LT: I can describe how marijuana effects the body

Pre-write (in your notes) To the best of your ability, please write at least 2 effects of marijuana

What is Marijuana? Marijuana (mj) comes from the cannabis sativa plant, also known as the hemp plant. It is grown all over the world, especially in tropical climates. Mj is a mixture of the plant’s crushed leaves and flowers. It looks like dried parsley. Mj can be smoked as a cigarette (joint), in a pipe (bowl) or in a water pipe (bong). When mj is eaten, the effects are not as predictable because the stomach absorbs THC more slowly. Consuming large doses of mj may cause hallucinations and severe disorientations.

What is Marijuana? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the mind altering ingredient in mj. This chemical compound is responsible for the “high” that users feel. The typical amount of THC in mj ranges from two to five percent. More THC means more side effects. In addition to THC, mj contains more than 400 other chemicals which are absorbed into the body. Many of these chemicals can cause cancer. Mj can be mixed with cocaine, angel dust (PCP) or even embalming fluid (formaldehyde). Mj often contains mold spores, salmonella, aspergillus bacteria and other foreign organisms that can multiply in the body and cause lung infection.

Marijuana and the body The Respiratory System Marijuana smoke contains many more carcinogens than tobacco smoke. It irritates the air passages and throat. The Lungs Smoking marijuana kills the cilia in the lungs and causes excessive build up of phlegm. Regular users often develop a chronic cough which can progress into diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.

The Mouth Long term use of marijuana may lead to cancer of the mouth, the larynx and the upper jaw. The Cardiovascular System Marijuana raises the user’s heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of premature stroke and heart attack.

Short Term Effects Delusions Increased appetite Increased heart rate Bloodshot eyes Dry mouth and throat Loss of short-term memory Dizziness Altered sense of time Impaired judgment Mood swings from euphoria to depression Inability to concentrate on multiple tasks Loss of coordination Loss of depth perception Pick 5 to write

Long Term Effects Brain damage Mental depression Reduced immunity to infections Impaired memory and ability to learn Hallucinations, paranoia and psychosis Chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema Heart disease Increased risk of lung cancer Irregular ovulation in females Decreased sperm count in males Pick 3 to write

Is it addictive? Addiction: The process of becoming dependent upon a substance or behavior. When the use of a drug becomes a central concern in a person’s life, that person is addicted to the drug- whether the addiction is physical or psychological. One-third of all mj users become daily users within 3-5 yrs. Regular mj use can stunt a person’s emotional growth-the basic ability to deal with anger, fear or even boredom. Many users become dependent upon mj because they believe that it keeps them from having to face reality.

Marijuana and the law Mj and other cannabis-derivative drugs are legally classified as Schedule I controlled substances. This mean that mj is considered to have a high potential for abuse and had no commonly accepted medical use. Legal penalties vary from state to state, but each state has criminal penalties for the use or possession of even small amounts of mj. Buying or possessing drug paraphernalia is a crime in most states.

Marijuana and the mind Mj can cause an ‘anxiety reaction’ which can range from mild frustration and suspicion to a high level of anxiety, paranoia and distortion of reality. Regular use of mj can impair the user’s short term memory and coordination. Young people who use mj regularly report that they are unable to maintain satisfactory grades.

Marijuana and the mind Long term mj use can lead to “amotivational syndrome” a condition associated with apathy, decreased concentration and memory loss. Heavy mj use may contribute to the development of mental illness.

SUMMARIZE At the bottom of your notes, summarize what you learned today.