1. OTHER ILLEGAL DRUGS

2.  Mood-altering drugs affect the body’s Central Nervous System (CNS)  The CNS controls what we sense and feel.  There are different classes of mood-altering drugs: - Cannabis (Marijuana) - Hallucinogens - Depressants - Stimulants - Anabolic Steroids

3.  Originates from the plant Cannabis sativa  In a class of its own because it acts like a hallucinogen**, depressant, and a stimulant. 0  Marijuana is the most popular form of cannabis (a possible “gateway drug”) and the most commonly used illegal drug in Canada and world-wide.  Other forms of cannabis include hashish and hash oil  THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) = the psychoactive ingredient (active drug) in cannabis

4.  Marijuana – dried tops, leaves, stems & seeds of Cannabis sativa plant (resembles oregano) = smoked in pipes or in “joints”  Hashish – dried, caked resinous substance found as soft or hard chunks = mixed with tobacco & smoked 0  Hash oil – oily extract = smoked or vapours inhaled  Hashish and Hash oil more concentrated than marijuana  Other names: pot, dope, Mary Jane, spliff, weed, hemp, ganja, “J” or jay, grass, reefer, roach

5. PHYSICAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS IMMEDIATESHORT-TERMLONG-TERM Red eyes  Dry mouth/throat  Short-term memory loss  Increased heart rate  Impaired thinking/concentration  Lack of co-ordination  Anxiety and/or Paranoia  Euphoria (“high feeling”) & Relaxation  Impaired ability to learn  Respiratory Problems  Cancer  Mental Health Problems  Dependence 

6.  In Canada, unlawful possession of marijuana is a criminal offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).  Possession of even small amounts can lead to charges laid, prosecution, a fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment, and a potential criminal record for life. 0  Penalties for larger amounts increases; Trafficking, cultivating (growing), and importing/exporting all carry jail time.  Some individuals may possess a small amount of cannabis for medicinal purposes (lawful use)

7.  Speed up or excite your CNS and other body systems (eg. circulatory system)  Potential effects include: - feeling more alert and energetic - hyperactivity - decreased appetite - feeling of relaxation and/or euphoria - increased pulse and heart rate  Common stimulants: nicotine, caffeine, diet pills, Ritalin, cocaine, crack, speed, methamphetamine, and “club drugs” (eg. GHB and Rohypnol)

8.  Slow down or depress your CNS and other body systems (eg. circulatory system)  Potential effects include: - reduced inhibitions - decreased awareness of events around you - decreased pulse and heart rate - feeling of sleepiness and calmness  Common depressants: alcohol, inhalants (eg. glue or gasoline), opiates (eg. heroin and morphine), painkillers, tranquilizers, and “club drugs”.

9. Narcotics  General term used to refer to drugs that make you feel numb or deaden pain  They are highly addictive painkillers  In North America they have become associated with opioids (opiates), commonly heroin and morphine, and their derivatives  Derived from the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant (Papaver somniferum)

10.  Alter perceptions of the world around the user.  Distort the senses and may cause user’s to see or hear things that don’t actually exist (hallucinations).  Can pose a risk of accidents and injuries because they distort what the user experiences.  Common hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, ecstasy, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms)

11.  Ergogenic or performance-enhancing drugs  Chemical derivatives of the male sex hormone – Testosterone  Medical purposes (some steroids) = to treat certain conditions  Non-medical purposes = to increase training endurance and build muscles  Using them without a prescription is illegal.  Common names: roids, juice, gym candy, pumpers, stackers, hype

12.  Steroids have a number of effects on the sexual characteristics of both males and females.  They can also affect your physical, psychological, and reproductive systems.  Consistent use of steroids can cause the following: Boys & Men – shrunken testicles, impaired sperm production (leading to infertility), breast growth & tenderness, hair loss Girls & Females – irregular or loss of periods (leading to infertility), voice deepening, facial & body hair growth, shrinkage of breasts Both – severe acne, stunted growth, nose bleeds, kidney & liver damage, weakened immune system, increased cholesterol

13. Date Rape Drugs (aka. Club Drugs)  A term given to any drug that is used for the purpose of getting someone intoxicated to the point where forced or non-consensual sexual activity can take place with little to no resistance.  Generally, illegal or pharmaceutical drugs (eg. Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine)  How do you protect yourself? - always be aware of your surroundings - always party with friends you trust - always know who is pouring your drink and never leave it unattended - tell someone you trust if you feel intoxicated or out of control - don’t plan to go home alone