1. Effects of Marijuana and Alcohol on the Digestive and Execratory Systems By: Taylor Mustapich and Jeanne DiSimone

2. Effects of Marijuana The main chemical in Marijuana, which is THC, may stay in the body forever Scientists are not sure how long this chemical may stay in the body This chemical has the ability to be stored in fatty tissues in the organs because it is fat soluble

3. Effects of Marijuana From the organs, the chemical is slowly released and metabolized This metabolite is then slowly excreted The rate of how quickly marijuana is excreted from the body depends on how often Marijuana is smoked, how much is used, and the rate of a person’s metabolism

4. Effects of Marijuana Marijuana causes hunger and thirst immediately after use In the long term, Marijuana slows the digestive system and slows weight gain Long-term Marijuana use can lead to a decrease in appetite

5. Alcohol’s Effect on the Stomach Alcohol causes irritating inflammation of the stomach lining, called gastritis. Gastritis is associated with open sores on the stomach lining which can cause severe bleeding. Tearing of the stomach lining can also occur. These problems have been proven to lead to anemia in some people.

6. Alcohol’s Effect on the Liver Inflammation of liver cells, causes blockage in the liver. Alcohol hepatitis. Symptoms: Tender, enlarged liver, jaundice (observed from yellowing of the skin/whites of eyes and dark urine). People who have been drinking for years may develop cirrhosis of the liver. Liver cannot perform because of tissue scarring. Alcohol kills liver cells; they do not regenerate.

7. Alcohol’s Effect on the Large/Small Intestines Absorption of vitamins and minerals is affected. Malabsorbtion: Stomach cannot use nutrients to their fullest extent; causes nutritional defects. Puts drinker at risk for other health problems, not strong enough to fight off disease.

8. Which is Worse? Alcohol is worse for the digestive system Alcohol affects almost every aspect of the digestive system in a negative way Alcohol can have permanent effects on the liver. It can cause irreversible liver problems Alcohol can also effect the digestive system so that it can not process nutrients properly, which leads to other health issues. Marijuana doesn’t have that many long-term or serious effects on the digestive system