What is Marijuana?  It is a mixture of dried and shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant.  The mixture can be brown, green or gray.  Sound harmless??? Think again…

Marijuana contains a chemical in it called delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)  THC is the main psychoactive (mind altering) ingredient. Marijuana’s strength/potency is determined by the amount of THC it contains.  Levels of THC have been increasing since the 1970’s. In 1972, the average percentage of THC in confiscated marijuana was 1.7%. In 2008 it was 10%.  There are approximately 400 other chemicals found in marijuana which could affect your health. Some of which are carcinogens.

How many teens are using marijuana?  ***Not EVERYONE is using it.  According to an anonymous 2010/2011 study done at LHS with 137 students 55% of students were NOT using marijuana. THAT’S the MAJORITY!!!  In the NIDA study, in % of 8 th graders, 17% of 10 th graders, and 21% of 12 th graders were using.  Thoughts on why LHS use is higher?

Short Term Affects:  Relaxed, high, feel good sensation  THC triggers the release of dopamine which creates good feelings for a short time.  Some experience sudden anxiety and paranoid thoughts  Increased hunger – “munchies”  Can be unpredictable when mixed with other drugs.

 Red eyes - blood vessels in the eyes expand making eyes look red  Dry mouth  Slower reaction time  Problems with learning and memory ***When compared to teens that don’t smoke, students who smoke marijuana tend to get lower grades and are more likely to drop out of high school.  Distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch)

 Diminished motor coordination  Increased blood pressure & heart rate (see next slide)  These effects are reduced after 3-4 hours. The lingering effects could make you impaired for several hours after the high wears off.

Within a few minutes after inhaling marijuana smoke: Heart begins beating more rapidly Bronchial passages relax and become enlarged RHR normally bpm will increase by bpm or in some cases double.

Long Term Affects of Marijuana Use:  Associated with depression and anxiety  A-motivational syndrome – which means a loss of drive or ambition – even for previously rewarding activities.  Learning: Affects attention and short-term memory loss (learning new things, focus on complex tasks, stringing together a lot of information sequentially)

 Sports: affects timing, movement & coordination!  Judgement/Decision Making: Reduces inhibitions, which can lead to risky behaviors: Examples: Unprotected sex Sexually Transmitted Diseases like HIV Unplanned pregnancy Driving under the influence

Heavy Marijuana Use & Males:  Heavy marijuana use lowers men’s testosterone levels and sperm count/quality temporarily.  Marijuana use can decrease libido and fertility in some heaving smoking men.  Marijuana use can also lead to erectile dysfunction due to its ability to suppress hormones that are important to the male reproductive system. (Kuhn, 2003)e heavy smoking men.

Effects on the LUNGS: * Many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have - daily cough - frequent upper respiratory illnesses - greater risk of lung infections like pneumonia

AFFECTS on DRIVING: * Marijuana is the most common illegal drug found in drivers who die in accidents (14%) * Affects alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time.

Marijuana and psychosis:  If you have a genetic vulnerability to the disease, using marijuana increases your risk of developing psychosis  Psychosis = a severe mental disorder in which there is a los of contact with reality, including false ideas (delusions) and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations), paranoia, and panic attacks.

People who use marijuana over the long term self-report: less life satisfaction, poorer education, memory and relationship problems, poorer mental and physical health, lower salaries, and less career success compared to people who do not use marijuana.

Is marijuana ADDICTIVE?  Yes – but not everyone that smokes will become addicted.  It depends on: Genes Whether you use other drugs Family & peer relationships Success in school How often you smoke At what AGE you started

 About 9% of people who use marijuana will become addicted.  If you start smoking in your teens you have a 16% chance of becoming addicted.  If you are a daily user, your risk of becoming addicted goes up to 50%.  61% of teens in drug abuse treatment, are being treated for marijuana abuse.

Are there withdrawal symptoms?  YES... Similar to those with nicotine withdrawal  Irritability  Sleeping difficulties  Anxiety  Cravings

How long does marijuana stay in your body???  THC is rapidly absorbed by the fatty tissues in various organs throughout the body.  Standard urine tests can detect traces of THC several days after use.  Marijuana can be detected in urine, blood and saliva for up to 60 days after use, depending on how much was used, how often it was used, and the type of tests used to detect the substance.

Marijuana = Gateway Drug???  Long term studies of drug use patterns show very few HS students use other illegal drugs without first trying marijuana.  However, many teen marijuana users do not go on to use other drugs.  Marijuana affects the brain during development, which makes other drugs more appealing.  They are in contact with other users as well as sellers of other drugs.

Medical Marijuana:  Modern medical research has discovered beneficial uses for marijuana in treating or alleviating pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions. (Cancer/chemotherapy, HIV/wasting syndrome, Glaucoma…)  Several states, including R.I. permit the medical use and cultivation of marijuana under certain circumstances. Rhode Island's Medical Marijuana Act does not alter federal statutes and regulations prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana.Medical Marijuana Act  Could medical legalization have any effect on teens decision to use???? Discuss.