Marijuana Madness Taking A Look Into
Marijuana’s Harmful Effects And a Search For Solutions
Marijuana Awareness Group
Welcome to the Discussion The Marijuana Awareness Group of the Communication 352 class is pleased to present a discussion on marijuana and the effects therein. There is much debate concerning the legality of marijuana at this time and therefor it is the purpose of this book to provide you the following: To engage community members in gaining more knowledge of the marijuana drug To aid the community in learning of the ramifications marijuana has on individuals Discuss the possible solutions and approaches to the problems marijuana presents. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of these solutions.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Persuasion Class Issue Book This issue book was created by students of Brigham Young UniversityIdaho in collaboration with the Persuasion 353 class. A collection of issue books has been made by other groups of this class to empower the general public to seek understanding on social issues and to make better decisions regarding them.
Other Information For more information please contact Scott Springer, head and director of the persuasion 352 class. Scott Springer REMOTE ADJUNCT FACULTY PHONE: 805-377-3125 Writer 1: Kyle Van Genderen Writer 2: Del Powers Editor: Dustin Johnson Marijuana Madness. Taking A Look Into Marijuana’s Harmful Effects and Searching For Solutions Copyright 2012 Communications persuasion forum All rights reserved
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Marijuana Madness
Taking A Look Into Marijuana’s Harmful Effects And a Search For Solutions
Introduction
4
Marijuana’s Harmful Effects
6
Solution 1
11
Solution 2
12
Solution 3
13
Reflections on Solutions
14
Bibliography
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Introduction Since ancient times marijuana has been used by societies to cure and treat ailments. This drug has been carried as a source of pain relief into our day and generation. Even though modern medicine is replacing the need for natural remedies, marijuana is still widely used today for its influence on the mind and body. Although the drug is illegal, it is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United states. (Bonn-Miller 2007) Its popularity is on the rise with 39.8 percent of the United States having tried Marijuana at least once. Since 1990 the drug has been increasingly used and become more widely accepted. In 2001 marijuana was the most widely used illicit drug (antidrug.com) This causes worry, especially for the younger generations, with 16 percent of young adults aged 18-25 having used marijuana in the last month. The Centers for Disease Control reported that 30.2 percent of college students have used marijuana in the last year. Many believe that they can just try marijuana once, however 3 out of 4 users claim they went back to use pot again within the next 30 days (ncjrs.gov).
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Marijuana Awareness Group
When most people think of marijuana use, they may only consider some of the short-term side effects such as loss of coordination, and a distorted perception. However, marijuana can have detrimental, long-term side effects on both the mind and body. In this issue book we will discuss some of the health related problems that are encountered with marijuana use. Marijuana and the Youth
Most high school students do not see problems with marijuana use. Only 18.6 percent of high school seniors see problems associated with one time marijuana use
9 percent of marijuana users become addicted to marijuana; this number increases among those who start young (to about 17 percent) and among daily users (25-50 percent) (NIDA)
According to NIDA’s 2010 Monitoring the Future study, about 8 percent of 8th graders, 17 percent of 10th graders, and 21 percent of 12th graders had used marijuana in the month before the survey.
