SAFETY GRAM

DALE MACMcNEELY  DIRECTOR              LARRY C. LOCKMILLER OPERATIONS
LT.
MARIJUANA



Marijuana, known on the street as pot, reefer, weed, dope, herb, and grass,
is made from the Cannabis Sativa Plant.  The psychoactive chemical
ingredient is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol.  Marijuana can be smoked or
eaten, however it is most commonly smoked due to the higher potency.  A
joint that is smoked, is usually three times more potent than marijuana
that is ingested.



Use of marijuana causes the user to become restless and relaxed with an
exaggerated sense of well-being.  Users experience "munches," in which
there is an uncontrollable hunger. Changes in the senses of sight, smell,
touch, taste, and hearing take place, as well as a tendency for the user to
become slower in articulating their thoughts.  As with any other drug, the
reaction becomes more intense as the dosage becomes stronger.  Very high
doses can result in hallucinations.



The effects of this drug usually appear within a few minutes, with the peak
showing up around ten to thirty minutes after use.  It can be up to three
hours before the effects wear off.



Research has been performed, and is still being performed, to discover a
medical use for this drug.  Researchers have used THC as an ingredient in a
drug that aids in the control of nausea and vomiting that occurs with
chemotherapy in cancer patients.



The health effects and signs of marijuana use consist of:

*faster heart rate                              *reddening of the eyes

*dry mouth                                     *increased appetite

*chronic lung disease                      *increased risk for cancer

*weakening of the immune system     *hampered judgment

*impairment of short-term memory      *diminished motor skills

*possibility of brain damage                 *mood swings

*impaired sense of time                      *lack of ability to concentrate

*paranoia                                           *psychosis

*may cause lower levels of hormones and a temporary loss of fertility



Other drugs made from the cannabis sativa plant include hashish and hashish
oil.  Hashish is made from the resinous secretions of the plant that are
highly concentrated with THC.  These resins are dried and compressed into a
variety of shapes and forms.  Hashish oil is a dark liquid extracted from
the plant that is dropped onto a typical cigarette to give it the potency
of a joint of marijuana.



IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS  OR ANY OTHER DRUG

CONTACT UTC POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 425-4357 OR 425-HELP