Marijuana: Let's Be Blunt...

• impairments in learning, memory, perception, and judgment
• some people experience paranoia, hallucinations, intense anxiety, panic attacks- psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect
• paranoia
• increased risk of chronic pulmonary disorders, including cancer (lung/mouth), emphysema, increase in testosterone levels for women
• decrease in testosterone levels for men
• lower sperm levels in men
• increased risk of infertility in both men and women
• diminishing or extinguished sexual pleasure
• decreased social inhibitions and exposure to risky situations

The THC in marijuana is absorbed and stored in fatty body tissue, including the brain. THC shows unique specific reactions in the brain. It effects areas of the brain which are responsible for pleasure, smell, memory, movement and hormonal regulation. Because THC is stored in the fatty tissues and the concentration of THC varies, it is difficult to know the exact length of time it stays in the body. About half the THC is still in the blood 20 hours after smoking. Once the THC passes through the liver, it may stay in the body for days, affecting both mental and physical functions (even though youre no longer high). The breakdown products are slowly flushed out of the body and, although varied, traces of THC metabolites can be detected several days after smoking marijuana. In chronic users, remnants from THC may be detectable weeks after marijuana use. The same thing happens if you eat marijuana, except it takes longer to get to the brain.

Marijuana decreases attention and concentration (which is one reason why people use it). One study showed that young people who reported driving frequently while on marijuana were twice as likely to be involved in accidents. It seems that the marijuana-induced changes in perception and sense of time may be entertaining in the living room but can be deadly on the highway. Best bet: if you are using a psychoactive drug, do not drive or get into a car with someone who is. Marijuana affects all of the skills that are necessary to drive safely. The effects include diminished capacity to accurately judge distances, slower reflexes, and distorted perceptions of how fast you are going. Combined with alcohol, the hazards of driving under the influence of marijuana are far more extreme than with either drug alone.

Addiction is a complicated process that is described by tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. Users can develop a tolerance over time. People who smoke marijuana or who have a genetic predisposition might develop a tolerance and would need more of the drug. Withdrawal can occur after chronic use and may be mild due to the THC lasting longer in the body because it is fat-soluble. Some people report irritability and restlessness and some have insomnia and nausea. People who use marijuana can become dependent when:

• There is a constant desire for the high, or unsuccessful attempts are made to cut down or control use,
• Too much time is spent getting high, taking away from other life activities,
• Use is continued despite consequences like conflicts with, or loss of friends, family, or relationships; diminished academic motivation or performance; or negative effects on employment situation.

Heavy users however, can begin to show signs of dependence when they experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include loss of appetite, problems sleeping, weight loss, and restlessness.

People who quit using reported the following reasons: psychological damage, physical damage, dont feel like getting high, not enjoyable, partner disapproved

This is highly controversial. It does appear that there are some valid medicinal uses for marijuana.

Marijuana is not harmless, as some would have you believe, although it may not be as harmful as other drugs that are now legal. The long-lasting effects on the brain and lungs are still unknown. Using marijuana remains illegal in the state of New Jersey.  You do not function normally and cannot do everyday activities which require concentration under the influence of marijuana.  Be aware of the risks. Using drugs increases the likelihood of unsafe sex, which can lead to unwanted sex, unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, and misunderstandings in relationships.  Keep your edge. Drug use can ruin your looks, make you depressed, and contribute to slipping grades.  Play it safe. One incident of drug use may make you do something that you may regret for a lifetime.  Using drugs puts your health, education, family ties, and social life at risk. Face your problems. Using drugs wont help you escape your problems; often only creates more.  Be a friend. If you know someone with a drug problem, be part of the solution. Urge your friend to get help. Call the Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program for Students (ADAPS) on campus.

Know the law. Marijuana is an illegal substance. Simple possession, use or being under the influence of marijuana in New Jersey is 0-18 months in jail and a fine of $500 to $15,000. Use or possession with intent to distribute, 0-10 years in jail, and a fine of $750 to $100,000. There is a penalty of mandatory loss of driving privileges of at least 6 months upon conviction of many drug offenses, for example, possession of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, sifters, and spoons.

In addition to foregoing fines, every defendant convicted of any drug offense or who goes into a diversionary program must pay a mandatory penalty ranging from $500 to $3000 and a mandatory $50 laboratory charge.

The Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program for Students is a counseling and information program for students who are concerned about their drinking or the use of other drugs, about friends use/abuse, or about drug or alcohol misuse in their family. ADAPS is a special focus service of the Rutgers University Health Services.

• Consultation
• Outreach
• Individual Alcohol/Drug Counseling
• Alcohol/Other Drug Awareness Groups for students with questions about their drinking/drug use
• Recovery Support Groups for recovering alcoholic and/or drug addicted students
• Recovery Housing  - On-Campus housing for Rutgers Students who are in recovery from a chemical dependency or grew up in an addicted family or are in a related recovery.  It is a supportive environment for students who live abstinent from alcohol and other drugs
• Intensive Outpatient Services
• Nicotine Dependence Treatment

For further information or to schedule an appointment call:

Lisa Laitman
Hurtado Health Center, College Avenue Campus
11 Bishop Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1180
732 932 7402 x 233

Services are confidential.  There is no fee.

Buzzed, the straight facts about the most used and abused drugs from alcohol to ecstasy.  Kuhn, Cynthia, PhD., Swartzwelder, Scott, PhD., Wilson, Wilkie, PhD. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1998.

Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency and the College Student, Rivinus, Timothy, MD. New York: The Haworth Press, Inc. 1988.

Youth and Drugs: Societys Mixed Messages, OSAP Prevention Monograph-6, US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Alcohol, Drugs Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, Office for Substance Abuse Prevention, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857

Uppers, Downers, All Arounders, Inaba, Darryl S., Pharm.D. and Cohen, William E. CNS Productions, Inc., 1994. Paul J. Steinbroner-Publisher. PO Box 96, 130 3rd Street, Ashland,OR 97520

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (http://www.nida.nih.gov/)
• The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention (http://www.edc.org/hec/).
• NORML Working to Reform Marijuana Laws (http://www.norml.org/home.shtml).

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