1. MARIJUANA
Gateway drug??
What does that mean?

2. most commonly used illicit drug
6.8% of high school students reported using marijuana in the past month
Nearly 69 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime

3. Percent of Students Reporting Marijuana Use, 2005–2006
42.3
44.8
31.8
34.1
15.7
16.5
Lifetime
31.5
33.6
25.2
26.6
11.7
12.2
Past year
18.3
19.8
14.2
15.2
6.5
6.6
Past month
2006
2005
12th Grade
10th Grade
8th Grade
All stats are decreasing.

4. A mind-altering (psychoactive) drug
A green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant
A mind-altering (psychoactive) drug
1 joint = 20 cigarettes worth of chemicals.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol cultivated marijuana contains 10x more THC than wild marijuana

5. There are over 2,000 chemical compounds in marijuana once it is lit.
THC is the main active chemical and is stored in fat cells for long periods of time (stored up to 30 days)
THC can also be stored in brain, lungs, ovaries, and testes.
THC content is rising
1960’s THC level = 1-2%
Today THC level = 21%
It is stronger and more damaging!!!

6. Problems caused by Marijuana
Decreases blood sugar
Anxiety/Panic reactions
Lung Problems
Dilated Pupils
Red Eyes
Weakens immune system
Impairs Motor Control
Slows reaction time
Short-term memory loss
Visual Impairment
Warps time sense
Increases Heart Rate

7. Many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have
Long Term Effects
Many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have
Cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs may also be promoted by marijuana smoke.
50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke
such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illnesses, a heightened risk of lung infections, and a greater tendency toward obstructed airways.

8. Quick Facts
Reaction time for motor skills, such as driving is reduced by 41% after smoking 1 joint and is reduced 63% after smoking 2 joints
average age of first trying marijuana is 14 years old!!!
The daily use of 1 to 3 marijuana joints can produce the same lung damage and potential cancer risk as smoking five times as many cigarettes

9. Marijuana and Addiction
Raises levels of dopamine-produces a pleasurable feeling. Can be intense.
Can wear off dramatically-Crash
Users get addicted to the dopamine release (intense pleasurable feeling)

10. Physical Consequences
Teens especially-reproductive organs
Males-sperm production and testosterone levels lower
Females- raises testosterone levels

11. Gateway Drug???
Marijuana, Tobacco and Alcohol are all considered Gateway drugs.
It is an indicator that if any of the three have been used it is a good possibility that the user will move on to use more dangerous and addictive drugs.
This does NOT mean that every person will do this.

12. This powerpoint was kindly donated to www.worldofteaching.com
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