Marijuana Pot Grass Reefer Weed Herb Mary Jane

Marijuana? • • Pot Grass Reefer Weed Herb Mary Jane MJ

Why Do People Smoke It?

How does Marijuana produce its Effects?

Cannabinoid receptors are abundant in: • Cerebellum-------------body movement/coordination Hippocampus------------learning/memory Cerebral Cortex (especially cingulate, frontal, parietal regions)-----higher cognitive functions Nucleus accumbens------------reward center Basal Ganglia----------------(unconscious) movement control -Cannabinoid receptors are moderate in: Hypothalamus------body housekeeping functions (body temp, salt, water, sugar) Amygdala-------emotional response/fear/fight or flight Spinal Cord-----Peripheral sensation/pain Brain Stem------sleep and arousal, motor control Central Gray-----analgesia/pain control Nucleus of solitary tract----visceral sensation, nausea/vomiting

Effects on the Heart

Effects on Lungs • • Daily cough and phlegm production More frequent acute chest illnesses Increased risk of lung infections Obstructed airways

Marijuana & Driving • Marijuana impairs judgment and motor coordination and slows reaction time, an intoxicated person has an increased chance of being involved in and being responsible for an accident.

Q&A Q-What are 3 names for Marijuana? Pot Grass Reefer Weed Herb Mary Jane MJ

Q-Why do people smoke Marijuana? • • • Relax Fall asleep More creative Socialize Boredom Stress Anger Calm Down Anxiety Increase appetite Decrease nausea

Q- Marijuana acts on the brain reward system that controls? ? (same reward centre as sex & chocolate) A- Pleasure

Q-How do people consume Marijuana? • • Smoke/eat/drink Joints Blunts Pipes Bongs Food Drinks

Q- What is the key ingredient min Marijuana that causes a “High”? A- Delta-9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Q-How long can the effects of marijuana last? • A-1 -3 hours if smoked • Up to 4 house if eaten or drank

Q-How does Marijuana affect driving? • Because marijuana impairs judgment and motor coordination and slows reaction time, an intoxicated person has an increased chance of being involved in and being responsible for an accident.

Short term Effects • • • Loss of coordination Distortions in the sense of time Vision and hearing Sleepiness Reddening of the eyes Increased appetite Relaxed muscles Heart rate can speed up In fact, in the first hour of smoking marijuana, a user’s risk of a heart attack could increase fivefold. • School performance is reduced through impaired memory and lessened ability to solve problems.

Long Term Effects • • • Psychotic symptoms Damage the lungs Damage to the heart Bronchitis Can cause coughing and wheezing It may reduce the body’s ability to fight lung infections and illness. • Cancer

Myths & Facts • Myth: Marijuana is harmless. • Fact: Use of marijuana can cause significant health, safety, social and learning problems. • Myth: Marijuana is not addictive. • Fact: Recent research shows that use of marijuana can lead to physical dependence

• Myth: Marijuana is not as bad for you as tobacco. • Fact: Marijuana is linked to respiratory problems, just like tobacco. • Myth: Driving high is safer than driving drunk. • Fact: Marijuana affects alertness, concentration, perception, coordination and reaction time.