Marijuana+Background+Information

Genevieve, Michaela, Giovanni, Matt

How is Marijuana a Gateway Drug? "It is suspected that marijuana use may change the brain's chemistry in such a way that the user is more prone to developing addiction to other drugs after a shorter period of use as compared to those who don't try marijuana before using other drugs." - []

-Marijuana is physically,mentally and emotionally addictive.

"When marijuana is no longer enough to numb the emotions that drive you to use in the first place, a sedative, prescription painkiller or heroin may seem like the logical next step."

"It ineluctably leads to harder drugs like heroin and cocaine."-Maia Szalavitz Abuse of any drug – including marijuana – is when the user begins seeking the drug compulsively and continues to use the drug even though there have been harmful effects to their lives, including problems with family, school, work or the legal system.marijuana users become addicted and that those who start early and who are daily users are more susceptible to addiction.

**Question:** What Are the Short-Term Effects of Marijuana Use? **Answer:** The short-term effects of marijuana include:

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 * Problems with memory and learning;
 * Distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch)
 * Trouble with thinking and problem-solving;
 * Loss of coordination; and
 * Increased heart rate, anxiety.

The street names of marijuana are:

Aunt Mary, BC Bud, Blunts, Boom, Chronic, Dope, Gangster, Ganja, Grass, Hash, Herb, Hydro, Indo, Joint, Kif, Mary Jane, Mota, Pot, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Skunk, Smoke, Weed, Yerba. These can be used disguise the suspicion of drug trades. []