170 likes | 279 Views
Marijuana and Teenagers. What is Cannabis and Marijuana?. Cannabis is the plant. Marijuana comes from the dried tops, leaves, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant, which somewhat resembles oregano.
E N D
What is Cannabis and Marijuana? • Cannabis is the plant. • Marijuana comes from the dried tops, leaves, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant, which somewhat resembles oregano. • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and marijuana is its most popular form.
Five Myths about Marijuana • Marijuana is Harmless • Sure, it does not kill you directly, but regular use has been shown to be associated with long-term problems, including poor academic performance, memory loss and lung cancer. • Marijuana is Not Addictive • More teens each year enter treatment centres with marijuana as their main substance abused • Marijuana is addictive and people become dependent on it • Marijuana is not as Bad as Cigarettes • Pot actually contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco • Smoking marijuana may increase the risk of cancer more than smoking tobacco does
Five Myths about Marijuana Cont’d • Driving while High is safer than Driving Drunk • Marijuana affects alertness, concentration, perception coordination and reaction time – essential skills required for safe driving • I can smoke Pot and still get straight A’s • Researchers have found that heavy use may be especially problematic during teen’s peak learning years, when the brain is still developing, since it impairs your ability to concentrate and retain information • You may be doing well but you will never know if smoking pot is inhibiting your true academic potential
Five Facts about Marijuana • Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in Canada • 44% of Canadians say they have used marijuana at least once in their lifetime • In Ontario, male students are more likely to use marijuana than females (28% vs 25%) • 3% of Grade 7 students have tried marijuana in the past year • About 1 in 8 students (12%) who use marijuana use it every day. This is about 3% of all grade 7 to 12 students in Ontario (about 33,200 students)
Reason why young people choose to use marijuana • Have a good time • Experiment • Relax • Relieve boredom • Cope with problems • Be one of the crowd • Be different
Reasons why young people choosenot to use marijuana • Health risks • Safety risks • It’s illegal • Waste of money • Bad effects on school or their future career choices • Escape problems instead of deal with them • It may upset their friends and family
Activity – Independently • Answer the questions below from Pg. 242 - 246 • How long will the effects of marijuana last ? • What are some of the physical and psychological effects of marijuana? • What are some withdrawal symptoms of marijuana? • What are the immediate, short-term, and long-term effects of marijuana use? • Is having marijuana in your possession still a criminal offence?
Question 1 • How long will the effects of marijuana last? 2 to 4 hours
Question 2 What are some of the physical and psychological effects of marijuana? • Respiratory system • Damage to the respiratory system • Marijuana smoke contains more tar and higher amounts of cancer-producing chemicals • The mind • Problems with memory, concentration, and the brain’s ability to organize and process complex information • Mental and emotional system • Possible symptoms of schizophrenia worse than people who already have it • Pregnancy • During pregnancy can have a negative effect on the mental development of a child • Dependence • Will gradually need more to get the same effect
Question 3 • What are some withdrawal symptoms of marijuana? Anxiety Irritability Sleeping Problems Sweating Loss of Appetite
Question 4 • What are the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of marijuana use? • Immediate: • Red eyes, Dry mouth/throat, Short-term memory loss, Enhanced sensory perception, Paranoia, Increase HR, Anxiety, Concentration problems, and Trouble with problem solving • Short-term: • Short-term memory loss, Paranoia, Lack of coordination, Anxiety, Concentration problems and Trouble with problem solving • Long-term: • Cancer, Respiratory problems, Mental health problems and Dependence
Question 5 • Is having marijuana in your possession still a criminal offence? YES!!!!!
Homework • Review all your notes for Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana. • Finish any incomplete worksheets from this health unit. • Quiz next class, on Tuesday, November 23, 2010. • Reminder: BRING YOUR POOL STUFF!!!