Curious about Cannabis What is Cannabis Cannabis comes
Curious about Cannabis?
What is Cannabis? • Cannabis comes from the cannabis plant • Usually green/brown/grey coloured • THC is the main ingredient that causes the “high”
How is it used? • Cannabis can be: – smoked as a cigarette (joint) – Smoked in a dry pipe or water pipe (bong) – Mixed with food and eaten
The Rise of THC delta-9 -tetra-hy-dro-can-nab-i-nol 1969 until the late 1970’s cannabis contained roughly 1% THC 2017: cannabis contains 15 -20% THC
Get the Facts!
You hear… It’s natural. If it comes from a plant, it must be safe When actually… Cannabis smoke has cancer-causing toxins that can cause damage to the lungs
Cannabis will help me focus in school When actually… Cannabis use can cause decreased IQ, concentration, and poor memory
You hear… It is safe to drive after using cannabis When actually… Users are 2 x more likely to have a car crash while driving impaired
Cannabis is safe for anyone, no matter what age 25 When actually… Youth are at the greatest risk of the negative health effects of cannabis because the brain continues to develop until age 25
You hear… Police can’t tell if you are high When actually… The police have the authority, ability and tools to determine if you are impaired by illegal drugs
You hear… Cannabis improves my mental health When actually… Teens who use cannabis are at an increased risk for depression and anxiety disorders
You hear… You can’t get addicted to Cannabis When actually… 1 in 6 people who use cannabis during their teens will develop a cannabis use disorder
Have you thought about… • Cannabis use can cause – Lower grades and exam scores – Relationship problems – Financial difficulties – Sperm abnormalities
Need Help • Have concerns about your or a friends cannabis use? – Talk to your health care provider – Visit your School Nurse – Addiction Services of Thames Valley
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