Download Marijuana

Physiological Effects
of Marijuana Use
Short term effects of marijuana use
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problems with memory and learning
changes in sights, sounds, time, touch
trouble thinking and problem solving
decreased motor coordination/ trouble moving
increased heart rate
Long term effects of continual
marijuana use
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some cancers; marijuana contains some of the same
cancer-causing agents as cigarettes.
smoking five joints per day is equal to smoking one pack
of cigarettes.
lung and airway problems, like those of cigarette
smokers
weakened immune system, so more likely to be sick
Facts and Statistics
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Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals
One joint puts 4 times as much tar in ones lungs as a
cigarette
One hour after smoking, your risk for heart attack is 4
times what it would be before smoking.
Marijuana lives in the fatty tissue of cells. It may stay in
this tissue for a few days to several weeks in chronic
users.
“I drive better after I have smoked.”
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Marijuana will negatively
affect ones ability to drive
by decreasing:
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alertness
concentration
coordination
reaction time
More Facts
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1 in 6 high school sophomores are current marijuana
users (have smoked in the past 30 days).
Less than 1 in 4 high school seniors are current
marijuana smokers.
Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Legal Consequences
Legal Vocabulary
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Civil Citation
→ A police-issued order to appear before a judge on a given date to
defend against a stated charge, such as a traffic violation.
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Misdemeanor
→ A crime that is less serious than a felony and usually punishable
by fine, penalty, or confinement in a place such as a county jail.
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Felony
→ serious crime usually punishable by imprisonment for more than
one year or by death. Examples include burglary, arson, rape,
and murder.
Caught!
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Consequences of a minor being caught with/using
marijuana:
Juvenile court
 Rehabilitative Program
 Juvenile probation officer assigned
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Summary
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DON’T DO IT! Not worthy!
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Criminal Record
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Not being eligible for financial aid for school
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Family problems
Sources: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORMI)
Black’s Law Dictionary (8th edition, 2004)
Florida Statute § 985.03(49) and § 985.231(1)
Coping Mechanisms
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Marijuana is considered an addictive drug because over
long periods of time people are unable to stop using on
their own
Facts
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Addiction can be defined as becoming tolerant to the
drug, and in many cases people who use marijuana have
to use more and more of the drug in order to achieve
the same results
People who use it are unable to control their urges and
cravings and find that at any given time they are subject
to their cravings and dependency
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Each year over 100,000 people seek substance abuse
treatment for marijuana addiction
It may require a treatment or rehabilitation program if
the user is unable to stop on their own
Programs that treat marijuana addiction or problems
related to marijuana use counseling and support systems
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Addiction to marijuana is more of a mental issue.
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Find triggers and eliminate them from life.
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Reward yourself.
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Take up other hobbies
Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse