FOR MORE INFORMATION ON : CONCENTRATES Myth: Marijuana has not changed much in potency since the 1960s. SAY IT Straight talk about marijuana, meth, prescription meds and Fact: The marijuana of today is not the “dope” smoked in Myth: Vaping or vaporizing marijuana is other substances commonly abused or misrepresented. your granddaddy’s day. It is much more potent, according to safer than directly smoking it from a . STRAIGHT recent lab tests and data presented to the American Chemical Society (ACS) in 2015. Fact: The jury is still out on this one. There are known health LEARN ABOUT MARIJUANA risks with either method. Vaporizers heat marijuana to release “We’ve seen a big increase in marijuana potency compared its active ingredients without burning. As with water pipes or Science-based information for the public provided by the to where it was 20 or 30 years ago,” Andy LaFrate, Ph.D., the bongs, there has not been enough research to know if using a University of Washington Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute (ADAI) founder and director of research for Charas Scientific states vaporizer is safer than unfiltered smoking of marijuana. Some in an ACS video. Based on testing in laboratory equipment, http://LearnAboutMarijuanaWA.org research shows that vaporizers lower the amount of potentially “I would say the average potency of marijuana has probably harmful tars in smoke. Other studies have shown fewer To order additional brochures: ADAI Clearinghouse increased by a factor of at least three. We’re looking at average respiratory symptoms among those using vaporizers. However, potencies right now of around 20 percent THC.” http://adaiclearinghouse.net a recent study has shown that vaporizing marijuana can lead to Marijuana sold on the streets in the 1980s was known to toxic levels of ammonia in the vapor. Ammonia can cause lung be around 4 percent. Concentrations are steadily rising: irritation, nervous system effects and asthma attacks. As there WASHINGTON RECOVERY HELP LINE The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported levels of 15 are many different types and models of vaporizers available, 24-Hour Help for Substance Abuse, Problem Gambling percent in 2012. Some oils derived from solvents more research is needed to measure the chemicals produced & Mental Health are reported to be at an 80 percent concentrate level of THC. by vaporizing marijuana and marijuana extracts. Source: MARIJUANAOR 1-866-789-1511 Source: Includes material from CBS News article published Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, www.waRecoveryHelpLine.org online March 23, 2015. American Lung Association. Produced by: MYTH FACT? ADDICTION

Northwest HIDTA Myth: Marijuana is not addictive. Fact: It is estimated that 9 percent of people who use marijuana will become dependent on it. The number goes up to about 17 percent in those who start using in their teens and to 25 to 50 percent among daily users. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marijuana accounted for 4.2 million of the estimated 6.9 million Americans dependent on or abusing illicit drugs. Washington State Office of Marijuana addiction is linked to a mild withdrawal syndrome. Frequent marijuana users often report irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, and/or various Lt. Governor Brad Owen forms of physical discomfort that peak within the first week after quitting and last up to two weeks. Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse, White House Office on National Drug Control Policy. Revised January, 2016 Although marijuana is more prevalent and openly available now Myth: Marijuana MARIJUANA AND YOUTH than any other time in recent Washington state history, a number doesn’t affect the TALK TO YOUR KIDS of misconceptions still exist as to its benefits, safety and legality. brain. – This brochure is intended to share straightforward, balanced and Myth: Parents cannot prevent Fact: When marijuana marijuana use by their teens. trustworthy information from reliable sources. is smoked, THC Myth: Marijuana is legal for everyone for both recreational and medicinal purposes. travels through the Fact: Parents are the most body, including the powerful influence in their child’s Fact: While the use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law and subject to brain, to produce its life. Teens say the main reason enforcement, Washington voters approved its use for certain medical conditions in 1998 and many effects. THC they avoid alcohol and other for general adult (21 and over) recreational use in 2012. In 2015 state lawmakers enacted legislation to combine the two markets, so that attaches to sites called drugs is because they do not as of July 1, 2016 all sales of marijuana are allowed only in licensed retail outlets. Anyone with a medical authorization card may purchase receptors on the nerve cells of the brain, affecting want to disappoint their parents. “medical grade” marijuana from licensed retail stores that have a medical endorsement. Persons