• What is marijuana?
• What are the short-term effects?
• What are the long-term effects?
• How am I at risk?
• Related Links

What is marijuana?

• Marijuana is a drug.
• It acts as a hallucinogen that alter perceptions, thoughts, and feelings.
• THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient in marijuana.
• Marijuana is usually smoked as a:
  • cigarette (called joints)
  • cigar (blunts)
  • in pipes
  • in water pipes (bongs)
• Marijuana can also be cooked in foods such as brownies.

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What are the short-term effects?

Marijuana affects people in different ways. Possible side-effects are:

• altered perception of time, distance and space
• impaired judgment
• loss of coordination
• disorientation
• red eye
• dry mouth and throat ("pasties")
• increased appetite ("the munchies")
• sleepiness
• racing heart rate
• panic attacks or feeling paranoid

The effects are worse when mixed with alcohol.

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What are the long-term effects?

If smoked frequently, regular use can:

• make it difficult to concentrate.
• reduce memory and attention span.
• result in problems with school and work.
• produce a psychological dependence and possible physical dependence.
• increase risk of lung cancer.
• worsen mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

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How am I at risk?

• The risks associated with marijuana use fall into 4 categories:
  • physical health
  • psychological health
  • safety risks
  • legal risks
• For information on these four risk areas, please visit Health Canada's website, Marijuana for Straight Talk   .

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