I think marijuana…

What is Marijuana? Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray

mixture of dried, shredded leaves of the hemp plant.

You may hear marijuana called by street names such as pot, herb, weed, grass,More than 200 slang terms

How it produces it’s effects

All forms of marijuana are mind-altering.In other words, they change how the brain works. They all contain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active chemical in marijuana. THC- depressant and hallucinogen in brain Stimulant for heart

They also contain more than 400 other chemicals. Cannibidiol (more on this later)

Is All Marijuana the Same?Marijuana's effects on the user depend on the strength or potency of the THC it contains.THC potency of marijuana has increased since the 1970s 1980 – 4%THC 2013- 10%THC ave. up to 36%

Routes of Administration

Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (called a joint or a nail) or in a pipe or a bong. Also in cigars called “blunts.”

Short term effectsproblems with memory and learningdistorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch)trouble thinking and problem-solving loss of coordination increased heart rate (risk of heart attack quadruples within 1 hour of smoking)Anxiety (60% report at least one experience)

Effects on BrainTHC suppresses the neurons in the information-processing system of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivation. Researchers have discovered that learned behaviors deteriorate after chronic exposure to THC. Chronic abuse of marijuana also is associated with with impaired verbal reasoning and memory

Effects on Respiratory System

Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers havedaily cough and phlegm symptoms of chronic bronchitismore frequent chest coldsCan induce asthma attackScientists have found signs of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smokeContains 50-70% more hydrocarbon carcinogens than cigarette smokeDeposits 4x more tar in lungs than cigarettes

Effects cont.Depression?Sedation Decrease voluntary movement: mellowLower aggressionBlock convulsions and reflexesImpair cognitionMay cause hallucinations, time distortion at higher THC levels

Long Term EffectsLower male sex hormonesImpairs focus, attention in chronic usersAmotivational syndrome: Depression?Weakened immune systemGrowth disordersReduced ability to learn and remember informationLack of motivationPersonality and mood changesDestruction of lung fibers and brain lesions could be permanent

Gateway Hypothesis?

Medical Uses?THC- psychoactive chemical that creates “high”CBD (cannabidiol)- chemical that does not create highBeing studied for potential medical uses

Time article

Colorado Legalization?

http://www.colorado.gov/cms/forms/dor-tax/A64TaskForceFinalReport.pdf

“Regular marijuana use may contribute to the development of more passive, inward-turning personality characteristics. For numerous middle-class students, the subtly progressive change from conforming, achievement orientated behavior to a state of relaxed and careless drifting has followed their use of significant amounts of marijuana…Such individuals exhibit greater introversion, become totally involved with the present at the expense of future goals, and demonstrate a strong tendency toward regressive, childlike magical thinking.” – William McGlothin

Decriminalization?