AHC

In 2018, 12% of Parkway area 10th grade students reported having used marijuana in the past 30 days

• Smoking marijuana causes changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin and alcohol
• Regular use of marijuana effects the parts of the brain that control memory, attention and learning
• Regular use of marijuana by teens interrupts social and emotional development and capacities for self-control
• Regular marijuana use has been linked to significant drops in I.Q.
• Short-term effects of marijuana use: decreased memory and learning, distorted emotions and perceptions, diminished problem solving abilities, loss of motor coordination
• Long-term effects of marijuana use: compromised immune system, damaged lung and airways, increased vulnerability to cancers
• The Gateway Drug- The vast majority of individuals who abuse “harder” drugs started their drug use with marijuana.

Marijuana is arguably the most dangerous drug confronting our kids. Because the harmful effects of marijuana use gradually develop into serious problems, it is easy for the user, and family, to deny the problem. By the time significant consequences arise, physical, social, academic and developmental damage may have occurred

If someone has been smoking pot, he or she might

• Appear dizzy or have trouble
• Seem silly and giggly for no reason
• Over or under-react to situations
• Have very red, bloodshot eyes
• Have a hard time remembering things that just happened
• Change friends, lose interest in established activities