THC & Brain Effects
The most researched cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
What is THC?
A substance that reduces arousal and stimulation, slowing down central nervous system and messages between body and brain,
What is depressant Properties?
Confusion, sleepiness (fatigue), impaired ability to:, remember, concentrate, pay attention, react quickly, anxiety, fear or panic
What is short term effects?
Marijuana is not addictive.
Marijuana is addictive; approximately 1 in 11 users become dependent.
Responsible for the way the youth brain and body respond to cannabis, including causing the high and intoxication.
What effects does THC have?
Lowers or depresses arousal levels and reduces excitability?
What is the function of depressants?
Can experience paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations
What are psychotic episodes from short-term effects?
You cannot overdose on marijuana.
While fatal overdoses are rare, you can overconsume, leading to severe vomiting, paranoia, or panic attacks
Difficulty thinking, maintaining coordination, problem-solving, problems with memory, learning, school, and reduced coordination
What are negative effects of THC?
Reduced inhibitions, anxiety and stress, enhanced mood, reduced anxiety and stress, slowed reaction time, impaired judgement, slowed breathing, increased risk of accident or injury
What are the effects of depressants?
Memory, concentration, intelligence (IQ), ability to think and make decisions.
What is long-term effects?
Holding in the smoke makes you higher.
This does not increase the high but does increase the intake of toxins and causes more damage to the lungs.
This brain structure, vital for memory, can be impaired by adolescent THC use.
What is hippocampus?
Type of depressant that suppresses REM sleep.
What is barbs?
Bronchitis, lung infections, chronic (long-term) cough, increased mucus buildup in the chest
What is long-term lung health?
Smoking marijuana is safer than smoking tobacco.
Marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins as tobacco smoke and can cause chronic bronchitis.
Studies show that teen users may have structural changes in this "matter," which is critical for communication.
What is white matter?
'Reduces the activity' and 'lower levels of awareness’
What is depressants do to the CNS and the brain?
Start using early in adolescence, use frequently and over a long period of time
What is worsened long-term effects?
Marijuana doesn't impair my driving.
Marijuana doubles the risk of a car crash by slowing reaction time and reducing coordination.