What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a product of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana is usually smoked in a joint or blunt, a cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with marijuana.

Street names:

Blunt, Boom, Dope, Grass, Hash, Herb, Mary Jane, Pot, Reefer, Skunk, Weed, Chronic, Kush, Sticky Icky, Sinsemilla

Did you know?

• Marijuana is far more potent than it was 20 years ago, and can cause more serious side effects.
• Marijuana can lead to dependence, addiction and the use of other drugs.

Dangerous because:

• Marijuana use affects the nerve cells, and can reduce motivation, and the ability to speak and to remember things.
• Long-term use can lead to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
• A single joint contains four times more cancer–causing tar as a filtered cigarette. Smoking marijuana can cause breathing problems like those experienced by cigarette smokers: coughing, wheezing, colds and/or lung infections.
• Marijuana can be addictive and can lead to the use of other drugs.

Signs of use:

• Blunts, cigar wrappers or loose tobacco in trash
• Red eyes
• Slowed thinking and reaction time
• Impaired coordination
• Paranoia