Between 2009 and 2010 daily marijuana use increased amongst 8th, 10th, and 12th graders (science behind drug abuse)
Parental influences increase youth use dramatically. Studies show more children with marijuana-using parents adopting stronger drugs later in life, with the effects intensifying for each generation (Johnson 1984)
Nearly half of all 12th graders in the U.S have used marijuana and 6 percent are currently using it regularly. Students who use tend to show less focus, lack of attention, and slower response times. (Jacobus 2009)
Marijuana use is associated with a higher unprotected sex rate (Kingree 2000)
Students who have used marijuana fail to act accordingly when presented with common-sense situations. (Kingree 2000)
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Marijuana’s Harmful Effects The THC ingredient found in marijuana is the chemical that effects the normal functioning of the brain. Once marijuana is smoked, it only takes a short period of time for THC to enter the blood stream from the lungs and be carried into the brain (NIDA 2010). Once there, the chemical will act on cannabinoid receptors on the brain. There are varying levels of the cannabinoid receptors with a majority of them being in the areas that influence sensory, perception, coordination memory, thought, concentration, and pleasure (Buddy 2011, NIDA 2010) Although marijuana aids in influencing a sense of pleasure, it negatively effects all the other areas of the brain influenced by the cannabinoid receptors. Not only can this be a problem for short-term use, but also for those using marijuana more heavily, they can experience a greater and prolonged difficulty in these areas. (NIDA 2010) Page 6
Marijuana Awareness Group
Effects on the Brain Scientists know that the brain is still developing up into the twenties for maturing adults, which causes great concern for young generations who may be using the product. Dr. Marvin Seppela stated, "The younger people begin using marijuana, especially before the age of 21, the likelier they are to become addicted to an addictive substance. Their addiction is both physiological and psychological. Studies on the brain have shown that pot use alters the hippocampus and affects short-term memory. As an adolescent, there are remarkable experiences that contribute to growth. These need to be set down into memory—and pot use stops this" (JTT 2005). A maturing brain does not fair well with the onslaught of chemicals being introduced. Neurons in the brain can become suppressed, especially in areas around the hippocampus. This has shown that even learned behaviors can deteriorate, slowing destroying simple cognitive functioning of the individual (Parents). Studies have also shown similar brain changes when using marijuana when compared to using cocaine, heroin and alcohol (Community Anti Drug Coalitions).
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Effects on the Lungs Smoking marijuana can have some of the same effects as smoking tobacco cigarettes. Those who smoke marijuana can find that they may encounter these symptoms; chronic cough, phlegm production, frequent chest illnesses, and obstructed airways. (Buddy 2011) Marijuana can also weaken the immune system of the body and cause an increase of infections in the lungs (Stimson 2010) This can also affect other previous lung diseases such as asthma, and make them even worse. Marijuana is often inhaled and held in the lungs longer than tobacco cigarettes, which allows more chemicals to be absorbed by the body. This can be devastating due to the fact that marijuana has more carcinogens and chemicals than tobacco, causing the effects to be worse. In fact, one article stated, “smoking three of four marijuana joints is as bad for your lungs as smoking twenty tobacco cigarettes” (Stimson 2010). Not only does marijuana pack 4 times the effects of tobacco, it seems to cause damager more quickly to the lungs as pointed out by one study saying, “the higher content of carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbons in marijuana tar and the greater deposition of marijuana tar in the lung act together to amplify exposure of the marijuana smoker to the carcinogens in the tar phase.” (Tashkin 1997) Continuing along with more carcinogens, marijuana smoke is found to have 20 times more ammonia, and 3-5 more times hydrogen cyanide than tobacco (Stimson 2010) People who choose to smoke marijuana find themselves missing more work, and having more sick days due to the increase of respiratory illnesses. (American Lung Association)
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Effects on the Heart Marijuana intake can cause an increase in heart rate and decrease of blood pressure. This may seem as only a minor detail, but when considering the physiological effects this has on the body it causes great concern. Studies have shown that a short time period after marijuana is smoked; the heart has the potential to increase in rate by 20-100% (NIDA 2010). These rapid drops in blood pressure and increased heart rate can lead to an onset of a heart attack. One study has shown that after smoking marijuana you are 4.8 times more likely to have a heart attack. (Mittleman 2001)
Marijuana and Mental Disease With many debating how great marijuana is for coping with mental diseases, research has shown that this may not be the case, and may in fact be quite the opposite. Correlations between mental illness and marijuana are on the rise. Studies have shown that there is an association between marijuana use and an increase in schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. For those already experiencing these symptoms, the use of marijuana can “accelerate or exacerbate these problems� (NIDA 2010, JTT 2005). Those who are engaging in marijuana use have higher probabilities having mental problems along with more frequent risks of developing psychotic symptoms later in life. (JTT 2005)
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Solutions What Can We Do? Solution One: Engage the Community Solution Two: One-on-one Intervention Solution Three: Treatment Programs
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Solution One Engage the Community Get parents, students, teachers and the community to be aware of the signs of drug use, and know how to teach youth the effects of this powerful drug. Offer a series of articles in the newspaper and TV related media time and time again to give instruction of the effect parents have on youth. Ads are common on television and in news, if parents are unable to attend any classes or seminars, then these small bits and pieces can add up. Anti-Drug Campaigns, ads and facts of the effects for youth to reach parents. Ads that are short, powerful and to the point are great for a quick lesson. Enforce available classes, and make attendance required a few times each semester for youth and parents (make it readily available so the parents can attend at least one). Parents often are able to make Parent Teacher Conferences, so why not a drug campaign required for the student’s grade? Meetings can inform parents of the goings on in the community, to help them want to be more aware of their children’s friends and their family’s friends.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Solution Two
One-on-one Intervention This is an in-depth discussion about the person’s use of marijuana and reasons for favoring or opposing quitting, as well as answers to questions the person has about quitting or modifying use.
