1. The Real Facts About Marijuana: Information for Teens
The Real Facts about Marijuana: Information for Teens was created by the Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families, a school-community coalition in mid-Macomb County Michigan. It provides research-based information from national sources, including the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Community Anti- Drug Coalitions of America, and others.
This curriculum power point was piloted in three high school health classes and takes approximately 2 hours to present, with discussion.
A Message to Teachers and Others Using Information: The Facts About Marijuana
Many youth today have misconceptions and much misinformation about marijuana.
The intention of this power point, with video, is to provide accurate, research-based information to educate youth about the real dangers of marijuana use, especially within adolescence.
This power point is intended to be used as an instructional unit for students in high school health or other classes and/or for educational presentations to youth groups in other settings, e.g. churches, recreational centers, etc.
When some youth are provided with information about the dangers of marijuana use, they may respond with adamant disbelief, given their lack of factual information and the likelihood that some are marijuana users. In piloting this unit, we discovered that expressions of disbelief can lead to stimulating and helpful discussions. We have also found it constructive to take the following positions, in presenting this information:
I am not trying to convince you of anything. I am providing you with research-based information to consider.
You might do some research yourself to see what you discover. I can give you some sources to review.
Is that idea based on research or someone’s opinion?
Information to Assist in Using this Curriculum Power Point:
Many of the slides have accompanying information. These include Teacher Notes that provide supplemental information for teachers. Other slides may have Teacher Comments, statements found useful during the piloting of the curriculum to enhance student learning. Some Teacher Comments are purposefully informal to be “student friendly”. In addition, some slides will provide suggested Group Activities to promote discussion. A Supplement to this Curriculum PowerPoint, Youth Marijuana Prevention Activities, a Teaching Guide from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, is available at and and provides lesson plans and reproducible activities that can be used independently or as an enhancement to this curriculum. It contains a suggested activity to promote parent-student discussion. A Bibliography/Resource List for The Real Facts about Marijuana: Information for Teens is also available at these websites.

2. What is Marijuana? Also called “pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, or MJ”
Greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa—the hemp plant
Primary chemical is Delta 9 – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Teacher Notes:
(A reminder – some of the following slides will have TEACHER COMMENTS, statements that may be used in class to enhance the lesson and/or TEACHER NOTES, supplemental information for teachers)
Marijuana—often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane, or MJ—is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa—from the hemp plant. Most users smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints or some use pipes or water pipes called bongs. Marijuana cigars, or blunts, are also used. To make blunts, users slice open cigars, remove some of the tobacco, and mix the remainder with marijuana (Timberlake, 2009). Marijuana also is used to brew tea and sometimes is mixed into foods.

3. Marijuana is safe to use because it’s a plant.
Myths About Marijuana
Marijuana is safe to use because it’s a plant.
FACT:
Not all plants are safe to smoke or ingest.
Oleander, Ficus, and Lily of the Valley are just a few of the hundreds of plants that are poisonous
Heroin, cocaine, cyanide and strychnine are all harmful substances made from plants.
Human Relations Media: Gateway Drugs and Beyond
Teacher Comments:
Consider that poison ivy is a plant that has negative effects just by touching it.
Some of you that have pets at home also know that there are dozens of house plants that can harm your pet – even kill it.

4. Today’s Marijuana – THC Content
Teacher Comments:
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in marijuana, responsible for many of its known effects. When marijuana is smoked, its effects begin almost immediately.
THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain.
The effects of smoked marijuana can last from 1 to 3 hours.
Rising Potency
The amount of THC in marijuana samples confiscated by police has been increasing over the past few decades.
In 2009, THC concentrations in marijuana averaged close to 10 percent, compared to around 4 percent in the 1980s.
Increases in potency may account for the rise in emergency department visits involving marijuana use.
Increases in potency may mean a greater risk for addiction for regular users.
Marijuana Drug Facts December 2012, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
1960’s ’s was 1-4%
Today up to 40%
John Underwood
Life of an Athlete

5. Short-Term Effect Why does smoking marijuana redden the eyes?
A few minutes after inhaling marijuana smoke, the heart rate speeds up, the bronchial passages relax and become enlarged, and blood vessels in the eyes expand, making the eyes look red.
NIDA

