Marijuana and Teenagers

What is Cannabis and Marijuana?• Cannabis is the plant.• Marijuana comes from the dried tops, leaves, stems and seeds of the cannabis plant, which somewhat resembles oregano.

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and marijuana is its most popular form.

1. Marijuana is Harmless1. Sure, it does not kill you directly, but regular use

has been shown to be associated with long-term problems, including poor academic performance, memory loss and lung cancer.

2. Marijuana is Not Addictive1. More teens each year enter treatment centres

with marijuana as their main substance abused2. Marijuana is addictive and people become

dependent on it

3. Marijuana is not as Bad as Cigarettes1. Pot actually contains many of the same cancer-

causing chemicals found in tobacco2. Smoking marijuana may increase the risk of

cancer more than smoking tobacco does

Five Myths about Marijuana

1. Driving while High is safer than Driving Drunk1. Marijuana affects alertness, concentration,

perception coordination and reaction time – essential skills required for safe driving

2. I can smoke Pot and still get straight A’s1. Researchers have found that heavy use may be

especially problematic during teen’s peak learning years, when the brain is still developing, since it impairs your ability to concentrate and retain information

2. You may be doing well but you will never know if smoking pot is inhibiting your true academic potential

Five Myths about Marijuana Cont’d

1. Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in Canada

2. 44% of Canadians say they have used marijuana at least once in their lifetime

3. In Ontario, male students are more likely to use marijuana than females (28% vs 25%)

4. 3% of Grade 7 students have tried marijuana in the past year

5. About 1 in 8 students (12%) who use marijuana use it every day. This is about 3% of all grade 7 to 12 students in Ontario (about 33,200 students)

Five Facts about Marijuana

Have a good timeExperimentRelaxRelieve boredomCope with problemsBe one of the crowdBe different

Reason why young people choose to use marijuana

Health risksSafety risksIt’s illegalWaste of moneyBad effects on school or their future career

choicesEscape problems instead of deal with themIt may upset their friends and family

Reasons why young people choose not to use marijuana

Answer the questions below from Pg. 242 - 2461. How long will the effects of marijuana last ?2. What are some of the physical and

psychological effects of marijuana?3. What are some withdrawal symptoms of

marijuana?4. What are the immediate, short-term, and

long-term effects of marijuana use?5. Is having marijuana in your possession still a

criminal offence?

Activity – Independently

How long will the effects of marijuana last?

Question 1

2 to 4 hours

Respiratory systemDamage to the respiratory systemMarijuana smoke contains more tar and higher amounts of

cancer-producing chemicalsThe mind

Problems with memory, concentration, and the brain’s ability to organize and process complex information

Mental and emotional systemPossible symptoms of schizophrenia worse than people

who already have itPregnancy

During pregnancy can have a negative effect on the mental development of a child

DependenceWill gradually need more to get the same effect

Question 2What are some of the physical and psychological effects of marijuana?

What are some withdrawal symptoms of marijuana?

Question 3

AnxietyIrritability

Sleeping ProblemsSweating

Loss of Appetite

What are the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of marijuana use?

Immediate: Red eyes, Dry mouth/throat, Short-term memory loss, Enhanced

sensory perception, Paranoia, Increase HR, Anxiety, Concentration problems, and Trouble with problem solving

Short-term: Short-term memory loss, Paranoia, Lack of coordination,

Anxiety, Concentration problems and Trouble with problem solving

Long-term: Cancer, Respiratory problems, Mental health problems and

Dependence

Question 4

Is having marijuana in your possession still a criminal offence?

Question 5

YES!!!!!

Review all your notes for Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana.

Finish any incomplete worksheets from this health unit.

Quiz next class, on Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

Reminder: BRING YOUR POOL STUFF!!!

Homework