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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