Marijuana has a long history of use dating back to 500 AD when it spread from China to other parts of the world. It was introduced to the Americas in the 1500s and became a major commercial crop. While it was used medically in the past, it is now a Schedule I drug. Marijuana can be administered through smoking, vaporizing, eating, or applying topically. It contains over 400 chemicals but THC is the main active compound. Short term effects include increased heart rate and anxiety, while long term effects involve changes to the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.

1. Drug Project
By Tyler Rettig

2. Marijuana History
Its use spread from China to India and then to North Africa and reached Europe
as early as 500 A.D. In 1545 the spanish brought marijuana to the New World. It
became a major commercial crop just like tobacco and it was grown as one of the
major sources of fiber. By 1890, hem in marijuana replaced cotton as a major
cash crop in many southern states. Medical marijuana was prescribed for labor
pains, nausea, and rheumatism. It is also considered a “gateway” drug. In the
1960’s it was used by “hippies” and college students and also became a symbol of
rebellion against authorities. Marijuana is a schedule 1 drug.

3. How Marijuana is Administered.
Marijuana can be administered into the body in numerous amount of ways.
Inhalation- Two ways to inhale marijuana into the body is smoking and
vaporizing.
Oral- Marijuana can be administered through the mouth.
Sublingual- By putting it under the tongue it can be administered.
Topical- Lotions, salves, bath salts, and oils that are applied to the skin.

4. Marijuana Street Names
Dope
Ganga
Hemp
Mary Jane
Pot
Weed
Texas Tea

5. Chemicals in Marijuana
There are a lot of chemicals in marijuana. As a matter of fact, there is over 400
chemicals in it. However, only 80 of those chemicals are unique to marijuana. The
most pharmacologically active is THC which is delta-9-tetrahyrdocannabinol.
Mixing marijuana with alcohol provides a “unique” high.

6. Harmful effects of marijuana
Short Term
Panic
Anxiety
Lowered reaction time
Increased heartbeat
Sensory distortion
Poor coordination of movement
Long Term
Suppression of the immune system
Growth disorders
Reduction of male sex hormones
Personality and mood changes
Inability to understand things clearly
Lack of motivation
The nervous system is affected directly by marijuana because of anxiety and panic. The
cardiovascular system is affected by marijuana because it increases the heart rate. When you take
oral THC, it is processed by the liver which affects the digestive system. It also increases your risk
of developing lung cancer which affects the respiratory system. It is a violation of the federal law to
have marijuana in your possession. If someone is found with marijuana, state or federal jurisdiction
occurs. Possession of marijuana is always constituted as a felony and not a misdemeanor.

7. Voice Recording
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4muEy_Ecp0rUHAzZUNTYzQ5cFE

8. Marijuana Quiz
1. What are two street names for marijuana? A: Mary Jane, Pot, Ganga, Dope
2. What is the main chemical in marijuana? A: THC
3. What is a mental short term effect of marijuana? A: Panic, anxiety
4. What is a physical short term effect of marijuana? A: Poor coordination of
movement.
5. List two ways that marijuana can be administered into the body. A: Inhalation,
topical, oral, sublingual.
6. What did marijuana replace as the major cash crop in 1890? A: Cotton

9. Works Cited Page
http://www.narconon.org/drug-information/marijuana-history.html
http://www.drugpolicy.org/facts/drug-facts/marijuana/how-marijuana-consumed
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana.html
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000636
http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/short-and-long-term-effects.html
http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/crime-penalties/federal/marijuana-possession.htm
http://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/marijuana/effects-on-body
http://www.medicaldaily.com/drunk-and-high-science-explains-some-side-effects-come-mixing-alcohol-
and-marijuana-278486