Get the Facts on Marijuana

The drug:
The drug is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. The main ingredient is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The amount of THC varies and determines how strong its effects will be on the user. Hashish, hash oil and sinsemilla are made from the resin of the leaves and contain 5-10 times more THC than other forms of marijuana. All parts of the plant are mind-altering.

Street name:
There are over 200 slang terms including pot, weed, grass, hay, herb, cannabis, dobie, ganja, indica, loco weed, seeds, spliff, thaistick, whackytabacky, chronic, doob, homegrown, leaf, mary jane, refer, fir, sinsemilla, stems, twigs, amp, Buddha, kryptonite, dope, gold, bush, maui-wowie, smoke, mo, Texas tea, hash, and bhang.

What it looks like:
Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves. There may also be short twigs and round seeds in the mixture. It is typically smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe or bong. It can also be smoked in a hollowed-out cigar (called a blunt or swisher).

What it can do to your body:
The effects of marijuana depend on the type of cannabis used, the way in which it is taken, the setting, expectations of the user, and use in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs.
Feelings of intoxication   Confusion and anxiety
     
Rapid heartbeat   Dry mouth and throat
     
Bloodshot eyes   Decreased reaction time
     
Loss of coordination or poor sense of balance   Difficulty speaking or listening
     
Impaired or reduced short-term memory   Impaired or reduced comprehension
     
Impairments in learning and memory, perception, problem solving, and judgement   Reduced ability to perform motor skills like driving
     
Altered sense of time   Altered motivation
     
Increased appetite   Paranoia
     
Intense anxiety or panic attacks   Psychological dependence

Warning:
Effects of this drug can be compounded when used in conjunction with alcohol.

Effects of repeated use:
May directly affect academic achievement

Diminish or extinguish sexual pleasure

Withdrawl symptoms associated with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol

Decreased ability to concentrate

Decreased ability to learn and remember

Delay the onset of puberty in men

Decrease sperm count in men

Disrupt the menstrual cycle and inhibit discharge of eggs from ovaries in women

Damage the immune system

Increase cancer rates: it contains more cancer causing agents than tobacco (5 joints a week=1 pack of cigarettes a day)

Increase rates of respiratory problems and disease such as bronchitis and emphysema

Other causes of concern:
Joints can be dipped in PCP and embalming fluid to enhance marijuana’s effects. Joints laced with cocaine are called “primo”. While these drugs enhance the initial effects, they also dramatically increase the chances for adverse reactions.

Signs of use:
Person is giggly or silly for no reason
Trouble walking and talking
Dry mouth and throat
Increased appetite

For more information:
Access to reliable information can be found at the following Internet sites:
    The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
     
    The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
     
    Higher Education Infofacts Resources
     
    Clubdrugs.org

If you or a friend is in trouble:
    First and foremost, call 911.
     
    Then contact someone in Student Affairs (an RA, area coordinator, dean, or other staff member you feel most comfortable calling). We’re here to help you, not to get you into trouble. While we can’t look the other way, you and your friends’ safety is ALWAYS more important than a documentation. Utilize the resources available to you and seek immediate help.
     
    If you want to talk further about your concerns, the Counseling Services is available at extension 2549 (UC) and 4233 (WCC).
   
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