Marijuana is the most widely abused drug among youth today.
Marijuana (also known as pot, hash, Mary Jane, and weed) comes from the Cannabis plant. The active ingredient in marijuana and other products from the Cannabis plant, such as hashish and hash oil, is a substance known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Marijuana generally refers to the dried leaves and flowers of the plant, but it may also contain seeds and stems. Its colour ranges from green to grayish-green to brown. Marijuana smoke often has a pungent or spicy smell to it.
Marijuana is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes, wrapped in cigar tobacco or put in pipes or water pipes. It can also be cooked and eaten.
Hashish is made from cannabis plant resin that has been pressed. Its colour ranges from green to blonde to brown to black. It may be soft and pliable or firm and brittle. Hashish is generally smoked, but can be eaten. It usually contains more THC than marijuana.
Hash oil is also produced by extracting resin from the plant. Its colour ranges from gold to red to dark brown. Hash oil is usually a thick, sticky liquid. It is typically added as drops to a joint or cigarette and then smoked. It usually contains more THC than marijuana.
Marijuana can have unexpected or unwanted effects. Instead of feeling calm and happy, some people may experience other effects such as:
- nervousness,
- anxiety or panic,
- mild paranoia, or
- hallucinations and delusions.
Mental effects
Regular long-term marijuana use can harm concentration, cause loss of memory, harm the ability to think and make decisions, and decrease IQ. Some of these effects may persist after stopping marijuana use.
physical effects:
- expands the blood vessels in the eyes, making them look red,
- relaxes and enlarges the airways leading to the lungs,
- lowers blood pressure, and can double normal heart rate