drug facts

Photo courtesy of the U.S. DEA.

Marijuana
Basic Facts

What is Marijuana?
Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, which was
first cultivated for its psychoactive properties more than 2,000 years ago. Although
cannabis contains at least 400 different chemicals, its main mind-altering ingredient is THC (delta-
9-tetrahydrocannabinol).

Marijuana is by far the world's most commonly used illicit drug and is more dangerous than most
users realize. Today's marijuana is stronger than ever because most is grown indoors and bred for
potency. The average THC levels rose from less than 1% in 1970 to more than 7% in 2005.

What are the Street Names for Marijuana?

There are more than 200 street or slang names for marijuana. Some of the more common names
include ace, Aunt Mary, black bart, blunt, boom, chronic, doobee, dope, ganja, golden leaf, GOM
(Good Old Marijuana), grass, hash, haze, herb, hemp, hydrophonic, jay, kif, leaf, Mary Jane, nail,
northern lights, pot, Queen Ann's Lace, ragweed, reefer, sinsemilla, spliff, skunk, tree, and weed.

How is Marijuana Taken?

Marijuana and other cannabis products (such as hashish) are usually smoked, sometimes in a
pipe or water pipe ("bong" or hookah), or rolled into cigarettes known as “joints." Some users will
hollow out cigars, replacing the tobacco with marijuana, to make "blunts." Joints and blunts may
be laced with other substances, including crack, cocaine, PCP, embalming fluid and other
chemicals that alter the effects of the drug, making it more dangerous. Marijuana can also be
brewed into tea or mixed into baked products.

How Does Marijuana Affect the User?

Marijuana is a mind altering substance that has some of the same effects of alcohol — specifically
as a depressant and as a substance that reduces inhibitions. The user's experience is heavily
influenced by expectations and past experience, and many first-time users feel nothing at all.

The effects of smoking marijuana are generally felt within a few minutes and peak within 10 to 30
minutes. The effects of eating marijuana take longer to peak, and generally last for several hours.
Common effects include dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, impaired coordination and
balance, delayed reaction time, and diminished short-term memory. Moderate doses tend to
induce a sense of well-being and a dreamy state of relaxation that may induce fantasies, and
diminish inhibitions. Perception is distorted and reaction time is delayed, making it dangerous to
operate machinery, drive a vehicle or boat, or ride a bicycle. Stronger doses can cause more
intense and often disturbing reactions including paranoia and hallucinations.

Most of marijuana's short-term effects wear off within two or three hours. However, reaction time
and short-term memory can be impaired for up to 20 hours. The drug itself lingers in the body
much longer. THC is a fat-soluble substance which builds up in fatty tissues in the body including
the liver, lungs, testes, and other organs. Two days after smoking marijuana, one-quarter of the
THC content may still be retained. It will show up in urine tests several days after use, and traces
may be picked up two to four weeks later, sometimes even longer, depending on the frequency
and quantity of use.

Created for public use by Phoenix House, 2006 | www.phoenixhouse.org | 164 West 74th Street, New York, New York 10023 | 800-488-DRUG
What are the Physical Effects of Long-Term Marijuana Use?
Marijuana use impairs learning. Heavy use interferes with a person's ability to focus, sustain
attention, store memories and other information, and organize data.

Chronic marijuana smokers are more likely to suffer chest colds, bronchitis, emphysema, and
bronchial asthma. Long-term use will damage lungs and airways and increase the risk of cancer.
Smoking a single marijuana joint exposes users to the same amount amount of harmful as
smoking five tobacco cigarettes.

Marijuana affects hormones. Regular use can delay the onset of puberty in young men and reduce
sperm production. For women, regular use may disrupt normal monthly menstrual cycles and
inhibit ovulation. When pregnant women use marijuana, they run the risk of having lower birth-
weight babies with health problems.

What are the Dangers for Teens Using Marijuana?

Although dangers exist for marijuana users of all ages, the risk is greatest for teens. Studies
show that teens using marijuana develop more slowly than their peers and are less able to
master coping skills or make healthy choices.

Another concern is marijuana's role as a "gateway drug." Research has shown that 60% of young
people who use marijuana before they turn 15 later go on to use cocaine.

By itself, marijuana is a high-risk substance for adolescents. Teens are more likely to be victims of
automobile accidents caused by marijuana's impact on judgment and perception. Feeling
uninhibited, teens are also more likely to have unprotected sex which can result in unwanted
pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Abuse:

How can you tell if someone is using marijuana? Below are common warning signs, although
these same signals may be caused by other problems.
• Behavioral: Changes in overall attitude/personality, motivation level, academic
performance, sleeping habits, activities, social group or hobbies. Depression, fatigue,
carelessness with grooming, hostility, and deteriorating relationships with family
members and friends.
• Physical signs and symptoms: Dizziness or trouble walking; silly or giggly for no
reason; red, bloodshot eyes; short-term memory loss; loss of appetite or increase in
appetite.
• Paraphernalia and environmental signs: pipes, bongs, cigars and rolling papers; odor
on clothes and in the bedroom; use of incense and other deodorizers; use of eye
drops; clothing, posters, jewelry, music promoting drug use.

Treatment Options:
If you or someone you know is struggling with marijuana abuse, contact Phoenix House at
drughelp@phoenixhouse.org to find out more about our treatment programs, ask for a referral or
get a professional assessment.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.

Created for public use by Phoenix House, 2006 | www.phoenixhouse.org | 164 West 74th Street, New York, New York 10023 | 800-488-DRUG