MARIJUANA
What chemical in marijuana is primarily responsible for impairing short-term memory and attention?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
Identify the addictive chemical commonly found in e-cigarettes.
Nicotine
What component in cigarettes causes addiction?
Nicotine
Give an example of an OTC pain reliever.
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin
What does “prescription” mean in the context of medicine?
Requires a doctor’s approval due to risk of side effects or misuse
Describe two ways chronic marijuana use can affect the developing adolescent brain.
Impaired memory, reduced attention, delayed cognitive development, risk of psychiatric disorders.
Name a harmful substance produced when e-liquid is heated in a vaping device.
heavy metals
Name two short-term effects of alcohol consumption.
Impaired judgment, slowed reflexes, nausea, vomiting, blackouts.
Why is it important to read the label carefully before taking OTC drugs?
Incorrect dosing can cause organ damage or toxicity
Name two classes of prescription drugs commonly misused by teens.
Opioids, stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin), sedatives
True or False: Marijuana is considered completely safe because it is a plant. Explain your answer.
False; even though marijuana is a plant, THC can impair brain function and decision-making.
Explain why teens are more susceptible to nicotine addiction than adults.
Teen brains are still developing; nicotine changes brain chemistry and creates stronger addiction pathways
Explain the concept of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and its importance.
BAC measures alcohol in the blood; higher BAC increases risk of accidents, impaired decision-making, and overdose
What is acetaminophen overdose, and why can it be dangerous?
Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver failure and death
Why is sharing prescription medications dangerous, even among friends?
Different health conditions, dosages, or allergies make sharing dangerous; risk of overdose
Describe the difference between THC and CBD in marijuana.
THC is psychoactive and produces a “high”; CBD is not psychoactive and may be used medically
What is “popcorn lung,” and how is it related to vaping?
Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) is permanent lung damage caused by inhaling chemicals like diacetyl
What are three long-term health risks of chronic tobacco use?
Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer
Explain how misuse of cough and cold medicines can lead to serious health issues.
Abuse of cough syrup with dextromethorphan (DXM) can cause hallucinations, dangerous effects, and dependence
Explain how misuse of prescription drugs can affect the body.
Misuse can cause nausea, dizziness, heart problems, or other health issues
Explain how long-term marijuana use can affect memory, learning, and motivation in teens.
Long-term use can lead to memory problems, difficulty learning, reduced motivation, and potential mental health issues
Describe the difference in risk between vaping nicotine and vaping THC products.
THC vaping can have stronger psychoactive effects and more mental health/lung risks; nicotine vaping is primarily addictive with cardiovascular and brain risks
Why are adolescents at higher risk for alcohol-related brain damage compared to adults?
Adolescents’ brains are still developing; alcohol can disrupt memory, learning, and increase long-term addiction risk
Name three ways OTC drugs can interact with prescription medications and cause problems.
OTC drugs can interact with prescription medications to cause toxicity, reduce effectiveness, or dangerous side effects.
Discuss one reason why teens might misuse prescription drugs.
Teens may misuse for experimentation, to “feel good,” or improve focus, even though it’s unsafe