Specific Drugs and Their Effects
CANNABIS
Effects
All forms of cannabis have negative physical and mental effects. Several regularly observed physical effects of cannabis are a substantial increase in the heart rate, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite.
Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Research also shows that students do not retain knowledge when they are "high." Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis.
Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.
Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become the center of their lives.
| Type | What is it called? | What does it look like? | How is it used? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana | Pot Grass Weed Reefer Dope Mary Jane Sinsemilla Acapulco Gold Thai Sticks | Dried parsley mixed with stems that may include seeds | Eaten Smoked |
| Tetrahydro-cannabinol | THC | Soft gelatin capsules | Taken orally Smoked |
| Hashish | Hash | Brown or black cakes or balls | Eaten Smoked |
| Hashish Oil | Hash Oil | Concentrated syrupy liquid varying in color from clear to black | Smoked—mixed with tobacco |
INHALANTS
Effects