Marijuana Use

Drug Addiction

  • Marijuana/Cannabis- commonly smoked a cigarettes or joints, depresses brain activity, colors are brighter, sounds louder; made from leaves, stem, flowering tops of the dried plants; pressed resin of the plant/tarry substance/hashish
  • Active Ingredient- THC/tetrahydrocannabinol used in many variations; most active is delta-9-THC/dronabinol -Delta-9 THC- used to treat nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, made synthetically

Facts:

  • Often Used- for nausea and vomiting with cancer and chemotherapy
    • Urine Testing- identifies marijuana use, not intoxicated, sophisticated tests can register 1 year after ingestion
  • Widespread- among high school students, young adults Symptoms- increased heart rate, dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, depressed appetite, sense of well being, relieves tension and stress, confused, disoriented, dry mouth, panic reactions can occur especially is a new user
  • -Decreases- cognitive skills, motor abilities, testosterone levels, sperm count, size of testes, brain activity, irregular menstrual cycles
  • Withdrawals- insomnia, increased muscle activity, usually mild symptoms

Should Not Use Marijuana

  • Pregnant Women- produce smaller babies; affects breast-fed infant
  • Schizophrenics- may become worse with marijuana use
  • Bronchitis- common, increased risk of lung disease
  • Fertility- uncertain

What can I do?

  • See your Physician-talk with about a drug treatment center, ask about help
  • See RD- for help as needed
  • See FFF RD- on line for help