THC & The Brain
What does THC stand for?
Tetrahydrocannabinol
explanation: THC is the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana that causes the "high."
Marijuana is classified as what type of drug?
A depressant
Explanation: Depressants slow down activity in the central nervous system.
Marijuana can make it harder to do what in class?
Concentrate
Explanation: THC can affect attention and focus.
Long-term marijuana use may affect what mental ability?
Memory
Explanation: Frequent use can lead to memory problems.
True or False: If marijuana is legal, it is completely safe.
False
Explanation: Legal does not mean risk-free.
What part of the body does THC primarily affect?
The brain
Explanation: THC changes how the brain processes information and controls behavior.
What body system is slowed by depressants?
The central nervous system
Explanation: This system controls many important body functions and responses.
What happens to reaction time after using marijuana?
It becomes slower
Explanation: This can increase the risk of accidents.
Regular marijuana use can increase the risk of what condition involving dependence?
Addiction (Cannabis Use Disorder)
Explanation: Some users develop difficulty controlling their use
Myth or Fact: Marijuana can affect learning and memory.
Fact
Explanation: THC can interfere with both.
THC can affect memory, attention, and what other mental skill?
Decision-making
Explanation: THC can make it harder to think clearly and make good choices.
Name one effect caused by marijuana's depressant properties.
Slower reaction time
Explanation: Users may react more slowly to situations around them.
Marijuana may affect a person's ability to make good what?
Decisions
Explanation: Judgment can become impaired.
Which age group faces greater risks because their brains are still developing?
Teenagers
Explanation: Brain development continues into early adulthood.
True or False: Everyone reacts to marijuana in exactly the same way.
False
Explanation: Effects can vary from person to person.
Why are teens more vulnerable to THC's effects?
Their brains are still developing
Explanation: THC may interfere with normal brain development during adolescence.
True or False: A depressant always makes someone fall asleep.
False
Explanation: Depressants slow body functions but do not always cause sleep.
Name one mood-related effect marijuana may cause.
Anxiety, panic, or mood changes
Explanation: Some users experience negative emotional effects.
Long-term use can affect success in what two areas of life?
School and work
Explanation: Problems with focus and motivation can impact performance.
Myth or Fact: Marijuana can be addictive for some people.
Fact
Explanation: Some users develop dependence or addiction.
What system in the body does THC interact with?
The endocannabinoid system
Explanation: This system helps regulate mood, memory, sleep, and appetite.
Why can driving after using marijuana be dangerous?
It impairs reaction time and judgment
Explanation: Drivers may not respond quickly to hazards.
What short-term memory skill can be affected by marijuana?
Remembering new information
Explanation: THC can make learning and remembering more difficult.
Frequent marijuana use during adolescence may interfere with what process?
Brain development
Explanation: Developing brains may be more sensitive to THC's effects.
True or False: Using marijuana as a teen carries different risks than using it as an adult.
True
Explanation: Teen brains are still developing and may be more vulnerable to harm.