22.2 Marijuana Marijuana, also known as grass, weed, and pot can be considered a gateway drug. This drug is most often smoked

THC is the main active chemical found in the cannabis plant and mostly affects the brain.

The effects of marijuana can be physiological and psychological. Physiological -Increases heart rate, breathing, blood pressure -Red eyes -Dry mouth

Psychological - Mood varies from calmness to paranoia.

The effects usually last for 3-4 hours But it can be traced in the blood for as long as a month.

The intense “high” from using marijuana is from an increase in a brain chemical called dopamine. This feeling often comes to abrupt end called a “crash”

Inhalants are in the form of common household, industrial, or medical products. Short term most have alcohol like effects with an added effect of hallucinations.

Long term, the effects will damage the brain, liver, and kidneys.

Terms for the way inhalants are used include… Sniffing or snorting Bagging huffing

The many warning signs of inhalant use include… -Chemical odor on breath -Sores around the mouth -Markers in pockets