Marijuana Myths
True or False: If two people smoke the same amount of marijuana, they will get equally high.
False: Marijuana affects each person differently. Some factors that contribute to this are a person’s biology, the potency of the marijuana, previous experience with drugs, the way a person uses it, and the use of other drugs at the same time.
True or False: Driving while high is safer than driving while drunk.
False: Marijuana affects judgment and motor skills, which is especially risky for new and less experienced drivers. In fact, marijuana is the drug most frequently found in the blood of drivers involved in car crashes.
Source: https://drugfree.org/article/marijuana-what-you-need-to-know/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3v6SBhCsARIs
Can marijuana change how we feel and process emotions?
A: Yes. Marijuana can both increase and decrease feelings of certain emotions. For example, using marijuana can heighten feelings of happiness and joy to a "euphoric" state, but may also numb or lessen these feelings and create feelings of depression.
Name one location where marijuana is illegal (even in NJ.) (ex: a building)
On federal or public property like national parks, federal highways, airports, or government buildings like City Hall.
Source: NIDA – Marijuana Legality, state-medical-cannabis-laws
What is the legal age to buy marijuana/hemp derived products?
A: 21. NJ law states that it is unlawful to sell or distribute a product intended for human consumption that contains THC in any detectable amount to a person under 21 years of age.
Source: NJ.gov
Talking to these people can help when you’re feeling overwhelmed instead of turning to marijuana.
Trusted adults, counselors, therapists, doctor, friend or anyone in your support system.
True or False: Marijuana is a safe, “natural” medicine with no harmful side effects.
False. Though marijuana is plant-based, it can still cause addiction (Cannabis Use Disorder), cause issues with brain & memory, and mental health risks.
Source: FDA (Food & Drug Administration)
What is “lacing” in marijuana?
It’s when marijuana is knowingly or unknowingly mixed with other substances. Cases of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine (meth), ketamine (club drug), LSD, and PCP (hallucinogen) have been seen across the country.
Source: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/what-can-marijuana-be-laced-with
Marijuana use has been found to increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders like:
A. Dissociative Identity Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder
B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa
C. Psychosis (Schizophrenia), Depression, and Anxiety.
D. Chronic Migraines and Insomnia
C: Marijuana use has been found to increase a person’s chances of developing psychiatric disorders like psychosis (schizophrenia), depression, and anxiety. How much marijuana is used and the age when it was first used plays a large role in this.
True or False: Marijuana is federally legal.
False:
A: False: Although many states have legalized marijuana for recreational, medical purposes, or both, it's still illegal at a federal level. Marijuana is federally considered a Schedule III Drug as of this year, placing it in the same category as ketamine, Tylenol with codeine, and Buprenorphine. Because of this there are limitations on what research can be done, therefore there is a lot that we do not know.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/house-passes-bill-legalize-marijuana/
https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11204
What are some examples of marijuana/hemp derived products?
CBD drinks (seltzers, teas), lotions/creams/balms, hemp seed products (liquid extracts like milk and oil), edibles (gummies, chocolates, honey). Federal law defines hemp as cannabis that has no more than 0.3% THC.
Sources: https://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/pages/selling-hemp.aspx
Name two healthy coping strategies to manage stress or feelings of anxiety without using marijuana.
Examples include physical activity (like walking or dancing), deep breathing, mindfulness or meditation, getting enough sleep, and staying connected with supportive people. Really anything that does not have negative consequences...
Source: NIMH – Managing Anxiety
True or False: Irritability, more/less appetite, anxiety, mood swings, and trouble sleeping are common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal
A: True
Irritability, trouble sleeping, more/less appetite, anxiety, mood swings, and more are often seen with marijuana withdrawal.
Withdrawal is a set of physical or emotional symptoms that occur when someone stops using a substance their body has become used to. Physical symptoms can include sweating, shaking/tremors, headaches and abdominal pain. Restlessness, depressed mood, and even disturbing dreams can be emotional symptoms.
Source:cannabis-use-disorder.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/marijuana-weed-withdrawal
What is “greening out”?
A term for marijuana overdose, or THC Poisoning. Symptoms can be nausea, hyperemesis (extreme vomiting), dizziness, sweating, anxiety, and in some cases, panic or fainting. Caused by consuming too much THC at once. Not as severe as a heroin overdose, but can still result in hospitalization/severe injury.
Source: Marijuana- Poison Control
True or False: Marijuana can worsen pre-existing mental health issues/disorders, despite people using it for relaxation.
True
While some use it without a doctor’s recommendation for temporary relief, long-term use may actually worsen depression and is not an FDA-approved treatment for any mental health disorder. Evidence has shown that using cannabis can worsen pre-existing mental health disorders, like bipolar disorder. The number and severity of manic and depressive episodes can increase and the progression into the first stage of bipolar disorder can happen quicker.
Source: NIDA – Long-Term Effects, CDC, NIH,
In New Jersey, how many ounces of marijuana are adults (21+) legally allowed to possess?
A. 1 oz
B. 3 oz
C. 6 oz
C: 6 ounces. In New Jersey, an adult can legally possess up to 6 ounces of marijuana (but every state is different). Carrying over 6 oz is a fourth-degree criminal offence and penalities can include up to $25,000 in fines, suspension of drivers license, community service if caught within a school zone, and up to 18 months in jail.
