Physiological Effects of Marijuana Use Short term effects

Physiological Effects of Marijuana Use

Short term effects of marijuana use n n n problems with memory and learning changes in sights, sounds, time, touch trouble thinking and problem solving decreased motor coordination/ trouble moving increased heart rate

Long term effects of continual marijuana use n n some cancers; marijuana contains some of the same cancer-causing agents as cigarettes. smoking five joints per day is equal to smoking one pack of cigarettes. lung and airway problems, like those of cigarette smokers weakened immune system, so more likely to be sick

Facts and Statistics n n Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals One joint puts 4 times as much tar in ones lungs as a cigarette One hour after smoking, your risk for heart attack is 4 times what it would be before smoking. Marijuana lives in the fatty tissue of cells. It may stay in this tissue for a few days to several weeks in chronic users.

“I drive better after I have smoked. ” n Marijuana will negatively affect ones ability to drive by decreasing: - alertness - concentration - coordination - reaction time

More Facts n n 1 in 6 high school sophomores are current marijuana users (have smoked in the past 30 days). Less than 1 in 4 high school seniors are current marijuana smokers. Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Legal Consequences

Legal Vocabulary n Civil Citation → A police-issued order to appear before a judge on a given date to defend against a stated charge, such as a traffic violation. n Misdemeanor → A crime that is less serious than a felony and usually punishable by fine, penalty, or confinement in a place such as a county jail. n Felony → serious crime usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death. Examples include burglary, arson, rape, and murder.

Caught! n Consequences of a minor being caught with/using marijuana: Juvenile court n Rehabilitative Program n Juvenile probation officer assigned n

Summary n DON’T DO IT! Not worthy! n Criminal Record n Not being eligible for financial aid for school n Family problems Sources: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORMI) Black’s Law Dictionary (8 th edition, 2004) Florida Statute § 985. 03(49) and § 985. 231(1)

Coping Mechanisms

n Marijuana is considered an addictive drug because over long periods of time people are unable to stop using on their own

Facts n n Addiction can be defined as becoming tolerant to the drug, and in many cases people who use marijuana have to use more and more of the drug in order to achieve the same results People who use it are unable to control their urges and cravings and find that at any given time they are subject to their cravings and dependency

n n n Each year over 100, 000 people seek substance abuse treatment for marijuana addiction It may require a treatment or rehabilitation program if the user is unable to stop on their own Programs that treat marijuana addiction or problems related to marijuana use counseling and support systems

n Addiction to marijuana is more of a mental issue. n Find triggers and eliminate them from life. n Reward yourself. n Take up other hobbies Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse