THC & Brain Effects
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant containing hundreds of chemicals that was originally from Asia.
What does the word "depressant" mean?
When a substance (often a drug) slows down brain or nervous activity.
True or false: if you consume cannabis, does it cause you to feel anxious?
True!
If you use cannabis daily or near daily, will you develop long term effects?
True or false: cannabis is not addictive
Cannabis is addictive like many other substances. People who start consuming cannabis in adolescence are more likely to get addicted.
What is "THC"?
THC is a main ingredient in cannabis. It is a cannabinoid that affects how your brain responds to cannabis.
What is the key difference between a depressant and a stimulant?
Stimulants increase brain activity while depressants reduce central nervous activity.
What are some ways that cannabis affects your brain (short term)?
Leads to confusion and cannabis tampers with your ability to remember things and concentrate.
True or false: continuous use of cannabis increases your ability to retain information, increases your IQ, and improves your concentration.
True or false: cannabis cures depression.
False. The only therapeutic effects cannabis has are relieving nausea, forms of epilepsy, etc.
What effects does "THC" have? Name 2 kinds
1. Therapeutic (healing) properties
2. Mainly harmful effects.
What are some long term impacts cannabis has on the brain?
Decrease in brain volume, brain fog, memory loss, etc.
What are some short term effects of cannabis on your body? Name 3 examples.
1. Damage blood vessels (if caused by smoke.)
2. Decreased blood pressure
3. Increased risk of heart attack
If you start using cannabis in adolescence, will you develop worse effects?
True or false: Cannabis is very harmful even past the age of 25
True. While symptoms may become worse if you consume cannabis in adolescence, cannabis damages the health of adults as well.
What does "THC" stand for?
Tetrahydrocannabinol
What happens when you consume cannabis with another depressant?
Sedative effects are magnified and you are more likely to get addicted.
What are some psychotic effects of cannabis? Name 3 effects and define them.
1. Paranoia (intense distrust and suspicion)
2. Delusions (beliefs that are contrary to clear evidence)
3. Hallucinations (seeing things that aren't actually there.)
What are some examples of long term effects? (name at least 2)
- Bronchitis
- Lung infections
- Chronic cough
- Mucus build-up in the chest
True or false: since use of cannabis is legal, that means it is fairly safe to consume.
False! Cannabis is an addictive substance that can lead to various health effects such as brain damage, lung infection, and decreased IQ.