Marijuana Facts
August 6th 2007 04:38 pm
Marijuana is also known as grass, pot or weed. It comes from a plant called Cannabis sativa. The plant’s leaves, when dried and crushed, can be smoked in a pipe or rolled into a cigarette, known as a “joint.” Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals; the main mind-altering chemical is known as THC. The potency of marijuana is determined by the concentration of THC.
Efforts to legalize marijuana, especially for medicinal use, have gradually gained momentum since the 1970’s. California has already legalized the substance for medicinal use and other states aim to follow suit in the future.
Young people are often introduced to marijuana by friends or family. The younger a person is upon beginning marijuana usage, the more detrimental effect it will have on their health and quality of life. It will affect their understanding and
retention of school lessons and their motivation to complete homework and strive for good grades. Marijuana is also widely viewed as a gateway drug; the earlier a person tries marijuana, the more likely they will probably be to try other, harder drugs and need teen drug rehabilitation. Marijuana smoke is even more likely than cigarettes to cause lung cancer and it also affects one’s driving ability by slowing reflexes and blurring judgment.
In short, despite widespread belief that marijuana is not a harmful drug and is not an addictive substance, studies have proven otherwise. As with many substances – legal or illegal – marijuana is more addictive the younger a person starts using it. Thus, preventative education and open discussion with teens are key to winning the battle against teen drug addiction before it starts.
