Medical Marijuana Basics
What does the term “medical marijuana” generally refer to?
Cannabis or cannabis-derived products used for a medical purpose to help manage certain health conditions or symptoms.
What part of cannabis is primarily responsible for the intoxicating “high”?
THC
Name one physical effect a person may experience after using THC.
Increased heart rate, impaired coordination, slowed reaction time, dizziness, or drowsiness.
What is one reason doctors consider dosage when using medication?
The dose can affect how well the medication works and how likely side effects are to occur.
Why is the adolescent brain different from an adult brain when discussing drugs?
The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly areas involved in decision-making, planning, and self-control.
What are two things that can make a medical cannabis product different from another cannabis product?
The amount and type of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, along with the form and dosage of the product.
What does THC stand for?
Tetrahydrocannabinol
How can THC affect a person's coordination?
It can impair coordination and motor skills, making physical tasks more difficult.
What is the difference between a medication being used as directed and using it differently from how it was intended?
Using it as directed means following the instructions and medical guidance for that medication. Using it differently can increase risks or change its effects.
What are two abilities that can be affected by THC that are especially important for school?
Memory, attention, concentration, learning, or information processing.
(Any two.)
Why doesn't the word “medical” automatically mean that a cannabis product is harmless?
Medical substances can have benefits, side effects, risks, and appropriate doses. “Medical” describes the intended use, not the absence of risk.
Name three things THC can affect while it is active in the brain.
Memory, attention, coordination, reaction time, judgment, perception, or concentration.
(Any three.)
How can THC affect reaction time?
THC can slow reaction time, which can make it harder to respond quickly to something happening around you.
Why can the same substance affect two people differently?
Factors such as age, body chemistry, amount used, frequency of use, other medications or substances, and individual health can influence effects.
Why might impaired judgment be a problem when someone is under the influence of THC?
Impaired judgment can make it harder to evaluate situations, recognize risks, and make good decisions.
What are two reasons a medical professional might consider when deciding whether a medication is appropriate for someone?
The person's age, medical history, other medications, potential benefits, side effects, risks, and dosage can all be considered.
Why can THC interfere with learning?
THC can affect attention, memory, concentration, and information processing, which are all important for learning.
What are two ways THC can affect a person's thinking or perception?
It can affect attention, judgment, memory, concentration, perception of time, or perception of surroundings.
Why is taking someone else's medication not considered safe simply because that medication was prescribed by a doctor?
A prescription is based on the specific person's medical needs, health history, dosage, and other factors. What is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for someone else.
What is one reason frequent or heavy cannabis use during adolescence is a concern?
It has been associated with greater concerns involving learning, memory, attention, and other areas of brain functioning.
What is one important difference between saying “a drug may have a medical use” and saying “the drug is safe for everyone”?
A drug may have legitimate medical uses while still having side effects, risks, or situations where it may not be appropriate for certain people.
What brain functions are especially important to consider when discussing THC use during adolescence?
Functions involving learning, memory, attention, decision-making, and impulse control, because the adolescent brain is still developing.
Why can combining THC with other substances be risky?
The effects can interact or become stronger, potentially increasing impairment, unwanted side effects, or other risks.
What are three things that can influence how strongly THC affects someone?
Amount used, potency, frequency of use, individual body chemistry, age, other substances or medications, and method of use.
(Any three.)
A teenager says, “If THC doesn't cause problems for me every time, there can't be any risks.” What important factor are they overlooking?
Effects and risks can vary from person to person and can depend on factors such as amount, frequency, potency, age, and other substances. Not noticing an immediate problem does not prove that there is no risk.