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Explore the prevalence, usage statistics, chemical composition, short and long-term health effects, addiction risks, and gateway drug potential of marijuana. Understand the impact on physical and mental health. Stay informed and make healthy choices!
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Marijuana www.assignmentpoint.com
most commonly used illicit drug 6.8% of high school students reported using marijuana in the past month Nearly 69 million Americans over the age of 12 have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime www.assignmentpoint.com
8th Grade 10th Grade 12th Grade 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 Past month 6.6 6.5 15.2 14.2 19.8 18.3 Past year 12.2 11.7 26.6 25.2 33.6 31.5 Lifetime 16.5 15.7 34.1 31.8 44.8 42.3 Percent of Students Reporting Marijuana Use, 2005–2006 www.assignmentpoint.com
A green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant • A mind-altering (psychoactive) drug • 1 joint = 20 cigarettes worth of chemicals. www.assignmentpoint.com
There are over 2,000 chemical compounds in marijuana once it is lit. • THC is the main active chemical and is stored in fat cells for long periods of time (stored up to 30 days) • THC can also be stored in brain, lungs, ovaries, and testes. • THC content is rising • 1960’s THC level = 1-2% • Today THC level = 21% • It is stronger and more damaging!!! www.assignmentpoint.com
Impairs Motor Control Slows reaction time Short-term memory loss Visual Impairment Warps time sense Increases Heart Rate Decreases blood sugar Anxiety/Panic reactions Lung Problems Dilated Pupils Red Eyes Weakens immune system Problems caused by Marijuana www.assignmentpoint.com
Long Term Effects • Many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have • Cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs may also be promoted by marijuana smoke. • 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke www.assignmentpoint.com
Quick Facts • Reaction time for motor skills, such as driving is reduced by 41% after smoking 1 joint and is reduced 63% after smoking 2 joints • average age of first trying marijuana is 14 years old!!! • The daily use of 1 to 3 marijuana joints can produce the same lung damage and potential cancer risk as smoking five times as many cigarettes www.assignmentpoint.com
Marijuana and Addiction • Raises levels of dopamine-produces a pleasurable feeling. Can be intense. • Can wear off dramatically-Crash • Users get addicted to the dopamine release (intense pleasurable feeling) www.assignmentpoint.com
Physical Consequences • Teens especially-reproductive organs • Males-sperm production and testosterone levels lower • Females- raises testosterone levels www.assignmentpoint.com
Gateway Drug??? • Marijuana, Tobacco and Alcohol are all considered Gateway drugs. • It is an indicator that if any of the three have been used it is a good possibility that the user will move on to use more dangerous and addictive drugs. • This does NOT mean that every person will do this. www.assignmentpoint.com