6. Marijuana Potential Short-Term Effects
Distorts perception of reality Impairs short-term memory Paranoia/Panic Attacks Risky/Irresponsible behavior Concentration & learning problems Loss of physical & mental motivation Dry mouth & throat Difficulty keeping track of time Increased appetite Impairs coordination and balance
Teacher Notes:
Students are not likely to experience ALL of these effects EVERY time marijuana is used.
Teacher Comments:
Remind students that they cannot control the effects marijuana will have on them. Effects may be different over time.
Some effects of marijuana use can be frightening and dangerous.
Every time a drug is put into the body, a risk is taken.
NIDA

7. Marijuana Potential Long-Term Effects
Increased tolerance
Addiction
Increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts
Increased appetite and weight gain
Weakened immune system
Respiratory problems
Increased risk of cancer
Teacher Comments:
Explanation of Terms:
Tolerance - requiring more of a drug to get the same effect
Addiction – Feeling a strong urge to keep taking a drug even when it is causing harm (problems in relationships, with academics, legal issues, emotional problems, etc.) NIDA Further explanation of addiction is provided in the next 2 slides.
Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough, more frequent upper respiratory illnesses, and a greater risk of lung infections like pneumonia. As with tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke consists of a toxic mixture of gases and tiny particles, many of which are known to harm the lungs. Although we don’t yet know if marijuana causes lung cancer, many people who smoke marijuana also smoke cigarettes, which do cause cancer—and smoking marijuana can make it harder to quit tobacco use.
Marijuana: Facts for Teens NIDA
Marijuana has the potential to promote lung cancer and cancer in other parts of the respiratory tract because it contains irritants and carcinogens—up to 70 percent more than tobacco smoke. It also induces high levels of an enzyme that converts certain hydrocarbons into their cancer-causing form, which could accelerate the changes that ultimately produce malignant cells. Since marijuana smokers generally inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers, the lungs are exposed longer to carcinogenic smoke. However, while several lines of evidence have suggested that marijuana use may lead to lung cancer, the supporting evidence is inconclusive. The presence of an unidentified active ingredient in cannabis smoke having protective properties—if corroborated and properly characterized—could help explain the inconsistencies and modest findings.
Research Reports: Marijuana Abuse NIDA.gov
NIDA

8. Marijuana is Not Addictive
Myths About Marijuana
Marijuana is Not Addictive
FACT: Marijuana is addictive. The National Institutes of Health found that the EARLIER marijuana use begins, the HIGHER the risk of drug abuse and addiction.
62 % of teens in drug treatment are addicted to marijuana ONDCP
Each year, more teens enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana addiction than for all other illegal drugs combined.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Teacher Notes:
Long-term marijuana use can lead to addiction; that is, people have difficulty controlling their drug use and cannot stop even though it interferes with many aspects of their lives. It is estimated that 9% (about 1 in 10) of those who use marijuana will become dependent on it. The number goes up to about 1 in 6 in those who start using young (in their teens) and to 25–50 percent (up to 5 out of 10) among daily users.
Addiction rates among year olds are among the highest levels nationally in states that have “medical marijuana” programs.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), State Estimates from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health

9. Why Are Drugs So Hard to Quit?
This 2:04 minute video clip explains addiction in a way students can understand. (NIDA)
Video One

10. Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms are similar in type and
severity to those of nicotine withdrawal:
irritability
sleeping difficulties
anxiety
craving
Symptoms peak a few days after marijuana use has stopped.
Withdrawal symptoms can make it hard for someone to quit using marijuana.
NIDA - Marijuana – Facts for Teens

11. Marijuana "Opens the Door"
“Using alcohol, marijuana, and/or tobacco regularly, especially during the teen years, can open the door to the use of other drugs, including cocaine, LSD, heroin, and to prescription drug abuse during their lifetime.”
ONDCP
Teacher Comments:
Here’s how it works:
When people, particularly your age, use tobacco, alcohol or marijuana, they are altering the chemistry in their brain.
During periods of stress, like a fight with a parent/friend or worry about a test in school, they may turn to these drugs again because their brain is craving the calmer, slowed-down feeling from drinking, smoking, or getting high.
Eventually, they can’t get a buzz from a beer, cigarette, or joint and that’s when they turn to other drugs.
Not all people that try alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana go on to other substances, however, your brain decides what path addiction and drug abuse will take.
Any time drugs are put into the body, you risk addiction developing.
The only way to be sure you do not become a drug addict or alcoholic is not to do them in the first place.

