Street+youth+and+Marijuanna

**MARIJUANA**


**RISK OF MARIJUANA USE**
====**The experiences vary dependent on the drug strength, the height and weight and gender. The behaviors exhibited by introducing THC to the brain are similar to those demonstrated by alcohol consumption. Marijuana can induce several emotional responses such as relaxation, introspection, feeling “in tune” with the world, and irrationality. Use of Marijuana makes the user hungry and they get “the munchies”, their pulse rate increases and their eyes become red. As the effect wanes they become quiet and get sleepy. Short-term effects of marijuana use include memory problems, distorted perception, trouble problem solving, and loss of motor coordination. Regular use of cannabis can make you psychologically dependent on it. The reactive properties of marijuana aren’t like other drugs. Not much is known for sure about the physical mechanisms of addiction and withdrawal. Some claim that marijuana is totally non-addicting, while others say that it is just as addicting as other substances. In addition regular marijuana users often develop breathing problems, such as chronic coughing and wheezing. Marijuana contains the same cancer causing chemicals as tobacco; however, there is 50% more tar than in a cigarette and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed by those who smoke marijuana are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers.**====


====**Statistics from 1999 indicate that the percentage using cannabis ranges from 66% to 88% among sreet youth. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s report on Canadian Street Youth and substance Use (2007) indicates that "the most commonly used drug in the previous 3 months by street youth who reported using drugs by routes other than injection was marijuana"**. (**Public Health Agency of Canada, 2007)** **Following is a table from that study**====