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Girls' VersionMarijuana
Weed, pot, Mary Jane, ganja, chronic - what do these terms have in common? They're all names for marijuana, the most widely used illegal drug in the United States.
What is Marijuana?
Cannabis, or Marijuana, is the product of the dry, shredded flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. All forms of cannabis contain the mind-altering chemical "THC" (short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in addition to over 400 other chemicals. Marijuana is typically smoked as a "joint" (cigarette), a "blunt" (hollowed out cigar), in a pipe, or a bong. It may also be mixed into foods or brewed as a tea. Stronger forms (which have a higher amount of THC) include sinsemilla, hashish, and hash oil.
What happens when someone smokes Marijuana?
When someone smokes marijuana, the THC travels through the lungs and into the bloodstream. When it reaches the brain, THC connects with the nerve cells that affect memory, concentration, perception, and pleasure. This is what is called a "high".
Within a few minutes of smoking, a person may experience a combination of the following:
- Feeling giggly and laughing a lot
- Fast heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Loss of coordination and sense of balance
- Feeling relaxed
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating/slowed reaction time
- Red/bloodshot eyes
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased appetite
- Acute anxiety/paranoia
The way marijuana affects a person depends on how strong the THC content is, how they are using it, and whether they are drinking alcohol or using other drugs at the same time.
Keep in mind that other drugs can be mixed in with the marijuana without the user knowing beforehand. If there are other drugs mixed in, these effects will likely be more intense.
Are there other effects I should know about?
Yes. Even after the immediate effects of marijuana use subside, marijuana has negative effects on the brain. Because the chemical THC directly affects the brain, marijuana use can cause many problems which can last for days, or even weeks, including:
- Trouble thinking/concentrating
- Short-term memory loss
- Distorted perception (things seem fuzzy/unclear)
THC also disrupts coordination, balance, posture, and reaction time. This can lead to problems while playing sports and activities that require concentration and quick thinking, such as driving.
Long term marijuana use can have many negative effects as well.
- Mental health problems: Studies have shown that people who use marijuana on a regular basis have increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems.
- Respiratory problems: Marijuana smokers can develop many of the same breathing problems as people who smoke cigarettes. These problems include daily coughing, wheezing, more frequent chest illness, and an increased risk of lung infections such as pneumonia. Marijuana also has the potential to increase the risk of lung cancer, because it contains carcinogens (cancer causing agents). In fact, marijuana smoke contains up to 70 percent more irritants and carcinogens than tobacco smoke.
- Addiction: You may have heard that you can't get addicted to marijuana, but that's not true. When people use marijuana over a long period of time, they can become addicted. In fact, it's estimated that 1 in 6 people who start using marijuana in their teens will become dependent on it. People who are addicted to marijuana have similar withdrawal symptoms (when they try to quit) as those who are addicted to nicotine. When trying to quit, thay may have cravings, feel irritable and anxious, and have trouble sleeping.
If smoking marijuana can harm you, why do people do it?
Even though research shows that there are many negative effects from using marijuana, some people choose to use it anyway. This may be because of the effects such as relaxation that they feel while using it. The truth is that even though something may feel good, it doesn't mean it's good for you.
Other reasons people use marijuana may include:
- Being pressured by siblings or friends
- Using it as an escape from problems in their lives (family, school, etc.)
- Thinking it's cool because they hear popular songs about it, and see it used by actors in the movies and on TV
I've heard that marijuana can be used as medicine - is that true?
Although the debate regarding the medical use of Marijuana continues, the FDA has approved pills that contain THC. The pill is only available in certain states, and a person must have a prescription to get it. Smoking marijuana is not accepted as a medical treatment.
The pill that contains THC may:
- Relieve nausea and vomiting in cancer patients
- Help people with AIDS keep up their appetite and weight
I've heard a lot about marijuana on the news. What are the legal issues involved?
You may have heard (or read) about laws regarding marijuana use. This is because it's a very controversial issue. Every state in the US has its own laws and penalties about growing, possessing, and selling marijuana.
The consequences vary, but usually include:
- Paying a fine
- Jail time
- A criminal record (which can hurt your plans for college and employment)
What about drug testing?
Many employers test for drug use during the hiring process, and some have ongoing drug screening. Marijuana users may not be able to get a job because of their drug use, or they may lose their job if a test comes back positive. The same is true of sports teams. If you test positive for marijuana, you might not be able to play, or you could get cut from your team and have to pay a fine.
How do I know if I have a problem with marijuana use?
Some signs that you may be addicted to marijuana include:
- You can't control the urge use it
- You use it before school and other activities
- You specifically seek out people who use marijuana and place yourself in situations where it will be available
- You continue using marijuana even if it has a negative effect on your schoolwork, relationships, sports, or other activities
How can I quit using marijuana?
If you want to quit using marijuana, the most important thing to do is speak with a trusted adult who can assist you so you get the help you need. There are treatment programs that focus on counseling and group support, and there are programs designed specifically for teens. Ask your health care provider for a referral.
Although marijuana use may seem cool because of the way it's portrayed in the movies, on TV, and through music, now you know the facts and how un-cool it really is. There are so many safe ways to feel good and enjoy yourself that there's no good reason to take the chance of harming your body or your mind.
Updated: 5/6/2011
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