12. Anyone Can Become Addicted to Drugs
This 2:03 minute video clip provides additional important information about addiction for students. (NIDA)
Video Two

13. Marijuana & Your Body
THC (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is rapidly absorbed by fatty tissues in various organs, including the brain.
THC is released very slowly in the body over time.
Teacher Notes:
How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain?
THC acts upon specific targets on brain cells, called cannabinoid receptors.
These receptors are ordinarily activated by chemicals similar to THC.
These are naturally occurring in the body and are part of a neural communication network that plays an important role in normal brain development and function.
The highest density of cannabinoid receptors is found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.
Marijuana overactivates this system, causing the high and other effects that users experience. These include distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and disrupted learning and memory.
Adapted from NIDA – Marijuana December 2012,
NIDA

14. How long does THC stay in your system?
Group Activity:
Have students suggest answers to the question, “How long does the THC in marijuana stay in your system?”
Write their answers on the board.
Comment on longest time and shortest time suggested by the class.
(The next slide provides the answer.)

15. How long can THC be detected?
Detection Time for Marijuana use:
1 time use: days
2-4x per month: days
2-4x per week: days
5-6x per week: days
Daily Use: days
Teacher Notes:
Detection of THC in urine samples is not exact science, therefore, the number of days THC can be detected varies based on THC content and the metabolism of person being tested.
Website: IPassedMyDrugTest.Com. URL:
John Underwood
Life of an Athlete

16. Marijuana & Your Body The Heart
Marijuana use can negatively affect:
The Heart
Increased heart rate of 20 – 100% that could last up to 3 hours
4.8x greater risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking
Teacher Notes:
Heart attack risk may be related to increased heart rate, as well as the effects of marijuana on heart rhythms, causing palpitations and arrhythmias. This risk may be greater in older individuals or in those with cardiac vulnerabilities.
NIDA: Dec 2012 – Drug Facts: Marijuana
NIDA

17. Marijuana & Your Body The Lungs Marijuana use can negatively affect:
Marijuana smoke contains 50 – 70% more cancer causing chemicals than tobacco smoke.
Use can create respiratory problems (cough, phlegm, acute chest illnesses, greater risk of lung infection) over time.
Teacher Notes:
Marijuana smoke is an irritant to the lungs, and frequent marijuana smokers can have many of the same respiratory problems experienced by tobacco smokers, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, and a heightened risk of lung infections. One study found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers, mainly because of respiratory illnesses.
Marijuana: Drug Facts 2012 NIDA
NIDA

18. Can Marijuana Use During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
Babies exposed to marijuana before birth are more likely to show decreased problem solving skills, memory, and the ability to pay attention in school.
Schempf and Strobino 2008
Teacher Notes:
Doctors advise pregnant women not to use any drugs because they could harm the growing fetus. Studies suggest that children of mothers who use marijuana while pregnant may have subtle brain changes that can cause difficulties with problem solving skills, memory, and attention. More research is needed because pregnant women who use marijuana may also smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, both of which can also affect fetal development.
Schempf, A.H., and Strobino, D.M. Illicit drug use and adverse birth outcomes: Is it drugs or context? J Urban Health 85(6):858–873, 2008.