This helps users resolve their mixed feelings about change, identifies short-term goals that can be worked on over a 30day period.
Provides advice about initiating change and reviews progress after 30 days.
This is an effective counseling approach for many chronic marijuana smokers. From these studies, drug treatment professionals are learning what characteristics of users are predictors of success in treatment and which approaches to treatment can be most helpful.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Solution Three
Treatment Programs These include detoxification, behavioral therapies and regular attendance at meetings of support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous. Detoxification: Medical treatment of an alcoholic or drug addict involving abstention from drink or drugs until the bloodstream is free of toxins. Behavioral Therapies: A kind of therapy used by a psychologist or a psychiatrist that helps people to change the way they behave and act. Support Groups: A group of people who are available to support one another emotionally, socially, and sometimes financially.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Reflections on Solutions We realize there are many strengths and weaknesses within our solutions. Here we will address and assess the strengths and weaknesses within them. In using Solution One the ads can be quick and effective, but not everyone will understand the necessity to adhere to its context, nor does everyone watch television or read the newspaper. Also meetings allow for others to share their ideas that may work for others around them. However, not everyone can would want to attend public meetings or their schedule may not allow it. Solution Two offers many benefits as one-on-one time can be very effective in individuals, being able to explore and find insights that may have been otherwise overlooked. There will be those that will fight any help or believe they have nothing to be fixed. Counseling may be refused and the user will further push them away from help. Solution Three offers benefits to those who may not be able to fully escape the addiction marijuana has hold on them. This three step program offers aspects of the first two solutions and will cover all aspects of the user’s problems. As with solutions one and two, marijuana users may not apply themselves to the programs. If they do there is always the chance they would relapse into their old patterns.
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Bibliography Bonn-Miller, Marcel Marijuana use motives: Concurrent relations to frequency of past 30-day use and anxiety sensitivity among young adult marijuana smokers. Addictive Behaviors 32:1 (January 2007). SciVerse. Johnson, Glen. Relationships Between Adolescent Drug Use and Parental Drug Behaviors. Adolescence 19:74 (Summer 1984). Periodicals Archives Online. Maria Czyzewska, Harvey J. Ginsburg, Explicit and implicit effects of anti-marijuana and anti-tobacco TV advertisements, Addictive Behaviors, Volume 32, Issue 1, January 2007, Pages 114-127 J. Jacobus, S. Bava, M. Cohen-Zion, O. Mahmood, S.F. Tapert, Functional consequences of marijuana use in adolescents, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, Volume 92, Issue 4, June 2009, Pages 559-565 J.B Kingree, Ronald Braithwaite, Tammy Woodring, Unprotected sex as a function of alcohol and marijuana use among adolescent detainees, Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 27, Issue 3, September 2000, Pages 179-185, Stephen J Heishman, Kamyar Arasteh, Maxine L Stitzer, Comparative Effects of Alcohol and Marijuana on Mood, Memory, and Performance, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, Volume 58, Issue 1, September 1997, Pages 93-101 Buddy, T. (2011, March 05). The Health Effects of Marijuana: Negative Health Effects are Numerous. Retrieved from http://alcoholism.about.com/od/pot/a/effects.-Lya.htm Stimson, C. (2010, September 13). Legalizing Marijuana: Why Citizens Should Just Say No. Retrieved from http:// www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/09/legalizing-marijuana-why-citizens-should-just-say-no NIDA National Institute on Drug Abuse(2010). Info Facts: Marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/ publications/infofacts/marijuana JTT Just Think Twice. (2005, January 3). Fiction: Marijuana is Harmless. Retrieved from http:// www.justthinktwice.com/factsfiction/fiction_marijuana_is_harmless.html Parents. Negative Effects of Marijuana: What’s the Big Deal About Marijuana? Retrieved from http:// www.theantidrug.com/drug-information/marijuana-facts/negative-effects-marijuana.aspx Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America: Marijuana-Debunking the Myths. Retrieved from http:// www.theantidrug.com/pdfs/resources/marijuana/Marijuana_Strategizer.pdf Mittleman, M. (2001) Clinical Investigation and Reports: Triggering Myocardial Infarction by Marijuana. Retrieved from http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/103/23/2805.long Tashkin, D. (1997). Effects of Marijuana on the Lung and Immune Defenses. Retrieved from http://www.ukcia.org/ research/EffectsOfMarijuanaOnLungAndImmuneDefenses.php American Lung Association: Health Hazards of Smoking Marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.lungusa.org/stopsmoking/about-smoking/health-effects/marijuana-smoke.html
