THE PLANT

Marijuana comes from the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. It also contains hundreds of chemicals, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the drug's main mind-altering ingredient.

 

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Smoking/vaping marijuana can take just seconds to go to your head, as other modes of ingestion may not take affect that quickly. THC attaches itself to your brain's neurotransmitters- which help your brain communicate with the rest of your body. That "high" feeling means that your brain is not doing its job.

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SHORT TERM EFFECTS

• Increase in appetite

• Inability to concentrate

• Red eyes

• Dry mouth

• Delusions

• Insomnia

• Loss of consciousness

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LONG TERM EFFECTS

• Weight gain (from increased appetite)

• Risk of oral cancer

• Weakened immune system

• Depression Chest and lung issues

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FACTS ABOUT MARIJUANA

• Having marijuana within your possession is illegal and can result in being arrested.

• Marijuana use can cause permanent IQ loss of up to 8 points.

• Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, and suicide planning.

• Marijuana affects timing, movement, and coordination.

• Marijuana dulls attention, and learning skills.

• One in six people who start using before they’re 18 become addicted.

• Marijuana use often causes memory impairment.

• Intoxication can induce a temporary psychotic episode in some users.

• Marijuana is likely to precede use of other illicit substances.

• Smoking marijuana increases your chances of getting lung infections like pneumonia.

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All data was collected from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and SAMHSA.