19. Why Do Teens Use Marijuana?
Pressure from friends Boredom To Experiment Influence of media To “fit in” To rebel To deal with feelings Curiosity Believe it’s safe
Group Activity: STOP THIS SLIDE AFTER THE QUESTION “Why Do Teens Use Marijuana?”.
Ask students the question more specifically, “Why do you think teens would try marijuana after they have been given information about how risky marijuana use is?” (Remind them about the drug prevention/education programming they received in elementary/middle schools, e.g. DARE, Smart Moves, middle school health class, etc)
Brainstorm and write their answers on the board.
Discuss some of their answers.
Resume showing the complete slide (STOP at “Believe it’s safe”) .
Note and discuss any reason why teens use marijuana that hasn’t been mentioned.
Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know , NIDA
NIDA

20. Guide to the Teen Brain Video Three
This 4:05 minute video clip explains brain development during the teen years in a way students can understand. (Partnership for a Drug Free America)
Video Three

21. The Teen Brain & Decision Making
Prefrontal Cortex
Decision Making Center
“Brake Center” - controls impulses
Last part of the brain to develop (usually in the early to mid 20’s)
SCHOLASTIC, NIDA, NIH, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HHS
Teacher Comments:
Decisions don’t “just happen” automatically.
Decisions you make result from a series of activities in the brain, which happen almost instantaneously.
These activities in the brain involve a relay system in which different brain structures, made up of specialized cells
called neurons, ”talk” with each other by way of electrochemical impulses and chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters.
THC in the brain interferes with this process.
The human brain is not fully developed until the early to mid 20’s, which outs teens at a higher risk of making risky decisions.
Information adapted from NIDA, National Institute of Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services included in Scholastic Magazine, Heads Up Real News About Drugs and Your Body .

22. Marijuana: Effects on Brain Activity
Simple Hand Movement
Group Exercise:
Show this slide.
Have students touch their middle finger and thumb together quickly and repeatedly.
Have them look at the brain scan on the left to see how much brain activity it takes someone NOT ON MARIJUANA to perform that task (yellow area).
Then have them look at the brain scan on the right to see how much MORE brain activity it takes to perform the same task for someone who is a marijuana user (red/yellow/orange areas).
This illustrates how much harder the brain has to work to perform a simple task under the influence of marijuana.
Now have them consider the effects of marijuana on more complex tasks e.g. studying, taking a test, performing on an athletic team, or driving a car.
NON-USER
MARIJUANA USER
Amen Clinic

23. The Teen Brain & Memory
The hippocampus is the part of the brain that forms memories.
The THC in marijuana negatively affects how the hippocampus processes information and forms memories.
NIDA
Teacher Comments:
Animal studies are often used to predict the effects of various circumstances on humans
Your brain is exposed to many different inputs each day (what you see, hear, and experience)
When you are not smoking marijuana, your brain is able to identify and organize these inputs in a way that information can be processed and retrieved at a later time
Under the influence of marijuana, your brain cannot most effectively process information and store it for later retrieval.
Research Report Series – Marijuana Abuse NIDA, July 2012
Diagram taken from NIDA, National Institute of Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services included in Scholastic Magazine, Heads Up Real News About Drugs and Your Body .

24. The Teen Brain & Marijuana
Teacher Comments:
Marijuana use negatively impacts adolescent brain development.
A study by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the National Institute on Mental Health, found that adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely than non-users to have disrupted brain development.
Researchers found abnormalities in areas of the brain that interconnect brain regions involved in memory, attention, decision-making, language and executive functioning skills.
CADCA (Community of Anti-Drug Coalition’s of America) Position Statement on “Medical” Marijuana and Marijuana Legalization August 9,
Diagram taken from NIDA, National Institute of Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services included in Scholastic Magazine, Heads Up Real News About Drugs and Your Body
SCHOLASTIC, NIDA, NIH, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HHS

25. Marijuana & Mental Health
Marijuana use can worsen depression and lead to other serious mental health issues,
e.g. schizophrenia, anxiety, and suicide.
Weekly use of marijuana DOUBLES a teen’s risk of
depression and anxiety.
NIDA
Teacher Notes:
People who are dependent on marijuana often have “co-morbid” (additional) mental disorders. Studies have shown an association between marijuana use and increased risk of schizophrenia, a severe mental illness that includes confused thoughts, and, to a lesser extent, a connection between depression and anxiety. There are now sufficient data indicating that marijuana may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in people predisposed to it, perhaps also intensifying their symptoms.
Topics in Brief Marijuana NIDA , Dec 2011
High doses of marijuana can produce a temporary psychotic reaction (involving hallucinations and paranoia) in some users, and using marijuana can worsen the course of illness in patients with schizophrenia. A series of large prospective studies also showed a link between marijuana use and later development of psychosis. This relationship was influenced by genetic variables as well as the amount of drug used and the age at which it was first taken—those who start young are at  increased risk for later problems.
Drug Facts: Marijuana NIDA, December 2012

