Download How to Recognize a Marijuana Problem

Homewood City Schools
How to Spot a Marijuana Problem
About Marijuana
The use of drugs takes many forms. The most widely used drug in the world after alcohol and
tobacco is marijuana.
Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that distorts the perceptions and can lead to hallucinations.
Often referred to as pot or grass, the drug is derived from the cannabis plant. This plant contains
more than 421 different chemical substances of which THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is primarily
responsible for marijuana’s mind-altering capability.
After years of observation and scientific study, the long-term serious effects of marijuana use are
now becoming known. The lungs, the brain and its decision-making capabilities, the
reproductive system and the body’s immune system are impaired by the chemicals contained in
marijuana. Because these chemicals (especially the psychoactive THC) are absorbed in the
body’s fat cells (including those of the brain), it takes an average of thirty days for the residue of
just one marijuana “joint” to clear the body.
Hashish and hash oil are also derivatives of the cannabis plant. These more concentrated forms
of marijuana contain proportionately more THC.
How to Spot a Pot Problem
The entire family unit is affected when a child uses marijuana or other drugs. All family
members must work together to correct the problem. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for
parents to tell if a child is using marijuana because youngsters very typically try to hide or
disguise the fact. Therefore, the first thing parents must be able to do is spot the problem.
According to Ohio pediatrician Dr. Ingrid Lantner, an expert on marijuana use among youngsters,
the following represent common symptoms of the chronic user:
Abrupt mood changes
Red eyes
Distinct lessening of accustomed family warmth
Less care for the feelings of others
Dry mouth
Feelings of paranoia
Fatigue, irritability and edginess
Increasing friction with peers and family
Loss of weight despite craving for sweets
Uncalled-for-outbursts of anger and abusive language
Neglect of personal appearance
Disturbances of sleep
Lack of motivation
Loss of short-term memory
Impaired ability to concentrate
Decreasing performance in schoolwork and sports
Blank facial expressions
Flat, expressionless speech
Difficulty in fighting off common infections
Cough, asthmatic wheezing, chest pains
Skin rashes
Irregular menstrual cycle
Decreasing need for interaction
Impaired driving ability
Distorted time sense (when asked to raise a hand in 60 seconds, a “stoned”
youngster will raise it in ten seconds or less).
A change from active, normally competitive interests to passivity and withdrawal
Secretiveness about money, disappearance of money and valuables
Friends who refuse to identify themselves or hang up when you answer the phone
Not every user displays all symptoms, and it is possible that a new user will display no
symptoms. But, according to Dr. Lantner, “There is no chronic marijuana user who can escape
the symptoms completely, because of the cumulative damaging effects of this drug.”
HOMEWOOD CITY SCHOOLS