Facts:

Ø      Marijuana is made from the hemp plant.  It can be smoked or eaten.  Marijuana today is over 500 percent more powerful than it was ten years ago, the dangers of smoking marijuana are much more serious than they were in the 1960’s.

Ø      Marijuana smoke causes cancer more than cigarette smoke.  In fact, because marijuana smokers try to hold the smoke in their lungs as long as possible, one marijuana cigarette can be as damaging to the lungs as four tobacco cigarettes.

Ø      Marijuana is a drug that impairs.  It impairs attention and memory and hinders the ability to learn or solve problems.  It impairs decision-making, which can lead users to use bad judgment or get into dangerous situations.  The active chemical in marijuana can stay in the body 14 days after smoking a joint.  Even after a person has stopped smoking the marijuana stays in their body and can still affect their ability to do things like drive, play sports or do well on test in school.

General Effects:

Ø      The most common and most desired effects are talkativeness, cheerfulness, relaxation and greater appreciation of sound and color.  While under the influence of marijuana, tests have clearly proved that tasks involving concentration and manual dexterity – such as driving a car – are not performed well.  Driving while under the influence is considered dangerous and is illegal.

Ø      Not all effect are pleasant.  High doses can cause mild hallucinations and sensory distortions.  Those who use the drug when anxious or depressed may find these conditions exaggerated and the user can become more self-obsessed with his or her problem.  Mild panic and paranoia could then result.  Nausea and vomiting can occur when an inexperienced user tries too much at once, far more likely if abused with alcohol.

Process of Marijuana Addiction:

·       Experimentation:  The user is curious to try it and experiments with marijuana just for fun, with friends, to see what this drug does and what it is about.

·       Situational Misuse:  The user may take in marijuana to help deal with stress, like taking the final exams or meeting new people.

·       Habitual Abuse:  The user depends on the drug to get through the day and to deal with everyday situations.

·       Addiction:  The user must have marijuana, even though it causes problems.

 How do you know if you have a problem with marijuana?

·       You lose track of time.

·       You make a decision to cut back or stop, but are unable to.

·       You have problems remembering or focusing on things.

·       Your decision making process is affected.

·       Your mood fluctuates.