Understanding the Effects of THC and Marijuana Use

THE BLUNT TRUTH Effects of THC and Marijuana Use

OBJECTIVES Examine the misperceptions of marijuana and its use Examine the effects of marijuana and THC use on the body, particularly on brain function Discuss the impact of marijuana and THC use on reaching goals Discuss the psychological addiction aspects of marijuana use

THC We re going to look at another drug that is often portrayed in movies in a manner similar to product placement. This drug comes from a plant containing a psychoactive, or mind-altering, chemical called THC (tetra-hydro-cannabinol). Can you take a guess at what it is? It s not uncommon to see this drug used in films in a way that would suggest it should be a normal part of everyday life.

Open workbooks to pg. 18 The Blunt Truth Read each scenario and put True or False for each.

THC is responsible for making the user high. Marijuana Healthy The presence of THC in the brain reduces or stops brain activity. The more purple areas show where the brain has damaged cells or no brain activity at all.

THC causes a persons brain to work harder to complete normal, everyday tasks. The impaired brain cannot react as quickly or process information at a normal rate because THC is blocking the receptors in the brain.

Stroop Test say the color of the text, not the word. This activity illustrates how difficult it can be for someone high on marijuana to process information and respond quickly to normal, everyday tasks.

Open workbooks to pg. 19 Goal Interrupted Occasional users may not be physically addicted to marijuana, but they do become psychologically addicted. Chronic or everyday users, however, can develop a chemical dependency, or physical addiction, to THC and can experience withdrawal symptoms. Look at the first box titled Stuart s Short-Term Goal: Improving at Football. Read the possible consequences if Stuart choose to use marijuana. Read about Marie Fill in the box with your own personal goal. This goal can be one you have already completed or one you are working toward now. List the consequences of marijuana use that would affect your goal.

Open workbooks to pg. 20 & 21 Get High? Using marijuana won t just disrupt short- term goals. Regular usage changes everything about daily life. On these pages you have two teens starting the day; however, the teen on page 20 uses marijuana regularly and the teen on page 21 is drug free. Compare the activities of the two teens, paying close attention to what the teens are doing at any given hour of the day. Consider the effects that marijuana use and drug-free living have on their choices and opportunities. What were some differences you noticed between the two teens?

Legal? The legal status of marijuana is the subject of ongoing debate. It is a federal offense to purchase, grow, carry, or use marijuana because of the harm it can cause. However, scientists have discovered some of the effects of CBD and low amounts of THC can be useful in preventing and treating certain medical conditions. While it is still a federal offence, some states allow recreational use of marijuana, but just like alcohol, it is not legal for people under the age of 21. even is marijuana was completely legal for recreational use, it still isn t something safe to put in your body. Just like nicotine and alcohol, the risks of marijuana use are significant, and the harm to your body is very real. Being drug free will help you accomplish the things you set out to do in life. Therefore, in some states marijuana use and limited possession is permitted under the guidance of a licensed medical professional and dispensed from an approved and regulated dispensary.

Please complete the Kahoot! When finished with all 10 lessons.