The Facts: Marijuana
Cannabis use may increase your risk for an earlier onset of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Dangers of Marijuana
Not only does marijuana use cause impaired short-term memory, perception, judgment, and loss of motor skills, but heavy marijuana usage in teens can permanently decrease your IQ.
A recent study shows that 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men could have been prevented if they had avoided chronic cannabis use.
When smoked, THC from marijuana goes into the bloodstream and then to the brain. High doses of marijuana can also be linked to depression, anxiety, suicide, and even provoke a psychotic episode, or temporary break with reality.
Short-term effects include problems with:
- Memory.
- Learning.
- Problem-solving.
- Coordination.
Symptoms of long-term use
Frequent long-term use can cause:
- Physical dependence.
- Psychological addiction.
- Bronchitis.
- Emphysema.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Schizophrenia.
What it looks like
Marijuana is a mix of dried green or brown flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves.
It usually looks green, brown, or gray and can look like tobacco.
Sometimes it may be purple, orange, or reddish in color. Marijuana can also come in liquid form as a concentrated THC extract known as liquid THC.
Myth: Marijuana isn’t addictive
Of all the teenagers who are receiving addiction treatment, more than half (55%) of 12-17 year olds – are being treated for addiction to marijuana.
What You Need to Know
- There have been recent reports that black-market marijuana has been unknowingly laced with fentanyl, a drug smaller than a grain of salt that can kill you.
- This drug is so small that you can’t see it and often leads to death.
- In addition to fentanyl, marijuana can be laced with other psychoactive drugs or chemicals such as:
- Lead or other heavy metals.
- Glass.
- Heroin.
- Embalming fluid – used to preserve DEAD BODIES.
- Laundry detergent.
- Methamphetamine.
Common Names:
Dope, Mary Jane, and Reefer. Liquid THC might be referred to as Green Dragon, Mayzack, or Tink.
