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)

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

1960’s ’s was 1-4% Today up to 40% John Underwood Life of an Athlete

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

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 NIDA

Increased tolerance Addiction Increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts Increased appetite and weight gain Weakened immune system Respiratory problems Increased risk of cancer NIDA

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

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

“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

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. NIDA

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 John Underwood Life of an Athlete

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 NIDA

Marijuana use can negatively affect: The Lungs 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. NIDA

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

Pressure from friends Boredom To Experiment Influence of media To “fit in” To rebel To deal with feelings Curiosity Believe it’s safe NIDA

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

NON-USERMARIJUANA USER Amen Clinic Simple Hand Movement

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.

SCHOLASTIC, NIDA, NIH, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HHS

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

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

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

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

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

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

“EVERYBODY gets high”... NOT!

30 Days Before the Survey 10 th Graders12 th Graders Did Not Use Marijuana 80%79%

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

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

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.

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

 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.

 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

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

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

40 Medical Marijuana and Teens

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.