THE DANGERS OF MARIJUANA  Human Relations Media

Marijuana comes from a plant called cannabis sativa, also known as the hemp plant. It can be grown all over the world, especially in warm, tropical climates. Marijuana is a mixture of the plant’s crushed leaves and flowers. It often looks like dried parsley. WHAT IS MARIJUANA?

WHAT IS THC? The typical amount of THC in marijuana ranges from two to five percent. More THC means more side effects. Over the years, the amount of THC in a single marijuana cigarette has risen dramatically. This means that marijuana is now much more potent than it was in past decades. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical compound in marijuana. This mind-altering ingredient causes the “high” that users feel.

IS IT SAFER WHEN EATEN? When marijuana is eaten, the effects are unpredictable. The stomach absorbs THC (the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana) more slowly when eaten than when it is inhaled into the lungs. Eating large doses of marijuana may cause severe disorientation, nausea and hallucinations. Is marijuana safer when eaten? NO!

WHAT’S IN IT? A single marijuana joint deposits FOUR times as much tar into the lungs as one tobacco cigarette. Marijuana may be mixed with cocaine, angel dust (PCP), embalming fluid or other toxic substances. Marijuana often contains organisms that can cause lung infection. For example: mold spores salmonella bacteria aspergillus In addition to THC, marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals— many of which can cause cancer.

ALSO KNOWN AS… Some common nicknames for marijuana include: dope bhang bone buddha buds cheeba dub doobie gold wacky tobacky jive mary jane smoke sinsemilla tea toke pot spliff weed Thai stick doja grass ganja herb jay or J joint hay leaf Jamaican reefer

HOW MARIJUANA IS USED A JOINT is a rolled-up cigarette. A ROACH is the burned end of a joint. A BLUNT is a hollowed-out cigar filled with marijuana. Marijuana can be smoked: as a cigarette (joint) in a pipe (bowl) in a water pipe (bong)

OTHER FORMS HASHISH is a concentrated, resinous extract of the cannabis plant. It is usually sold as a dark gummy ball, and contains higher levels of THC than ordinary marijuana. HASH OIL is a derivative of hashish. It is a thick, concentrated oil that has higher levels of THC than hashish.

MARIJUANA AND THE MIND Marijuana commonly causes an anxiety reaction that can range from a general sense of suspicion to a high level of panic, paranoia and a severe distortion of reality. Regular use of marijuana can damage a user’s short-term memory and impair concentration. Heavy marijuana use may contribute to the development of mental illness.

The Respiratory System Marijuana smoke contains more carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) than tobacco smoke. It irritates the air passages and throat. The Lungs Smoking marijuana kills the cilia in the lungs and causes phlegm to build up and congest the lungs. Regular users often develop a chronic cough that can progress into diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer. MARIJUANA AND THE BODY

The Mouth Long-term use of marijuana may lead to cancer of the mouth, the larynx and the upper jaw. The Stomach Marijuana increases appetite but slows the digestive process. Body Tissue THC is stored in fatty areas of the body. It can be detected in the body for up to 28 days after use. MARIJUANA AND THE BODY

The Cardiovascular System Marijuana raises the user’s heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of premature stroke and heart attack. The Reproductive System In females, marijuana use can disrupt the menstrual cycle and lead to fertility problems. Marijuana lowers a male’s sperm count and may cause irregular sperm cells. MARIJUANA AND THE BODY

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 loss of depth perception loss of coordination mood swings from euphoria to depression inability to concentrate on multiple tasks SHORT-TERM EFFECTS

LONG-TERM DAMAGE brain damage and impaired memory reduced immunity to infections mental illness such as depression, 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

MARIJUANA AND THE LAW Schedule I controlled substances This means that marijuana is considered to have a high risk of abuse and no commonly accepted medical uses. Legal penalties vary from state to state, but each state has criminal penalties for the use or possession of even a small amount of marijuana. Marijuana and other cannabis-derivative drugs are legally classified as:

DID YOU KNOW? Buying or merely owning drug paraphernalia (such as a pipe, bong or roach clip) is a crime in many states. Many states have passed strict property-seizure laws designed to discourage people from tolerating other people’s illegal drug use. For instance, if a friend sitting in your car is arrested for smoking marijuana, your car could be seized and auctioned off by the state.

WHAT IS ADDICTION? Every year, more than 120,000 people in the U.S. seek treatment for marijuana addiction. Addiction: The process of becoming dependent upon a substance or a 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.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? Regular marijuana use can stunt a person’s emotional growth— the basic ability to deal with anger, fear or even boredom. Many users become dependent upon marijuana because they believe that it keeps them from having to face reality. Regular marijuana use can lead to amotivational syndrome, a condition associated with apathy, reduced concentration and memory loss.

GETTING HELP Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator HELP National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information Marijuana Anonymous