Marijuana is a drug that is usually smoked. It has several nicknames, including weed, pot, grass, ganja, and skunk.

Marijuana affects a person’s brain in different ways. It makes some people lose focus so they can’t concentrate and they feel sleepy. It makes other people more aware of things around them, and they feel a little hyper.

Marijuana makes people lose control, and makes them use poor judgment. They aren’t able to think about their decisions clearly when they smoke marijuana.

Marijuana has chemicals in it. These chemicals are what affect the brain. Marijuana can have more than 400 different chemicals in it.

Marijuana comes from a plant called cannabis. People grow this plant and then dry the leaves. After the leaves are dried, they can be smoked.

Smoking marijuana can affect a person’s memory. They might not be able to remember phone numbers or things they learn in school.

It can also make people act goofy. Sometimes they will laugh a long time about nothing. Other times they will think they hear voices or that they see bugs. They become paranoid.

There are some signs to look for to tell if a person has been smoking marijuana: 

• Extremely rapid heartbeat
• The whites of the eyes will be red and bloodshot
• Panic attacks
• Sweating
• Trouble breathing
• Dry mouth

If you know someone who you think is using marijuana, please tell a responsible adult. Anyone who uses marijuana or any other drug needs your help!

To learn more about marijuana, be sure to visit this site:  http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/drugs_alcohol/know_drugs_marijuana.html. 

Pictures used with permission from http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/drug_guide/Marijuana or drawn by group members.