Marijuana (The “Hybrid” Drug)

Types 1. Marijuana – plant (cannabis) whose leaves, buds, and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects. 2. Hashish – more concentrated, stronger form of marijuana; high in THC a. effects felt within 10 to 30 minutes and last up to three hours b. possible gateway drug C . Gateway drug – a drug that may lead to other, more dangerous drugs

Effects a. Hallucinations and paranoia b. Impaired memory, reaction time, concentration c. Very similar to tobacco symptoms d. Contains more carcinogens (anything that causes cancer) than cigs!!! e. Increased appetite (munchies) f. Females, risk of infertility; Males, lowered sperm count

Effects f. Use triggers the release of dopamine (feel-good chemical in brain) g. When so much dopamine is released, a “high” is achieved h. Active ingredient is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The more THC, the more powerful the effects. g. contains three times more tar inhalation than tobacco

Street Names known as grass, weed, pot, mary jane, kush

Other Info Medical Purposes a. Marijuana is legal in some states for medicinal purposes b. Helps control side effect such as nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy (cancer) c. Increases appetite and stalls the loss of lean muscle mass for people with AIDS d. Can only be prescribed by a doctor!