Marijuana Information
Overview
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Other popular street names include: weed, cannabis, pot, ganga, grass and many other names. The main active incredient in marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Consequences
There are many long and short term effects of marijuana. However, along with those effects many prevention advocates are concerned that marijuana acts as a "gateway" drug, introducing users to illicit drug culture and exposes them to other kinds of drugs. Frequent use can lead to physical and psychological addiction.
Long-term consequences include:
- increased tolerance of marijuana
- depression and anxiety
- impaired memory and learning
- loss of coordination
- impaired immune defense
- complications in pregnancy
- frequent respiratory infections
- increased heart attack risk
- increased risk for lung and respiratory tract cancer
Those who use marijuana also demonstrate an increased risk of other high-risk behaviors which include heavy drinking and cigarette smoking when compared to those who abstain from marijuana. In addition, students that use the drug more frequently may function at a limited intellectual level at all times, including when they are not under the influence of the drug. Overall contributing to lower grades and an increased risk of dropping out of school.
Additional Resources
Information on this website can be referenced from the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention website. Please see the below websites for more information:
- Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention - Marijuana
- Parents. The Anti-Drug. - Truth About Marijuana
- National Institute on Drug Abuse - Marijuana
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - Marijuana
- How Stuff Works? - How Marijuana Works
