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Marijuana: Avoiding Abuse

Marijuana: Avoiding Abuse. Civil Air Patrol Drug Demand Reduction C/Maj Joshua Pravel. Overview. What is marijuana? How is the drug abused? Who is using the drug? What is a marijuana high caused by? Why do people use the drug? What is so bad about the drug?

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Marijuana: Avoiding Abuse

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  1. Marijuana: Avoiding Abuse Civil Air Patrol Drug Demand Reduction C/Maj Joshua Pravel

  2. Overview • What is marijuana? • How is the drug abused? • Who is using the drug? • What is a marijuana high caused by? • Why do people use the drug? • What is so bad about the drug? • Why is it so widely used despite side effects?

  3. What is Marijuana? • A mixture of leaves, stems, seeds, etc. • Contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and about 400 other chemicals • THC accounts for the potency of the drug

  4. How the drug is abused? • Cigarette (called a “joint” or “nail”) • Cigar (called a blunt) • Food (i.e. cookies, tea, peanut butter, etc.) • Water pipe (or “bong”)

  5. Street names include… “pot,” “grass,” “herb,” “weed,” “Mary Jane,” “reefer,” “skunk,” “boom,” “gangster,” “kif,” “chronic,” and “ganja.” etc.

  6. How many teens are using the drug? • Roughly 48% or teens in the U.S. have used the drug by the time they have started the 12th grade • Number increases due to availability

  7. Sad fact • Marijuana is the most common illegal drug.

  8. A high is caused by… • delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) • THC targets specific areas of the brain called cannabinoid receptors • Highest density of the receptors is found in the parts that influence pleasure and memory.

  9. Marijuana High • Calm feeling or pleasant sensation • Muscle relaxation • Nerve sedative • Hunger • Slowed reflexes • Heightened false perception of understanding

  10. True or False? “It’s just pot… It doesn’t even have any real side effects.”

  11. Correct answer: False • Beyond being illegal, users experience physiological side effects after frequent use such as • Chest colds, bronchitis, asthma • Motivational issues, loss of interest in areas of responsibility, short term memory loss, excuse offerings for behavior • Marijuana tolerance

  12. True or False? “Marijuana is far more addictive than cigarettes and can get a user hooked after one or two uses.”

  13. Correct Answer: False • Tobacco is among one of the most addictive plant based drugs. • It is still very possible to get addicted to Marijuana • Withdraw symptoms include… • Anger • Tired or sluggish behavior • “Colorful” and vivid dreams

  14. Health Issues • Heart effects • Increased heart rate 20 – 100% after intake • Heart palpitations and arrhythmias • Lung effects • Contains 50-70% more carcinogens than tobacco • Dysregulated growth of epithelial cells • “Gateway drug”

  15. Common Question “If marijuana is bad for you, why is it so commonly used?”

  16. Why? • Marijuana is easily obtained • Teens are often misguided or misinformed • Teens are unaware of the side effects • Marijuana has become more acceptable by the media • Other family members or peers may encourage use.

  17. In Conclusion… • Marijuana is harmful to the body • A majority of marijuana users are 12 - 21. • Your friends may ask you to smoke with them • Develop a way to keep from using the drug • Drug abuse is not tolerated in the U.S. military or Civil Air Patrol • Do not miss out on career opportunities

  18. Any questions?

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