Risks
What percentage of marijuana users will become addicted?
About 1 in 10 (10%) people who use marijuana will become addicted. That goes up to 1 in 6 (17%) when marijuana use begins before age 18.
As of February 18, 2020, how many hospitalized vaping cases or deaths have been reported to CDC from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands)?
2,807 people have been hospitalized in all 50 states and 68 have died in 29 states (almost 100 more than a month ago and 8 additional deaths)
Most patients report a history of using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products
What do the following symptoms indicate?
irritability, sleeplessness, lack of appetite (which can lead to weight loss) anxiety, drug cravings
The user is going through WITHDRAWAL
Some states have legalized marijuana. In those states, is it still against federal law to possess or consume marijuana?
YES
It is illegal to grow, buy, sell, or carry marijuana under federal law. The federal government considers marijuana a Schedule I substance—having no medicinal uses and high risk for misuse.
Compared with teens who don't use, students who use marijuana are less likely to do what?
Finish high school or get a college degree.
Marijuana use increases risk for what mental health problems?
Marijuana use has been linked to a range of mental health problems in teens such as depression or anxiety. Psychosis has also been seen in teens at higher risk like those with a family history.
What product has been strongly linked to the EVALI outbreak?
EVALI = E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product use-Associated Lung Injury
Vitamin E Acetate (has been banned in Washington, Oregon Colorado and Ohio. Possibly Michigan)
Used as a thickening agent or to dilute THC
Why do people use marijuana?
Curiosity – marijuana is something new and different to try
Peer group pressure – friends smoke and they either feel that it can’t be that bad if “everybody’s doing it” or they're simply unable to say “no”
Desire to appear more grown-up – may be viewed as an adult-like behavior
Pleasurable effects – they like the way it makes them feel
Coping device – some may begin smoking marijuana because they think it will help them deal with life’s problems
Is marijuana legal in South Dakota?
NO
November 2020 ballots will included Constitutional Amendment A to legalize recreational marijuana and Initiated Measure 26 to legalize medical marijuana. These both passed but will not go into effect until July and will be for people ages 21 and older.
Some of the short-term health effects of marijuana include:
Memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor skills, and increased heart rate.
What are risks associated with using marijuana while pregnant?
*Research has shown that pregnant women who use marijuana have a 2.3 times greater risk of stillbirth.
*In school, marijuana-exposed children are more likely to show gaps in problem-solving skills, memory, and the ability to remain attentive (drugabuse.gov)
*Withdrawal symptoms, like tremors (shakes) or long periods of crying after birth. These symptoms usually go away within a few days after birth.
*Problems with sleeping
*Problems with behavior, memory, learning, problem-solving, depression and paying attention (March Of Dimes)
What is the THC content in concentrated products (dabs or waxes)?
According to the Surgeon General's report, these products may contain between 23.7% and 75.9% THC.
Other sources state levels of 80-90% or higher
Marijuana use in adolescents has been linked to a decline in IQ scores. How many points is the average decline?
8 points
These are points you don't get back, even if you stop using
Have any cannabis products been approved by the FDA for medical use?
YES
The FDA has approved Epidiolex (which is made from CBD) for treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy. The FDA has also approved two man-made cannabinoids to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Epidiolex is legal in South Dakota
Patients using medical marijuana in states where it is legal need a written recommendation from a doctor for a qualifying medical condition
Some of long term risks include:
lower attention levels later in life, cancer, weakened executive function.
What determines if a person becomes addicted to marijuana?
Family history (genetics), the age they start using, if they also use other drugs, their family and friend relationships, and if they take part in positive activities like school, after school clubs or sports.
What are the risks associated with using THC extracts?
Long term effects of marijuana concentrate use are not yet fully known; but, we do know the effects of plant marijuana use. These effects include paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations.
Additionally, the use of plant marijuana increases one’s heart rate and blood pressure. Plant marijuana users may also experience withdrawal and addiction problems.
What are some of the negative side effects of marijuana use?
slow reaction time
problems with balance and coordination
trouble thinking and solving problems
memory problems
hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t really there)
delusions (believing something that is not true)
psychosis (having false thoughts) (risk is highest with regular use of high potency marijuana)
Mixing marijuana with alcohol can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause further slowing of the ability to think, solve problems, and react.
Are industrial hemp or CBD legal in South Dakota?
YES
Hemp and CBD became legal in South Dakota on March 2020
Marijuana is called a __________ drug or a stepping stone to even more harmful and addictive substances.
Gateway Drug
What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition that leads to repeated and severe bouts of vomiting. It is rare and typically occurs in daily long-term users of marijuana.
*Recovery phase. Symptoms go away, normal eating is possible again. Symptoms often come back if the person tries marijuana again.
According to the Monitoring the Future survey, what percentage of 12th graders reported vaping marijuana in the past month in 2019.
14% up from 7.5% in 2018
The second largest one-year jump ever tracked for any substance in the history of the survey. (The largest was from 2017-2018 with past month nicotine vaping among 12th graders)
In the early 1990s, the average THC content in the marijuana plant was less than 4%. What is the average content today?
More than 12%, and much higher in some products such as oils and other extracts.
Scientists do not yet know what this increase in potency means for a person’s health.
What is the penalty in South Dakota for possession of marijuana?
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to possess two ounces of marijuana (up to one year imprisonment, $2,000 fine, or both)
It is a Class 6 felony to possess more than two ounces of marijuana but less than one-half pound of marijuana. (two years imprisonment, $4,000 fine, or both)
This part of the brain is damaged by marijuana use:
Frontal Cortex