1. Marijuana
Cannabis describes any of the different drugs that come from Indian hemp including marijuana and hashish.
Street names - pot, reefer, grass, weed, dope, ganja, maryjane, sinsemilla.
Looks like - dried parsley, with stems or seeds, rolled into cigarettes or cigars
Used - smoked or eaten
Effects - usually felt within a few minutes and peak within the first 30 minutes
Increased heart rate
Lessened coordination and balance
A dreamy, unreal state of mind
Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals.
A typical user inhales more smoke and holds it longer than he would with a
cigarette; a joint creates a severe impact on the lungs.
Consuming one joint gives as much exposure to cancer causing chemicals as
smoking 5 cigarettes.
Marijuana can stay in the body for weeks to months depending on usage.

2. Short term effects Long Term Effects Sensory distortion Panic Anxiety
Poor coordination of movement
Lowered reaction time
After the initial “up” the user feels sleepy or depressed
Increased heartbeat (and risk of heart attack)
Long Term Effects
Weakened immune system, reduced resistance to common illnesses.
Growth disorders
Increase of abnormally structured cells in the body
Reduction of male sex hormones
Rapid destruction of lung fibers and lesions (injuries) to the brain can be permanent
Reduced sexual capacity
Reduced ability to learn and retain information
Apathy, drowsiness, lack of motivation
Personality and mood changes
Inability to understand things clearly

3. 1. Marijuana now exists in forms that are stronger - w/ higher levels of THC, than in the 60's.
2. Teens who rely on marijuana as a chemical crutch and refuse to face the challenges of growing up never learn the emotional, psychological, and social lessons of adolescence.
3. Some studies are linking marijuana use to congenital abnormalities in children of chronic users.