Marijuana

What is it?

Marijuana is a common drug made of dried stems, seeds, and leaves from the Cannabis sativa plant. THC, the main active chemical, moves throughout the body when taken in. It runs through the bloodstream and into the brains and organs.

What are the risks?

This drug can be addictive just like all other drugs. It affects the brain’s reward system in the same way as all other drugs of addiction. A person who starts to smoke marijuana at a young age will be more likely to become addicted. Marijuana can also have possible effects on your cognitive development, irritation to the lungs, and respiratory problems such as daily coughing or phlegm production.

Marijuana also impairs coordination and judgement. It can lead to automobile accidents especially if used with alcohol or another substance.

What are other common names for the drug?

Blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, bud, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, green, trees, smoke, skunk, weed, hash, tea, chronic, loud