Source: https://avalonpolice.org/2021-marijuana-and-cannabis-information/
https://norml.org/laws/new-jersey-penalties-2/
True or False: CBD drinks do not have the same effects on the mind as more traditional forms of using marijuana (smoking marijuana or consuming edibles) does
False. CBD does not get you high or cause significant impairment, but it is still psychoactive because it contains THC, meaning it alters your physical and mental state (of consciousness and you may feel mellow or sleepy, experience less pain, and be more comfortable)
True or False: Most teens in the U.S. are using marijuana regularly.
False.
A: False. In 2024, 10.5% of underage people used marijuana in the past month. Meaning, most teens are not using marijuana and are finding other, healthier ways to cope with stress—like sports, music, talking to friends, or creative outlets.
True or False: You can get a prescription for medical marijuana from your doctor, just like antibiotics.
False. You cannot get a prescription for marijuana like you do for other medications. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law and cannot be prescribed. In states where medical marijuana is legal, a doctor may provide a written recommendation only if all other treatment options have been exhausted, and you must qualify with a specific health condition. Only authorized dispensaries, not pharmacies, can sell it.
Source: Medlineplus.gov
How can regularly using marijuana negatively affect school or work performance?
It can reduce memory, attention span, and motivation, making it harder to succeed academically or professionally.
Source: cannabis-and-teens.html
True or False: People who use marijuana regularly are more likely to feel socially confident and connected.
False. Heavy marijuana use is linked to increased social withdrawal and isolation, especially in teens and young adults. Marijuana use in youth is associated with more than doubling (2.19 times) the risk of psychotic disorders, specifically for schizophrenia and short-term psychosis. Symptoms can include irrational panic, paranoid ideas, and depersonalization (feeling detached from your body, thoughts, or emotions).
Sources: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/marijuana/risks
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2845356
What risk do you take if you cross state lines with legally purchased marijuana?
Even if both states allow marijuana, transporting it across state lines is a federal crime, and can be punished with fines or even jail time.
Source: state-medical-cannabis-laws
Are hemp products allowed to be packaged to look like regular food/snacks?
No. Regulated hemp products are not allowed to be sold in packages that copy the look of regular candies or snacks. These packages often fail to meet packaging standards (display information on serving size, how to use the product, what to do when experiencing negative affects) and are appealing to children who can accidently purchase them.
True or False: You need health insurance to get help for marijuana or other substance use in Paterson
False. SAC (Student Assistance Counseling) is a school-community program that offers prevention, intervention, support, and referrals to students regarding substance use and mental health disorders. Passaic Mobile Response (open to families with children) offers 24/7 crisis response and referrals to community resources for matters relating to mental health and substance use.
True or False: Eating marijuana edibles (gummies, brownies, etc) is a safer alternative to smoking it.
False. While edibles avoid the lung damage caused by smoking, they pose their own risks. Edibles take longer to affect the body, leading some users to consume too much too quickly, raising the risk of overdose, intense anxiety, or hallucinations.
Source: CDC
Which of the following is a risk of frequent marijuana use?
A) Hearing Loss
B) Reduced cognitive capacity when started as a teen
C) Stomach Ulcers (open sores on stomach lining)
D) Skin Cancer
B) Reduced capacity to learn when started as a teen– Long-term use starting in adolescence has been linked to gaps in attention, memory, and learning.
Though marijuana does not DIRECTLY cause hearing loss, stomach ulcers or skin cancer, some research shows that it might contribute to lower immune system or other complications, resulting in these and many other health problems.
Source: NIDA, NIH, Mayo Clinic, CDC
What is the likelihood among people 12-17 who use marijuana to develop CUD (cannabis use disorder)?
3 in 10
1 in 6
1 in 8
2 in 10
1 in 6 teens who repeatedly use marijuana can become addicted. If you know of anyone who has CUD or other substance use disorders, there are resources to help. Several treatment centers in Paterson, like Aspire Adolescent Counseling Center offer services. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center offers a program (Teen T.H.R.I.V.E.) for teens 13-17 to recieve treatment for substance use disorders. A school counselor or doctor can help you get the process started if you feel like you need some help.
Source: https://www.dea.gov/stories/adolescents-and-marijuana
When driving while drunk, law enforcement can do a breathalyzer test to see how much alcohol is in your body. How can law enforcement detect if marjijuana is in your system if they suspect you are driving while high?
A: Bloodshot/watery eyes, smell of marijuana, examining the size of pupils, how well a person can control eye movement. In NJ, a police officer or a DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) who is trained to detect people under the influence of drugs and identify what drug they are using, can stop you if they think you are driving high. There is no scientifically validated test to determine if a driver has used marijuana, and it is up to an officer/DRE's judgement to charge you with a DUI and penalties (fines, jail time, loss of license).
Source:driving.html
https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/adult-personal/dont-drive-high/
https://files.constantcontact.com/968adeca001/446075b3-d436-4229-b80a-a6648c26a19b.pdf
What is the difference between hemp/hemp products and cannabis/cannabis products?
The difference between cannabis and hemp is the amount of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) they contain by weight (hemp: up to 0.3% THC; cannabis: anything over 0.3%).
What is the active ingredient in marijuana that is responsible for producing mind-altering effects?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that affects a person’s mental state.