Marijuana

Marijuana (pot, weed, grass, etc.) is a mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant. Marijuana contains over 400 chemicals; 61 are unique to marijuana plant. It is smoked unfiltered and inhaled more deeply than tobacco smoke, which increases exposure to cancerous chemicals. Tar from marijuana smoke contains 50% more cancerous compounds than unfiltered tobacco smoke.

Short-Term Effects	Long-Term Effects
Feeling tired and sluggish Impaired or reduced short-term memory Elevated heart rate Dry mouth Bloodshot eyes Hallucinations and paranoia Impaired or reduced comprehension Altered motivation and cognition Psychological dependence Alters perception of time, distance, and space Problems retaining information Anxiety and panic attacks	Decrease sexual performance Increase in testosterone levels for women Increased risk of infertility for women Decreased testosterone levels and lower sperm count Enhanced cancer risks Marijuana can worsen mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

 

Effects of Exposure during Pregnancy

Several studies have found that children born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy exhibit some problems with neurological development.  According to those studies, prenatal marijuana exposure can cause:

• Altered responses to visual stimuli     
• Increased tremulousness
• Problems with sustained attention and memory
• Poor problem-solving skills

Law

In Canada, possession of marijuana is illegal. Marijuana delays reaction time and affects coordination skills for up to five hours. Operating any motorized vehicle while high is dangerous and a crime. 

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