TEENS & Marijuana

Marijuana: Facts for Teens

Some Things To Think About

A GROWING EPIDEMIC FOR OUR YOUTH

Many Teens do not understand or believe that Marijuana is harmful to the brain and Body. Check out this Brief video for some statistics and information you may not know!

Video courtesy of NIDA for Teens
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/marijuana

"Almost 44 percent of teens have tried Marijuana by the time
they graduate from high school" (MTF, 2010)

Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint), but may also be smoked in a pipe. Less often, it is mixed with food and eaten or brewed as tea. Sometimes users open up cigars and remove the tobacco, replacing it with pot—called a “blunt.” Joints and blunts are sometimes laced with other, more powerful drugs, such as crack cocaine or PCP (phencyclidine, a powerful hallucinogen).When a person smokes a joint, they usually feels its effect within minutes. The immediate sensations--increased heart rate, lessened coordination and balance, and a “dreamy,” unreal state of mind—peak within the first 30 minutes. These short-term effects usually wear off in two to three hours, but they could last longer, depending on how much the user takes, the potency of THC and the presence of other drugs added into the mix.

As the typical user inhales more smoke and holds it longer than he would with a cigarette, a joint creates a severe impact on one’s lungs. Aside from the discomfort that goes with sore throats and chest colds, it has been found that consuming one joint gives as much exposure to cancer-producing chemicals as smoking five cigarettes.

The mental consequences of marijuana use are equally severe. Marijuana smokers have poorer memories and mental aptitude than do non-users.

Marijuana has serious detrimental effects on the Growing Brain. It has been proven to cause memory loss, as well as stunt the growth of their brain.

Signs Of Marijuana Use In Teens

1. Redness in the eyes, squinted eyes and delayed speech
2. A sudden change in friends
3. Signs of depression, paranoia, or isolation from the family.
4. No longer participating in activities they used to enjoy.
5. Visine (eye drops), mouthwash, or Air Fresheners
6. They don't want you in their room or around their things, they appear to be nervous when you are in their space.
7. A sudden interest in Drug Paraphernalia and/or propaganda.
8. A persistent cough or respiratory problems
9. Forgetfulness, or impaired memory
10. Difficulty problem solving or keeping thoughts together
11. Interested in being alone, or finding reasons to go outside alone, taking lots of walks, going to parks, distancing themselves from parents, brothers, sisters, or any family members.
12. Absences from school or work
13. Talking in Code or using terms you don't understand when talking to their friends.
14. Frequent requests for money or stealing money.
15. Small Burn marks on finger tips.
16. Cotton mouth or a constant thirst
17. Poor Coordination
18. May begin to have an attitude with you when you try to talk with them, or ask them questions
19. Trying to hide their face or clothes by wearing over sized sweatshirts or clothing
20. Loss of train of thought, rambling, conversations that are not clear in understanding.

If you are concerned about your teen’s use of marijuana or other drugs, it is important to get help immediately. Brief interventions are very beneficial resources
along with individual counseling and therapy when necessary.
The sooner you identify the problem The easier it will be to help them!
Remember to talk to your teens about the dangers of Marijuana Use.

Get The Facts

NIDA is a wonderful source of information for teens! If you need help talking to your kids/teens about drugs and the Dangers of Marijuana Use Get the facts and educate yourself and your teens!

Teens are using marijuana in many different ways, there is the traditional smoking but there are ways even parents may not have heard about. Kids are Vaping, dabbing, eating, and and even Drinking marijuana.

Though the age to legally buy Marijuana in Colorado is 21 Teens are finding it easier than ever to get their hands on the Gonja! Many documents support the fact that todays youth in Colorado are finding it easier to access marijuana than alcohol and cigarettes.

Save A Brain!

Many teens believe that Marijuana is Natural, therefore it is not harmful! Yes, Marijuana is a plant HOWEVER, there is nothing natural about inhaling smoke, there is nothing natural about the Insanely large amount of THC being extracted from plants that are so chemically manipulated to produce UNNATURAL amounts of THC. In many instances Marijuana has been directly linked to Death or severe injury.

A Teens Brain is still under construction well into their mid-late 20's. Using Marijuana early in life they are causing severe harm to a developing brain. Weekly use of Marijuana has shown to decrease IQ levels up to 8 points.

Helpful Resources:
Check out these websites for great information and Tips On How To Talk To Your Kids!