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Marijuana. What is Marijuana?. A green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leavers of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Contains more than 400 chemicals, including most of the harmful substances found in tobacco.
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What is Marijuana? • A green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leavers of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. • Contains more than 400 chemicals, including most of the harmful substances found in tobacco. • The active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), which is responsible for its mind altering effects. • THC starts a series of cellular reactions that lead to the high that is experienced when smoking marijuana. • The more THC, the more potent and dangerous the “weed”. • Marijuana is usually smoked in a cigarette, pipe, or “blunt”, but also may be mixed in food or brewed as a tea.
Street Names • Mary Jane • Weed • Chronic • Reefer • Pot • Grass • Boom • Gangster • Bud • Ganja • Hash • Hydro • Mary Jane
Short Term Effects of Marijuana Use • Problems with memory and learning • Distorted perception • Difficulty with thinking and problem solving • Loss of coordination • Increased heart rate • Increased anxiety • Panic Attacks • Red, bloodshot eyes • Dry mouth (cotton mouth) • Hunger (the munchies) • Paranoia • Increased tolerance • Burnout • Amotivational Syndrome
Health Effects • Weakened immune system • Increased risk of lung or oral cancer • Frequent chest colds and pneumonia • Chronic bronchitis • Infertility • Heightened risk of lung infections • High risk of development of cancer of the head or neck • Damage to short term memory • Can lead to addiction
Effects on Learning and Social Behavior • Depression • Anxiety • Personality disturbances • Impaired memory and learning • Lower grades • Negative attitudes towards school
Marijuana Withdrawal • Symptoms: • Disruptions in mood • Increase in anxiety • Increase in depression • Increase in restlessness • Anxiety • Difficulty sleeping
Facts about Marijuana • It is the most widely used illegal drug in the United States. • In 2006, 97.8 million Americans aged 12 and older tried marijuana at least once in their lifetimes. • Smoking one marijuana cigarette deposits approximately four times the amount of tar into the lungs than a filtered tobacco cigarette. • It is an addictive drug with significant health consequences. • It is considered a “gateway” drug, leading to the use of other illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroine. • Being in a room with marijuana smoke can cause a “contact high” from just breathing. • A charge of marijuana possession can carry a very expensive fine and imprisonment. • It affects many safe skills required for safe driving: alertness, concentration, coordination, and reaction time.