26. Academic Performance Marijuana Use Negatively affects learning
A teen who uses is 4 times more likely to report “D” grades SAMHSA
Is linked to higher dropout rates
A teenage marijuana user is 2 times more likely to drop out of school than a non-user.
NIDA
Teacher Notes:
Negatively affects learning
Marijuana can negatively affect a teen's ability to learn.
Heavy marijuana use impairs young people's ability to concentrate and retain information.
This can be especially problematic during peak learning years, like high school and college.
Marijuana use is linked to poorer grades.
A teen with a "D" average is four times more likely to have used marijuana than a teen with an "A" average.
SAMHSA 2010 National Survey on Drug use and Health (NSDUH)
Is linked to higher dropout rates
Marijuana is associated with school failure. Marijuana’s negative effects on attention, motivation, memory, and learning can last for days and sometimes weeks after its immediate effects wear off—especially in chronic users. Someone who smokes marijuana daily may be functioning at a reduced intellectual level most or all of the time. Compared with their nonsmoking peers, students who smoke marijuana tend to get lower grades and are more
likely to drop out of high school. Long-term marijuana users report decreased overall life satisfaction, including diminished mental and physical health, memory and relationship problems, lower salaries, and less career success.
Marijuana and underage drinking are linked to higher dropout rates. Students who frequently drink or use drugs, including marijuana, are up to 5 times more likely than non-using their peers to drop out of high school. A teenage marijuana user's odds of dropping out are more than twice that of a non-user.
Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know NIDA, March 2011

27. Myths About Marijuana Marijuana is Harmless FACT: Marijuana use can:
lead to many health, social, learning, and behavioral problems at an important developmental time, the teen years
negatively affect judgment, resulting in poor decisions related to sex, criminal activity, driving under the influence, etc.
ONDCP
Teacher Notes:
According to the a study at Columbia University, teens who use drugs are 5 times more likely to have sex than teens who do not use drugs.
Regular marijuana use has been shown to be associated with long-term problems, including poor academic performance, memory loss and lung cancer. To a developing brain, like those of teenagers, marijuana can be especially toxic -- using pot can lead to panic attacks, depression and other mental health problems, not to mention increased anxiety.
Marijuana Myths – Check Yourself
"Marijuana Myths & Facts: The Truth Behind Popular Misperceptions." Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and NIDA

28. Marijuana use can close the door to your future!

29. Employment Marijuana Use
Many companies, industries, and professions require drug testing to be hired and/or drug testing while employed.
CADCA
Job applications often ask if someone has ever been convicted of a crime or has a case pending, including drug related offenses Employment Screening Resources
Teacher Notes:
More than 6,000 companies nationwide and many industries and professions require a pre-employment drug test, according to The Definitive List of Companies that Drug Test (available at
Nearly 7% of high school seniors in the United States already smoke marijuana on a daily basis and would fail any required pre-employment drug test at the more than 6,000 companies that require it.
In Michigan, even a certification to use “medical marijuana doesn’t mean people need to be hired (or keep their job) with a failed drug test.
Position Paper on Medical Marijuana, CADCA
Employment Screening resources

30. College Admission
Marijuana Convictions must be reported on college applications
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense (including in juvenile court) other than a minor traffic violation, or are there criminal charges pending against you at this time?
Yes No
Oakland University Undergrad Application
Teacher Notes:
Entrance applications for colleges and universities ask applicants if they have ever been convicted of criminal offenses, including convictions for drug possession and/or use.

