Health / Unit 6: Substance Use Prevention
6.4 Cannabis
Notes
Cannabis (marijuana) comes from a plant and contains THC, which affects the brain. Laws vary by state, but it is not legal for teens anywhere.
- Effects: slower reaction time, trouble with attention and memory, poor coordination, and sometimes anxiety or paranoia.
- Regular use in the teen years can harm learning and memory and is linked with mental health problems and lower school performance.
- Some people develop cannabis use disorder, an addiction.
- Driving high is dangerous because it slows reaction and judgment.
- Today's products can be much stronger than in the past, especially concentrates and edibles. Edibles can take a long time to take effect, and people may eat too much.
- Cannabis in any form is different from medicines prescribed by a doctor.
Practice
Which brain functions can cannabis affect?
THC affects memory, attention and coordination.
Why is driving after using cannabis dangerous?
Cannabis impairs driving skills.
A student says "it's natural so it's harmless." What is the best reply?
Natural substances can still cause harm.
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