1 MARIJUANA

2 What is Marijuana???? A mixture of the dried and shredded leaves, stems, and flowers of the hemp plant. Marijuana has a chemical in it called tetrahydocannabinol (THC) which is the mind altering ingredient Marijuana is times stronger than it was in the 1960’s ( 10 times more THC)

3 Marijuana contains about 400 chemicals Some of these chemicals may cause lung cancer Some of these chemicals may cause lung cancer Marijuana has some of the same cancer- causing substances as cigarettes Marijuana has some of the same cancer- causing substances as cigarettes Marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than cigarette smokers do (more smoke enters the lungs). Marijuana smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than cigarette smokers do (more smoke enters the lungs). Puff for puff, smoking marijuana may increase the risk of cancer even more than smoking cigarettes does (also at risk for bronchitis) Puff for puff, smoking marijuana may increase the risk of cancer even more than smoking cigarettes does (also at risk for bronchitis)

4 Smoking marijuana may increase the risk of a heart attack Smoking marijuana may increase the risk of a heart attack Marijuana increases heart rate and blood pressure Marijuana increases heart rate and blood pressure The chemicals from marijuana can remain in the body for 45 days. The chemicals from marijuana can remain in the body for 45 days.

5 What are some common names of marijuana? Weed Weed Pot Pot Grass Grass Maryjane Maryjane

6 How is marijuana used? Smoked- joint or blunt Smoked- joint or blunt Water Pipe or bong Water Pipe or bong Eaten- mixed with food Eaten- mixed with food

7 How many teens use marijuana? As part of a 2002 NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) funded study, researchers asked teens if they had used marijuana in the past month As part of a 2002 NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) funded study, researchers asked teens if they had used marijuana in the past month Of all the 8 th graders surveyed, only 8.3% said yes. Of all the 8 th graders surveyed, only 8.3% said yes.

8 What are the common effects of smoking marijuana? Loss of coordination Loss of coordination You could forget your best friends phone number You could forget your best friends phone number Watch your grade point average drop Watch your grade point average drop Get into a car accident Get into a car accident High doses of marijuana use can cause anxiety and panic attacks High doses of marijuana use can cause anxiety and panic attacks

9 Addiction For some people, smoking marijuana makes them feel good. For some people, smoking marijuana makes them feel good. Within minutes of inhaling, a user begins to feel “high.” Within minutes of inhaling, a user begins to feel “high.” THC triggers brain cells to release the chemical dopamine. Dopamine creates good feelings– for a short time. THC triggers brain cells to release the chemical dopamine. Dopamine creates good feelings– for a short time.

10 Addiction Heres the thing: Once dopamine starts flowing, a user feels the urge to smoke marijuana again, and then again, and then AGAIN! Heres the thing: Once dopamine starts flowing, a user feels the urge to smoke marijuana again, and then again, and then AGAIN! Repeated use could lead to addiction. Repeated use could lead to addiction. (searching for the high) (searching for the high)

11 Smoking 3-5 marijuana cigarettes a week can have the same effect on the lungs as smoking “regular” cigarettes a day, 7 days a week. Smoking 3-5 marijuana cigarettes a week can have the same effect on the lungs as smoking “regular” cigarettes a day, 7 days a week. That is almost a pack a day- every day. That is almost a pack a day- every day.

12 Short-Term Effects Increased Appetite Increased Appetite Altered sense of time Altered sense of time Bloodshot eyes Bloodshot eyes Dry mouth and throat Dry mouth and throat Increased heart rate Increased heart rate Loss of balance Loss of balance Loss of short-term memory Loss of short-term memory Paranoia Paranoia

13 Long-Term Effects Weight Gain Weight Gain Loss of short-term memory Loss of short-term memory Reduced immune system Reduced immune system Slower mental abilities Slower mental abilities Increased risk of throat, mouth, head, and neck cancers Increased risk of throat, mouth, head, and neck cancers Lung diseases (emphysema and bronchitis) Lung diseases (emphysema and bronchitis) Psychological dependence Psychological dependence

14 How much THC is in marijuana today? In 1960, an average marijuana joint contained 0.2% THC. In 1960, an average marijuana joint contained 0.2% THC. Today the level of THC in an average joint is between 5% and 14% Today the level of THC in an average joint is between 5% and 14%