November 2012
Marijuana...
How is it consumed?
Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette
or in a pipe. When smoked, the effects are
felt within minutes and last from two to four
hours. Marijuana can also be ingested. It is
mostly eaten in baked or cooked foods. The
effects appear more gradually, and usually
last longer than when smoked.
013-0160b SUBS-8154 (12)
healthful
Effects of marijuana
Signs and symptoms of
marijuana use
Signs and symptoms of
someone being high on
marijuana are dizziness and trouble
walking, being silly and giggly for no reason,
bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, hard
time remembering things that have just
happened, and increased appetite.
Reasons for consuming marijuana
Some people can experience shortterm effects. They withdraw, experience
There are many reasons why people
fearfulness, anxiety or depression, some
consume marijuana. Most people consume
experience panic, terror or even
it out of boredom. Some like the high
paranoia. Long-term effects
or the relaxed state they are in when
associated with marijuana use
they consume, others only do it when
are health and
celebrating. Some people
behavioural
try it out of curiosity, some
consequences,
because of emotional
including respiratory
or social pressure. The
What is marijuana?
damage, problems
point of the matter is
Marijuana is a green,
with physical
that marijuana creates a
brown or gray mixture
coordination,
vicious circle. People think
of dried leaves, stems, seeds,
difficulties with
they need it to escape
and flowers of the hemp plant.
memory, psychiatric
from problems or from their
Marijuana belongs to
effects, as well as
everyday life, but they are
a category of drugs
poor work and
not realizing they are
called cannabis. Other drugs
school
creating a problem.
in this category
performances. The
include hashish, hashish oil,
use of marijuana
Questions?
and marijuana oil.
by youth and those
613-933-1375
or
These are all products derived
with a mental
1 800 267-7120
from the plant called
disorder is of
Ask for
Cannabis Sativa.
particular concern.
Health Line.
Common misconceptions about marijuana
Marijuana comes from a natural plant. It can’t hurt me.
False. Marijuana might come from a natural plant but it is not a harmless drug; it is mind-altering. THC, the main active chemical, changes
how the brain works and affects the nerve cells in the brain where memories form (see Effects of marijuana).
My parents smoked marijuana and they’re
ok. It can’t hurt me.
False. The marijuana from 20 years ago has nothing to do with today’s marijuana. Growers have developed techniques that increase the
concentration of THC, thus increasing the potency of the drug.
Marijuana is not just grown in a field anymore. Some grow it indoors and under hydroponic conditions, creating a highpotency drug.
Marijuana is legal. I won’t get arrested if I consume or carry some.
False. Marijuana is not legal in Canada. People with certain illnesses can get a special permission to consume marijuana. The reason
is that marijuana seems to reduce nausea and other symptoms
in people with cancer, multiple sclerosis and glaucoma.
Marijuana has no affect on many of the skills required for driving,
including concentration, perception, reaction time and coordination.
False. Concentration, perception, reaction time and coordination are reduced. You could be putting yourself and other’s lives at risk by driving high!
Sources: http://ottawa.ca/en/health_safety/living/dat/drug/drive_high/
WHERE TO GET HELP
Here are some places where you can get help:
Addiction Services of Eastern Ontario:
613-936-9236 or 1 800 272-1937
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Info line:
1 800 565-8603
Center for Addiction and Mental Health:
1 800 463-6273