Marijuana is a drug made from the flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the
hemp plant. It is usually smoked as a cigarette or in pipes like a bong (called a
water
pipe). Marijuana also can be consumed by mixing with foods, brewing into a tea, or
vaping
in an e-cigarette device. The main active ingredient is a chemical called THC
(tetrahydrocannabinol). Some artificial chemicals resemble THC (synthetic cannabinoids),
but are much stronger than THC. They are sometimes called spice or K2To learn more
about
marijuana, take this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Drug
Abuse
(NIDA).
1. Marijuana is commonly used illegally in the U.S.
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Recreational
use of marijuana by adults is legal in some parts of the U.S. The NIDA says marijuana
is
commonly used illegally. For instance, young people use it.
2. Marijuana smoke contains cancer-causing substances and hundreds of other chemicals.
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The main active ingredient in marijuana is a chemical called THC. This chemical is
responsible for the intoxicating effect. Marijuana also contains more than 400 other
chemicals, including cancer-causing chemicals. Marijuana smoke contains up to 70%
more cancer-causing chemicals than tobacco smoke. Marijuana users usually inhale more
deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which increases the lungs'
exposure to the smoke.
3. Marijuana may affect a user's attention and short-term memory.
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When marijuana
is smoked, its effects begin right after the drug enters the brain and lasts from
1 to 3
hours. THC causes brain cells to release a chemical that makes a feeling of pleasure.
THC also likely changes the way the brain processes information. This may be the cause
of the short-term memory loss. Research findings for long-term marijuana use show
some
changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs.
4. Marijuana isn't as strong today as it was in the 1970s.
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The marijuana
available today can be 5 times more potent than the marijuana of the 1970s. Marijuana's
effect depends on the strength of the THC it contains. Most ordinary marijuana contains
well over 15% THC. Sinsemilla is made from just the buds and flowering tops of female
marijuana plants. It is about 16% THC, but can range as high as 24%. Hashish is made
from the sticky resin from the female marijuana plant flowers. It is about 3.6% THC,
but
can range as high as 28%. Hash oil is a concentrated, tar-like liquid distilled from
hashish. It is about 16% THC, but can range as high as 60% to 80%.
5. Short-term effects of marijuana may include a "high" feeling
and changes in sensation, thinking, and mood.
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It may also cause difficulty with body movement, trouble thinking and problem-solving,
and memory problems.
6. Ganja is a street term for marijuana.
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Other popular
street terms for marijuana include weed, widow, herb, pot, and grass. Most people
who
use marijuana roll the loose plant parts into a cigarette, which is called a joint
or
nail. Or they smoke it in a pipe, which may be a bong. Some users cut open a cigar,
remove the tobacco, and replace it with marijuana. This is called a blunt.
7. Studies of high school students show that many young people
try marijuana, as well as alcohol and tobacco.
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answer this question.
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correct answer is
Marijuana,
alcohol, and tobacco use is common among high school students. The CDC reported in
2019
that more than a third of high school students reported using marijuana during their
lifetime. And 1 in 5 high school students reported using it in the past 30 days.
