Marijuana

Guide for Parents: Facts about Marijuana

MARIJUANA

Facts for Parents

Marijuana is a serious threat -- a dangerous, addictive drug. THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is much stronger today than it was in the 1960s. Stronger marijuana means stronger effects.

The average age of first time use of marijuana in Nebraska is 13 years of age or under.

Studies show that adolescents who use marijuana are at a much higher risk to use other drugs.

Marijuana is fat-soluble and remains in cells for weeks. The brain is one-third fat, and marijuana impairs thinking and concentrating skills, alters a person's sense of time, and hinders short-term memory. Marijuana has triggered attacks of mental illness, schizophrenia, and bi-polar syndrome (manic depressive psychosis).

Marijuana impairs motor skills, coordination, perception, and judgment. It is the cause of car crashes, injuries and trauma.

Synthetic THC can be manufactured in a pill, suppository, or nasal spray forms for treating nausea, vomiting or AIDS-wasting syndrome. However, other, more effective medicines are available.

Marijuana can lower testosterone levels, can decrease sperm count, and can reduce muscle mass in males. In females, marijuana can disrupt menstrual cycles and hormone production.