What is marijuana? Who uses the drug? The abuse of marijuana also can cause serious physical and mental Marijuana is the mind-altering Individuals of all ages use mari- problems including frequent respira- substance produced from a plant with juana—data reported in the National tory infections, impaired memory and the scientific name Cannabis sativa. Household Survey on Drug Abuse learning ability, increased heart rate, The drug is used because its primary indicate that 37 percent of U.S. resi- anxiety, and panic attacks. Individuals active chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol dents aged 12 and older used mari- who regularly abuse the drug may (THC), may induce relaxation and juana at least once in their lifetime. The experience the same problems as heighten the senses. survey also revealed that a significant tobacco smokers including cough, percentage of teenagers and young phlegm, chronic bronchitis, and fre- What does it look like? adults use marijuana—20 percent of quent chest colds. In addition, because individuals aged 12 to 17 and 50 per- marijuana contains toxins and carcino- Marijuana generally refers to the cent of individuals aged 18 to 25 used gens marijuana smokers increase their dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, the drug at least once. risk of cancer of the head, neck, lungs, and flowers of the cannabis plant. and respiratory tract. This mixture typically is green, brown, Marijuana use among high school or gray in color and may resemble students is a particular problem. Nearly What is it called? tobacco. While lower quality mari- half (48%) of high school seniors in the juana usually includes all parts of the United States used the drug at least There are hundreds of slang, or cannabis plant, higher quality mari- once in their lifetime, and 22 percent street, terms for marijuana, and both juana often is composed only of the used the drug in the past month, the terms and their meanings can vary buds and flowering top of the plant. according to the University of from one part of the country to Michigan’s Monitoring the Future another. The most common names for How is it used? Survey. marijuana are grass, pot, and weed. (Please see the Street Terms text box Users typically smoke marijuana as What are the risks? below for additional names.) a cigarette, known as a joint, or in a Even at lower doses marijuana pipe or bong. The drug also is smoked Street Terms for Marijuana using blunts—cigars that have been impairs attention and coordination and hollowed out and refilled with mari- affects the way the mind processes 420 Hydro juana, sometimes in combination with information. Because of these effects Acapulco gold Indo other drugs such as crack cocaine. marijuana use has contributed to BC bud KGB (killer green bud) Marijuana also has been mixed with automobile, household, and occupa- Buddha Kindbud tional accidents, resulting in harm to foods or brewed as a tea. Cheeba Locoweed the user and to others. High doses of marijuana may result in image distor- Chronic Mary Jane tion, loss of personal identity, and Dope Shake hallucinations. Ganja Sinsemilla Green goddess Skunk Herb Wacky tabacky Homegrown purpose intheUnitedStates. and servenolegitimatemedical have ahighpotentialforabuse which includeheroinandLSD, Substances Act.ScheduleIdrugs, stance undertheControlled Marijuana isaScheduleIsub- Is marijuanaillegal? Check outFastFactson , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Yes, marijuanaisillegal. K Jimsonweed Inhalants P PCP Methamphetamine MDMA LSD Khat Y Prescription drugs Her GHB Cr Crac aba o etamine ystal methamphetamine wdered cocaine oin k cocaine :
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