1. M ARIJUANA

2. W HAT IS M ARIJUANA ? Marijuana (Cannabis sativa): A plant which is consumed by the user for the purpose of feeling intoxicated. Also known as: Pot Grass Weed Ganja

3. H OW IS M ARIJUANA USED ? Usually smoked through a variety of methods: Hand rolled cigarette (jont) Pipe Water pipe (bong) Can also be mixed with food/candy Can be brewed to make tea

4. H OW DOES M ARIJUANA WORK ? Mind altering substance Psychoactive Contains more than 400 chemicals Main Chemical? THC Delta-9-TetraHydroCannabinol

5. W HAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF M ARIJUANA ? When marijuana is smoked, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. It is absorbed more slowly when ingested in food or drink. However it is ingested, THC acts on specific molecular targets on brain cells, called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are ordinarily activated by chemicals similar to THC that naturally occur in the body and are part of a neural communication network called the endocannabinoid system. This system plays an important role in normal brain development and function. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

6. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors is found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. Marijuana over activates the endocannabinoid system, causing the “high” and other effects that users experience. These effects include altered perceptions and mood, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and disrupted learning and memory. Marijuana also affects brain development, and when it is used heavily by young people, its effects on thinking and memory may last a long time or even be permanent. A recent study of marijuana users who began using in adolescence revealed substantially reduced connectivity among brain areas responsible for learning and memory.. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

7. O THER EFFECTS OF M ARIJUANA Raises heart rate by 20-30% Paranoia Hallucinations Anxiety attacks Suicidal thoughts Lack of motivation Lack of enjoyment from activities Long term risks include: Schizophrenia, delusions, psychosis

8. I S M ARIJUANA ADDICTIVE ? YES 25-50% of daily users become addicted Users who become addicted and try to quit experience a range of withdrawal symptoms including: Irritability Sleeplessness Decreased appetite Drug craving

9. H OW D OES M ARIJUANA A FFECT A U SER ’ S L IFE ? “Research shows marijuana may cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. Heavy marijuana users generally report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, more relationship problems, and less academic and career success compared to non-marijuana-using peers. For example, marijuana use is associated with a higher likelihood of dropping out of school. Several studies also associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover.” http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

10. H OW CAN MARIJUANA USE BE RECOGNIZED ? Red puffy eyes Burns on thumb/pointer finger Lack of motivation Sudden drop in grades Sudden changes in friends Asking to borrow money regularly

11. D AILY Q UIZ ! 1) Using a complete sentence please define Marijuana in your own words. 2) What are 2 different ways that Marijuana is consumed? 3) What are 2 ways that marijuana can affect a user’s life?