All forms of cannabis have negative physical and mental effects.
Several regularly observed physical effects of cannabis are a
substantial increase in the heart rate, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth
and throat, and increased appetite.
Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and
comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform
tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car.
Research also shows that students do not retain knowledge when they
are "high." Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the
acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce
paranoia and psychosis.
Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold
it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the
lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more
cancer-causing agents than tobacco.
Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and
require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become
the center of their lives.
Type What is What does it How is
it called? look like? it used?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Marijuana Pot Dried parsley mixed Eaten
Grass with stems that Smoked
Weed may include seeds
Reefer
Dope
Mary Jane
Sinsemilla
Acapulco Gold
Thai Sticks
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tetrahydro- THC Soft gelatin capsules Taken orally
cannabinol Smoked
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hashish Hash Brown or black Eaten
cakes or balls Smoked
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hashish Oil Hash Oil Concentrated Smoked--mixed
syrupy liquid with tobacco
varying in color
from clear to black
-------------------------------------------------------------------