31. Financial Aid & College Scholarships
Marijuana Conviction
1 in 400 students (over 40,000) nationwide, is denied federal financial aid because of a drug conviction.
Scholarships can be denied or discontinued because of a drug conviction.
College Students, Arrests, and Financial Aid Guide
Teacher Notes:
According to the Government Accountability Office, an extension of the U.S. Congress, Pell Grants are denied to about 20,000 students annually because of drug convictions. Neither report tabulates how many additional students lose out when convictions for criminal offenses not involving drugs preclude eligibility for federal and state financial aid or how many persons with criminal records decide not to submit applications.
Federal financial aid to students comes in many forms, including Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans and work study programs. Students convicted of felony drug possession crimes and all offenses involving drug sale or distribution are required to immediately notify their financial aid administrator and are then required to pay back all aid received after the date of conviction.
College Students, Arrests, and Financial Aid Guide, 8/19/2012 Government Accountability Office
Broward County Bar Association

32. ...NOT! gets high” “EVERYBODY Teacher Notes:
Students typically believe that “everyone” uses, even though research does not support that perception.
Group Activity:
Ask students – “Think about times when you have heard other students ‘brag’ about their drug use.”
Ask your students to consider – “There might be 1 student in the entire class who is vocal about their use. Other students get the idea that drug use is more common than it really is.”
Then ask – “Have you ever observed a student ‘brag’ that he/she did NOT use marijuana?”
Comment – “While most students do not use marijuana, they are not likely to ‘brag’ about it.”
Group Activity (preparing students for next slide):
Ask students – “Estimate what percentage of 10th and 12th graders reported using marijuana in the 30 days before they participated in a survey of teens across Michigan.” (The survey is the Youth Risk Behavior Survey/ YRBS conducted every 2 years by the Michigan Department of Education.)
Write the estimated percentages on the board.

33. Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2011)
Teacher Notes:
Tenth and twelfth grade students in Michigan who took the YRBS in 2011, the most recent survey to date, reported past 30 day marijuana use of 20% for 10th grade and 21% for 12th grade.
The Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is part of a nationwide surveying effort led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor students' health risks and behaviors in six categories identified as most likely to result in adverse outcomes. These categories include unintentional injury and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy or disease, dietary behaviors, and physical inactivity. High response rates allow results of the Michigan YRBS to be generalized to all Michigan students in grades  
To get national, state, and large city YRBS results, visit the CDC website at
To get county results and information about the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY), go to
Visit for updates and new reports.
30 Days Before the Survey
10th Graders
12th Graders
Did Not Use Marijuana
80%
79%

34. Smoking marijuana doesn’t affect
Myths About Marijuana
Smoking marijuana doesn’t affect
driving ability
FACT:
Even a small amount of marijuana decreases the ability to drive.
Use affects alertness, concentration, perception, coordination and reaction time.
17% (1 in 5) of crash victims
under the age of 18 tested
positive for marijuana. ONDCP
ONDCP
Teacher Notes:
Because marijuana impairs judgment and motor coordination and slows reaction time, an intoxicated person has an increased chance of being involved in and being responsible for an accident (O’Malley and Johnston 2007; Richer and Bergeron 2009).
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths. A recent survey found that 6.8 percent of drivers, mostly under 35, who were involved in accidents tested positive for THC; alcohol levels above the legal limit were found in 21 percent of such drivers.
Research Report Series: Marijuana Abuse, NIDA

35. Legal Consequences in Michigan
Possession of Marijuana Conviction
1 year in jail and/or
$2,000 fine plus court costs
6 month suspension of driving privileges
Marijuana Use Conviction
90 days in jail and/or
$100 fine plus court costs
90 days suspension of driving privileges
Teacher Notes:
This information was provided by the Office of Macomb County Prosecutor Eric J. Smith and is applicable throughout the state.

36. Driving Privileges Marijuana Use
A marijuana conviction delays getting a driver’s license.
Marijuana use/possession results in an automatic 6 month suspension of a driver’s license - whether use/possession was in a car or not.
Marijuana Use
Teacher Notes:
Michigan is a zero tolerance state when it comes to being under the influence of drugs, including marijuana while operating a vehicle. If a police officer has reason to believe someone has smoked or ingested any amount of marijuana, that person can be charged with OWI (Operating Under the Influence). This is even true even if the persons no longer feels under the influence or has been certified to use medical marijuana.

