NCJ Number
179020
Date Published
November 1998
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This booklet for parents reviews what is known about the characteristics, potential effects, prevention, and treatment for marijuana use by juveniles.
Abstract
In explaining the characteristics of marijuana in general as well as its various forms, the booklet notes that "cannabis" is a term that refers to marijuana and other drugs made from the same plant. All forms of cannabis are mind-altering (psychoactive) drugs that contain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as the main active chemical. Marijuana's effect on the user depends on the strength or potency of the THC it contains. THC potency has generally increased since the 1970's but has been about the same since the mid-1980's. Marijuana can be harmful through both immediate effects and damage to the body over time. It hinders the user's short-term memory; the more potent varieties of marijuana make even simple tasks more difficult. Because of the drug's effects on perceptions and reaction time, users could be involved in auto crashes. There is a strong link between drug use and unsafe sex and the spread of HIV. Over the long term, research findings show that the regular use of marijuana or THC may play a role in cancer and problems in the respiratory, immune, and reproductive systems. Also discussed are the addictive properties of marijuana, "tolerance" for marijuana, its use as a medicine, preventing one's child from using marijuana, how to talk with children about marijuana, and treatments available to help marijuana users. A list of 11 resources