Marijuana “ Cannabis Plant”

Marijuana“Cannabis Plant”

Drug Classification • Not clearly defined - undefined • has reactions similar to the use of tobacco (stimulant) • has reactions similar to those of alcohol use (depressant)

Gateway Drug • Users often become use to the effects of marijuana, causing them to need more and more to attain the desired effects – tolerance. • Because of this tolerance that is developed, people tend to search for other drugs that will deliver the results they desire – hence the gateway to other drugs.

What is in it? • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) • Other drugs are often dried in marijuana • lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) – hallucinogen • heroin - narcotic • cocaine - stimulant • It is impossible to know if marijuana has been laced with another drug (until the effects kick in)

Methods of use • Inhalation • Smoked in a cigarette (aka joint) • Smoked in a pipe or bong • In wrapping of a cigar (combines harmful effects of tobacco with marijuana) • Ingestion • Cooked in food or brewed as tea

Effect on Brain • THC binds to the membranes of specific nerve cells in the brain called cannabinoid receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the “high” that users experience.

Effect on Brain • Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence: • pleasure • memory • thoughts • concentration • sensory and time perception • coordinated movement.

Short-Term effects • Physical: • phlegm production in lungs (toxins irritating lung tissue) • increased heart rate (20-100%) • increased risk of heart attack in first hour after use • thought to be attributed to Marijuana effect on blood pressure, heart rate and a reduced capacity for the blood to carry/deliver oxygen to cells of the body. • Mental/Emotional: • distorted perceptions • impaired coordination • difficulty in thinking and problem solving (impaired judgment) • problems with learning and memory • slurred speech and blurred vision (double vision)

Long-Termeffects • Physical: • increased risk for lung infection • coughing and/or wheezing • increased risk for emphysema or lung cancer • due to irritants and carcinogens in the lungs • weakened immune system • THC impairs the ability for immune cells to fight off infectious disease (bacterial) and even cancer (tumors). • increased risk of heart attack • rapid increase in heart rate

Long-Termeffects • Mental/Emotional: • increased feelings of anxiety and/or depression • psychological addiction • an inability to control the urge to seek out marijuana • Marijuana is insidious – meaning that long-term effects sneak up on you over years of use. • Not as readily evident as other drugs

Addiction &Withdrawal • Psychological Addiction: • Mind sends messages to the body to seek out desired substance • can be connected to social events • parties • hanging out with particular people • can be connected to feelings too • sadness • anger • Withdrawal symptoms: • Irritability, aggression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances

Conclusion • Marijuana is not a “safe drug” • Marijuana has many similar effects to the use of tobacco. • it irritates the lungs with carcinogens • it weakens the immune system • The short-term pleasure does not outweigh the risks associated with using marijuana!

Street names • Weed • Pot • Chronic, • Mary Jane • Aunt Mary • Boom • Bud • Ganja • Herb • Magic Smoke • Reefer • Sticky Icky • Torch

Marijuana “ Cannabis Plant”