Drug Awareness
Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant. You may hear marijuana called by street names such as pot, herb, weed, grass, boom, Mary Jane, gangster, or chronic. All forms of cannabis are mind-altering (psychoactive) drugs; they all contain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active chemical in marijuana. It is an extremely powerful intoxicant. It affects, alters, and damages brain cells controlling thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood, and memory. It is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. It also tends to be the first illegal drug that teens use.
Effects:
The effects of marijuana will vary from person to person depending on these factors:
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How much taken
How strong (potent) the marijuana is
How the marijuana is taken (joint, bong, food)
Size, weight, health and mood
Individual experience with marijuana
If marijuana is taken with other drugs
Whether alone or with other people, at home or at a party
Short-term effects of using marijuana:
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Sleepiness
Difficulty keeping track of time
Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination
Increased heart rate
Potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease
Bloodshot eyes
Dry mouth and throat
Decreased social inhibitions
Paranoia and hallucinations
Impaired or reduced short-term memory
Impaired or reduced comprehension
Difficulty acquiring new information
Psychological dependence
Intense anxiety or panic attacks
Sensation that time is passing slowing
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department - Crime Prevention
601 East Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202
For more information, visit www.cmpd.org
or call us at 704.336.2310

Long-term effects of using marijuana:
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Enhanced cancer risk
Decrease in testosterone levels and lower sperm counts for men
Increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility
Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect
Signs of marijuana use:
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Dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes
Possess drug paraphernalia – rolling papers, pipes, bongs,
Smell on clothing, in room, or in car
Sleepy appearance
Reduced motivation or feeling sluggish
Anxiety and/or depression
Difficulty thinking
Distorted sensory perceptions
Dry mouth
Euphoria
Impaired judgment
Increased heart rate
Impaired short-term memory
Inappropriate laughter or silly and giggly for no reason
Increased appetite, craving sweets
Reduced coordination
Social withdrawal and isolation
Wearing clothing and listening to music that promotes drug use
Discolored fingers
Warning signs indicting you need to seek help:
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Altered perception of reality – hallucinations, delusions and suspicious thoughts
Continued marijuana use despite financial or legal problems related to use
Neglecting responsibilities at home and work
Craving marijuana
Find it difficult to resist using marijuana when it is available
Unsuccessful attempts to control or cut down on use
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department - Crime Prevention
601 East Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202
For more information, visit www.cmpd.org
or call us at 704.336.2310