1. Marijuana Notes

2. What is marijuana?
Dried flowers, seeds and leaves of the Indian hemp plant
Also called-pot, reefer, weed, grass, Astro turf, Texas tea, Hash
The drug is a “hallucinogen” which distorts how the mind perceives the world you live in
The chemical that creates this distortion is known as “THC”

3. How is it Used?
It is the most commonly used “illegal” drug in the world
Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette, also know as a “joint” (picture)
It can also be mixed with food and eaten or brewed as tea

4. Alcohol vs. Marijuana
Alcohol consists of one substance only: “ethanol”
Marijuana has over 400 known chemicals, including some of the same cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke.
People who smoke marijuana tend to hold the smoke in their “lungs” longer than cigarette smokers, causing more damage to the lungs
Alcohol is eliminated in the body within a few hours, but THC stays in the body for weeks, possibly months
THC damages the “immune” system, alcohol does not

5. Effects of Marijuana
When a person smokes a joint, they usually feels its effect within “minutes”
Discomfort to the “lungs”
Can cause chest colds and “sore throats”
Marijuana smokers have poorer “memories” and “mental” aptitude than do non-users

6. Short Term Effects Sensory distortion Panic Anxiety Poor coordination
Lowered reaction time
After an initial up, the user can feel depressed and sleepy
Increased heartbeat
Increase risk of heart attack

7. Long Term Effects Reduced resistance to illness (colds/bronchitis)
Lowered immune system
Growth disorders
Reduction of male sex hormones
Destruction of lung fibers/lesions to the brain
Apathy, drowsiness, lack of motivation
Mood changes