MARIJUANABy: Brandon Lacks

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The plant contains the mind-altering chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related compounds. Extracts with high amounts of THC can also be made from the cannabis plant.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Its use is widespread among young people. According to a yearly survey of middle and high school students, rates of marijuana use have steadied in the past few years after several years of increase. However, the number of young people who believe marijuana use is risky is decreasing.

People smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in pipes or water pipes (bongs). They also smoke it in blunts—emptied cigars that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana. To avoid inhaling smoke, more people are using vaporizers. These devices pull the active ingredients (including THC) from the marijuana and collect their vapor in a storage unit. A person then inhales the vapor, not the smoke.

Long-term marijuana use has been linked to mental illness in some users, such as: temporary hallucinations—sensations

and images that seem real though they are not

temporary paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others

worsening symptoms in patients with schizophrenia (a severe mental disorder with symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking)

Marijuana use has also been linked to other mental health problems, such as:

depression

anxiety

suicidal thoughts among teens

Physical effects

Breathing problems. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and frequent marijuana smokers can have the same breathing problems that tobacco smokers have. These problems include daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung illness, and a higher risk of lung infections. Researchers still do not know whether marijuana smokers have a higher risk for lung cancer.

Increased heart rate. Marijuana raises heart rate for up to 3 hours after smoking. This effect may increase the chance of heart attack. Older people and those with heart problems may be at higher risk

Problems with child development during and after pregnancy. Marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to increased risk of both brain and behavioral problems in babies. If a pregnant woman uses marijuana, the drug may affect certain developing parts of the fetus’s brain. Resulting challenges for the child may include problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving.

Addictive

Contrary to common belief, marijuana can be addictive. Research suggests that about 1 in 11 users becomes addicted to marijuana .This number increases among those who start as teens and among people who use marijuana daily.

According to the United Nations, 158.8 million people around the world use marijuana—more than 3.8% of the planet’s population.

Over 94 million people in the US have admitted using it at least once.

According to the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2.1 million people in the US abused marijuana for the first time that year.

Among 12- to 17-year-olds, 6.7% were current marijuana users in 2007.

Statistics:

In 2005, 242,200 emergency room visits in the United States involved marijuana.

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, a large percentage of those arrested for crimes test positive for marijuana. Nationwide, 40% of adult males tested positive at the time of their arrest.

Of adults 26 or older who used marijuana before age 15, 62% went on to use cocaine at some point in their lives; 9% went on to use heroin at least once; and 54% made some nonmedical use of mind-altering prescription drugs.

Next to alcohol, marijuana is the second most frequently found substance in the bodies of drivers involved in fatal automobile accidents.

According to one national survey on drug use, each day approximately 6,000 Americans try marijuana for the first time.

Worldwide, it is estimated that about 162 million adults use marijuana at least once per year, and 22.5 million use the drug daily.

After alcohol, marijuana is the most popular drug worldwide

After alcohol, marijuana is the most popular recreational or mood-altering drug used worldwide.g

Just under 40% of high school students in the U.S. report using marijuana at least once in their life, and 20% report using it regularly.f

About 10% of males use marijuana compared to 6% of females

About 10% of users will go on to daily users Almost 7% - 10% of regular users become

dependent 14.6 million Americans report using marijuana

in the last month 100,000 people per year are treated for

marijuana addiction Marijuana use was reported in emergency

rooms most in the following cities: Dallas 63.9%, Boston 44.1%, Denver 40% and San Diego 35.1%

There is approximately a 1.1% risk of marijuana abuse and 0.3% risk of marijuana dependence in the population of the U.S

Marijuana is used as way to calm around the world and is becoming legal in certain states.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeF6rFN9org

Quiz

1: Which is NOT a way Marijuana users smoke?a)Through cigarettes b)Bluntsc)Computer moused)Bong

2: Which is not a cause from Marijuana use?a)Depressionb)Anxietyc)suicidal thoughts among teensd)Dog dies

3: Which is a physical effect from Marijuana use?a)Increases heart rateb)Ability to flyc)X-ray visiond)Can bite through a rock

4: Is Marijuana addictive?a)Yesb)Noc)Maybed)C is not right

5: Can Marijuana be used in a proactive way to medically reduce anxiety? a)Yesb)Noc)Maybed)C is wrong again

Works Cited:

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/international-statistics.html