of any age may be authorized to use the way those cells work. Cannabinoid receptors are abundant in Experts recommend that parents medical marijuana; however, those under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian. It is not legal to use while driving. Since laws parts of the brain that regulate movement, coordination, learning talk early and often with their and regulations continue to evolve, visit lcb.wa.gov for the latest. and memory, and higher cognitive functions such judgment and children about the risks of using marijuana and other drugs. It is Myth: Since marijuana is legal (21 and over) it must be safe. pleasure. One type of , CB1, is concentrated in parts of the brain associated with memory, such as the important for parents to know Fact: Marijuana is an intoxicant and can have unintended health consequences from minor to severe. Users may experience anxiety, hippocampus. Scientists also think that long-term daily marijuana that marijuana can do more harm to a teen’s developing brain changes in heart rate, and intense drowsiness. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use marijuana, as THC can cause use may cause subtle impairments in memory and attention that and body than to adults. Parents should learn what you can do or developmental delays in their child. Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that persist even when a person isn’t high. say to prevent underage marijuana use, and practice those skills. tobacco smokers develop over time. Marijuana has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract Parents can get tips on how to begin the conversation online at because marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. Myth: Ingesting marijuana through edibles StartTalkingNow.org. like brownies or candy is the same as Myth: Most students in Washington use marijuana. Myth: More traffic fatalities are caused by drivers impaired by alcohol than by drugs, including marijuana. smoking it. A statewide survey in 2014 of 223,000 students in grades Fact: Although a wide assortment Fact: Fact: Washington state traffic fatality data shows that drug-positive drivers have exceeded the number of drivers impaired by alcohol for 6, 8, 10 and 12 in 2014 tells us that most students do not use the past three years. Here are more startling facts: of edible products can be found in legal marijuana stores, experts advise marijuana. While alcohol and other drug use has gone down • From 2008 through 2014, more than 1,100 people died from crashes caused by impaired drivers. not to nibble too fast. Marijuana significantly since 2010, marijuana use is unchanged. Among 10th grade students, one in five (18 percent), used marijuana in • Marijuana is an increasing factor in these crashes, with a 48 percent rise in the number of drivers who tested positive for marijuana edibles can take up to two hours to the past month, compared to 20 percent in 2010. One in four (27 between 2013 and 2014. fully cast their effect, and may impair percent) of survey respondents in the 12th grade reported using • More collisions are being caused by drivers who consumed both alcohol and marijuana. one’s ability to drive, work or operate machinery safely for a longer time. Edibles are often made with marijuana in the past month, compared to 26 percent four years • Between 2010 and 2014, nearly 60 percent of drivers involved in fatal collisions were tested for drugs. Approximately 20 percent concentrated cannabis oil or from multiple strains of plant waste, before. Source: Washington Healthy Youth Survey. tested positive for marijuana. which can make them more potent than if infused with processed • Marijuana impacts a driver’s ability to maintain attention, slows reaction times and makes it harder marijuana plants. to stay in lanes and judge distances. It also impacts decision-making, reduces side vision and If you do snack on marijuana edibles, start with a single serving of 5 mg or less, and do not take more for at least two hours. It takes reduces coordination. longer for edibles to take effect, compared to smoking, because the first pass through the liver before entering the • Combining even low doses of alcohol with marijuana greatly amplifies impairment. bloodstream. The THC in edibles can cause the same health problems as the THC from smoking marijuana. Edibles should be kept in their Law enforcement agencies are improving officer training for detecting drivers who are marijuana- original packing, and locked up or out of reach of children and pets. If ingested by a child, call the Washington Poison Center at impaired while driving, and new technology is being developed for a roadside marijuana breathalyzer 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential, and non-judgmental medical advice. for instant analysis. Source: Washington Traffic Safety Commission and AAA. Source: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and partner agencies, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Washington Poison Center.