization?