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Marijuana
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Get the Facts!
Marijuana affects your brain. THC
(the active ingredient in marijuana) affects the nerve cells in the part
of the brain where memories are formed.
Marijuana affects your self-control.
Marijuana can seriously affect your sense of time and your coordination,
impacting things like driving. In 2002, nearly 120,000 people were
admitted to emergency rooms suffering from marijuana-related problems.
Marijuana affects your lungs. There are more than 400 known
chemicals in marijuana. A single joint contains four times as much
cancer-causing tar as a filtered cigarette.
Marijuana affects other aspects of your health. Marijuana can
limit your body’s ability to fight off infection. Long-term marijuana
use can even increase the risk of developing certain mental illnesses.
Marijuana is not always what it seems. Marijuana can be laced
with other drugs without your knowledge. “Blunt” – hollowed-out cigars
filled with marijuana – sometimes have substances such as crack cocaine,
PCP, or embalming fluid added.
Marijuana can be addictive. Not everyone who uses marijuana
becomes addicted, but some users do develop signs of dependence.
Before You Risk It . .
.
Know the law. It is illegal to buy
or sell marijuana. In most States, holding even small amounts of
marijuana can lead to fines or arrest.
Get the facts. Smoking any substance – tobacco, marijuana, crack
cocaine – increases your risk of developing pneumonia and other
illnesses.
Stay informed. It has not yet been proven that using marijuana
leads to using other drugs. But very few people use other drugs without
first using marijuana. Teens who smoke marijuana are more likely to try
other drugs, in part because they have more contact with people who use
and sell them.
Know the risks. Using marijuana or other drugs increases your
risk of injury from car crashes, falls, burns, drowning, and other
accidents.
Keep your edge. Marijuana affects your judgment, drains your
motivation, and can make you feel anxious.
Look around you. Most teens aren’t smoking marijuana. According
to a 2002 study, about four out of five 12 – 17 year-old youths had
never tried marijuana.
Know the Signs . . .
How can you tell if a friend is using
marijuana? Sometimes it’s tough to tell. But there are signs you can
look for. If your friend has one or more of the following warning signs,
he or she may be using marijuana:
• Seeming dizzy having trouble walking
• Having red, bloodshot eyes and smelly hair and clothes
• Having a hard time remembering things that just happened
• Acting silly for no apparent reason
What can you do to help someone who is using marijuana or other
drugs? Be a real friend. Encourage your friend to seek professional
help. For information and referrals, call the National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686
Q & A
Q. Isn’t smoking marijuana less
dangerous than smoking cigarettes?
A. No. It is even worse. One joint affect the lungs as much as four
cigarettes.
Q. Can people become addicted to marijuana?
A. Yes. Research confirms you can become hooked on marijuana.
Q. Can marijuana be use as a medicine?
A. While the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, can be manufactured in
a pill available by prescription to treat nausea and vomiting associated
with certain cancer treatments, scientist say that more research needs
to be done on its side effects and other potential medical uses.
The bottom line: If you know someone who smokes marijuana, urge
him or her to stop or get help. If you’re smoking marijuana – stop! The
longer you ignore the real facts, the more chances you take with your
health and well-being.
It is never too late. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a
teacher, or another adult you trust.
Do it today!
To learn more about marijuana or obtain referrals to programs in your
community, contact one of the following toll-free numbers:
SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
800-729-6686
TDD 800-487-4889
Web site: http://ncadi.samhsa.gov
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