Marijuana is the common name for a crude drug made from dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the plant Cannabis sativa
The main mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
Most users smoke marijuana in hand rolled cigarettes called “ joints”
The amount of THC in the marijuana determines the strength of its effects
Marijuana available today is as much as 10 times more potent than marijuana used in the early 1970s
Marijuana remains the most widely used drug among adolescents
Who uses Marijuana?
The average first-use age of marijuana is 14 years of age
Nearly one in every ten 8th graders use marijuana
One out of every four high school students use marijuana
Over 14 million Americans age 12 and older used marijuana each month
Routes of Administration
Smoked in a pipe
Rolled into cigarettes known as "joints"
Brewed into a tea
Mixed in baked products
Street Names
Pot, muggles, 420, Mary Jane, grifa, bud, herb, chronic, dank, da kind, grass, leaf, ganja, sens, weed and dope
Short Term Effects of Marijuana Use
Sedation
Blood shot eyes
Coughing
Increase in appetite
Loss in muscular coordination
Increased heart rate
Decreased blood pressure
Nausea
Impairs tracking ability
Confusion
Drowsiness
Difficulty concentrating
Giddiness
Distortions of time, color, and sound
Long Term Effects of Marijuana Use
Marijuana and its potent chemical THC cause cell abnormalities, alter normal cell division, affect genetic makeup of new cells and lower cell immunity, increasing the possibility of viral infections among users
Impaired speech
Difficulty in comprehending complex ideas
Loss of memory
Difficulty in concentrating or focusing on one subject
Irregular sleep habits; insomnia
Mood swings
Lack of body coordination
Decrease in muscle strength
Blurred vision and impaired visual perception
Signs & Symptoms of Marijuana Use
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Clumsiness
Poor driving
Increased laughing
Red eyes
Dilated (large) pupils
Sleepy appearance
Reduced motivation
References:
The Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association Resource Center