37. Marijuana Addiction Facts
Video Four

38. Marijuana is NOT medicine
Some of the ingredients in marijuana, such as THC , have medicinal effects.
Some people get relief from symptoms of their illnesses by
smoking marijuana.
However, using marijuana as medicine does not make it medicine.
It has not gone through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process to show that its benefits outweigh its risks.
SCHOLASTIC, NIDA, NIH, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HHS
Teacher Note:
The Controlled Substances Act was passed by US Congress in 1970.

39. FDA: How Medicine is Approved
Teacher Notes:
This slide may appear difficult to read on a computer monitor. It is clear when presented on a large screen.
SCHOLASTIC, NIDA, NIH, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HHS

40. Medical Marihuana
Some states, including Michigan, have allowed a vote to approve the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
There is a conflict between Federal law and the law in those states that have approved Medical Marijuana.
Teacher Notes:
State law is in conflict with federal law with regards to marijuana use and possession.
Note the less common spelling of marijuana (use of an “h” instead of a “j”) was used in the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. The most common spelling of the drug is with a “j”.
Background information
The FDA has not approved smoking marijuana as “medicine”.
Research supports some medicinal properties of THC/cannabinoids.
There are several FDA approved forms of THC available in medicine, including dronabinol (Marinol®) and nabilone (Cesamet®). NONE of these are smoked.
Scientists continue to investigate the medicinal properties of THC and other cannabinoids to better evaluate and harness their ability to help patients suffering from a broad range of illnesses, while avoiding the adverse effects of smoked marijuana.
Research Report Series: Marijuana Abuse, NIDA

41. Medical Marihuana
The Federal Government considers marijuana to be a controlled substance with “no currently accepted medical use.”
Federal law states, that it’s illegal, under any circumstances, to grow, use, possess, or transport marijuana.
The manufacture, distribution, or possession of marijuana is a criminal offense, according to Federal law.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACT
Teacher Note:
The Controlled Substances Act was passed by US Congress in 1970.

42. The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act
Allows doctor s to recommend (not prescribe) use by people who have certain “serious” medical conditions
Requires registration with the state to use and/or grow limited amounts of marijuana to treat their symptoms
Does not guarantee protection against federal prosecution for possession, growing, distributing, or using marijuana
Teacher Notes:
What ailments qualify for the Medical Marijuana Program in Michigan?
According to Michigan legislation as defined in article Definitions part 1, you need to have cancer, glaucoma, HIV, Hepatitis C, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Nail Patella, or be in the treatment of these conditions.
In part 2, the legislation states you qualify if you have 1 or more of the following symptoms: cachezia (wasting syndrome), severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, epilepsy, or severe and persistent muscle spasms.
According to FY 2012 data (most recent information to date) from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), the majority of people who qualified for medical marijuana use in the state did so under the general categories of “severe and chronic pain” (79,313) and “muscle spasms” (22,250). There were 2,526 that qualified for medical marijuana use under the category of “cancer”.
The legitimacy of the conditions many people use to qualify for medical marijuana use in the state has been questioned, e.g. Medical pot…mostly for aches, pains – Free Press April 21, 2011

43. Some Facts about Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Act
Medical Marijuana use is not allowed:
While operating a car or any other motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat
In a public place or on any form of public transportation, including a school bus
In schools
In a correctional facility
Michigan Medical Marihuana Act 2008
Michigan Medical Marihuana Act 2008

44. Medical Marijuana and Teens
Addiction rates among year olds are among the highest levels nationally in states that have “medical marijuana” programs CADCA: POSITION STATEMENT ON “MEDICAL” MARIJUANA AND MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION
Normalization of use occurs, when “medical marijuana” is approved and creates confusion about the dangers of use for teens.
CADCA provided this information from: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), State Estimates from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health

45. Marijuana Matters – The Facts
Any time you put drugs in your body, you risk serious physical and emotional damage.
Drug use can have a significant negative impact on your family relationships, friendships, school and athletic performance, and your future.
It’s important to find ways to manage emotions, deal with stress, and have fun without using drugs.
Most teens do not use marijuana or other drugs.