Transcript Marijuana - East Aurora Schools

Health 9
Mrs. Couzens and
Mrs. Dehlinger
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Weed
Pot
Reefer
Ganja
Bud
Mary Jane
What plant does marijuana come from?
The Cannabis sativa plant
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THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol
is the mind altering
drug found in
marijuana
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There are at least
460 chemicals
found in marijuana.
Most of the 460
chemicals are not
physically harmful,
however they are
transformed into
app. 2,000
metabolite
chemicals inside
the body.
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According to officer Farrara, it belongs to a
group of drugs called narcotics. Marijuana is
a mild hallucinogen that can also act as a
depressant or a stimulant.
It can have some pain altering effects, but the
research is still unclear to it’s effectiveness in
relation to other drugs.
1. bloodshot eyes
2. faster heartbeat
3. dry mouth and throat
4. No scientific evidence
indicates that marijuana
improves hearing,
eyesight, and skin
sensitivity
Marijuana in the brain
THC changes the way people think and feel.
THC alters the perception of time. This may be one of the reasons why people
using marijuana find it difficult to concentrate.
Memory is also affected when a person uses marijuana.
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Scientists have known for a long time that
THC interacted with cannabinoid receptors in
the brain, but did not know why the brain
would have such receptors. They thought that
the brain must make some kind of substance
that naturally acted on these receptors. In
1992, they found the answer...anandamide.
Anandamide is the brain's own THC (just like
"endorphin" is the brain's own morphine).
Still, scientists are not sure what the function
of anandamide is in the normal brain.
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Using marijuana at a young age can result in
structural and functional deficits of the brain.
This could cause you to develop weakened
verbal and communication skills, lowered
learning capabilities and a shortened
attention span.
(www.abovethe influence/facts/drugsmarijuanan)
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Chronic inhibition of goal setting.
Persistence to make things “right” doesn’t
matter as much. (Marijuana metabolites flood the nerve
tissue in such a way that normal emotional response to threatened
loss, for example, is camouflaged)
Is it a gateway drug???
In urine and blood tests
marijuana can be
detected up to one
month after use.
In hair samples,
marijuana can be
detected for up to 90
days for most tests.
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Increased heart rate
Increased breathing
Increased blood
pressure
Damage to lungs
Changes to hormones
Increased risk of
cancer
Lowered testosterone
levels
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Marijuana can affect
coordination. This
means a person can
become clumsy and
react slower than
normal.
True or False?
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1. Holding the hot air
longer in the lungs
causes a slight burning
of the lung tissue.
2. Holding the smoke
in longer keeps the
chemicals (and tars) in
your system longer.
3. There is no filter, so
all the smoke and crud
passes into the lungs
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Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily or even several times a day
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Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
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Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
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Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
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Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
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Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems
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Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
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Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
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Recognizing drug abuse in teenagers
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or angst from signs of drug use.
Possible indications that your teenager is using drugs include:
Problems at school. Frequently missing classes or missing school, a sudden disinterest in school or
school activities, or a drop in grades may be indicators of drug use.
Physical health issues. Lack of energy and motivation may indicate your child is using certain drugs.
Neglected appearance. Teenagers are generally concerned about how they look. A lack of interest in
clothing, grooming or looks may be a warning sign of drug use.