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Marijuana Madness Taking A Look Into
Marijuana’s Harmful Effects And a Search For Solutions
Appendix
Marijuana Awareness Group
Marijuana Madness
Taking A Look Into Marijuana’s Harmful Effects And a Search For Solutions
Team Member Bios
2
Selection of Issue
4
Team Member Tasks
6
Strategic Research
7
Personal Reflection
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Team Member Bios Del Powers Del Powers is a 25 year old Senior studying Communications at Brigham Young University Idaho. He was born in Midlothian, Virginia on March 12, 1987. At a very young age Del found a passion for writing, and knew he wanted to pursue something in the journalism field. Del is the oldest of four children, with two younger brothers and a younger sister. After graduating from Midlothian High School in June of 2005, Del started his college Education at Southern Virginia University. While attending Southern Virginia Del completed half of his General Education courses, and decided to transfer to another University, which had his major program. After taking several semesters off from school Del transferred into Brigham Young University Idaho. While not many of his credits transferred, Powers set out on a journey to start his career in the field of Communications. During his time at Brigham Young University Idaho Del participated in many activities helping to dig his feet into the word of journalism. He was part of the Scroll newspaper on campus, and became involved in many of the IBC Business projects. This is Dels last semester in Rexburg, Idaho and will be graduating in April. As of right now he is keeping busy with his last semester, and currently beginning his job search in the field of Communications. Powers is very excited to begin a new chapter in his life, and is hoping to find a job
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Team Member Bios Kyle Van Genderen Kyle Van Genderen is a 24 year young athletic individual with a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. Currently preparing for Graduate school at Westminster University, and a wedding on April 7th, 2012. Born in California but raised in Western Idaho in a family of 7. Always found a deep passion for English and writing, and do my best to make my articles and stories worth their weight in gold. Anything and everything outdoors thrills me, and I am always open for a great adventure.
Dustin Johnson Dustin Johnson grew up as the second oldest of seven in the small town of Snowflake Arizona. He is a Senior at Brigham Young University-Idaho. Dustin is in his last semester and plans on completing an internship in the summer to complete his bachelors in Exercise Science. Dustin plans on continuing his education and will be applying for Pharmacy school for the Fall of 2013. Some of Dustin’s hobbies include spending time with family, running his online business, and eating good food.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Selection of Issue Del Powers Our team selected the topic of Marijuana use to focus our issue book on because it’s something that is very relevant to our society today. It’s something that many people are affected by, because more than likely they know someone who has been drawn to the use of Marijuana. A lot of the younger generations are so misinformed about the affects it has, that it can lead them down the wrong road. Unfortunately, much of the youth when approached with this feel that it can’t hurt to try it once. This combined with peer pressure is enough to get our youth to test the waters with Marijuana. Sadly, once people have tested out Marijuana it can set them in a downward spiral in which they may try out other new drugs. It’s much better to keep clear of everything, than risk trying it out once. The goal of this issue book is to inform people what comes with trying out Marijuana. There are many risk factors that are involved when searching out the use of Marijuana. Our hope for discussing this topic is to allow people to see what using this illegal drug is all about. Our research is here to present the real facts to people who may not be aware of everything that is involved with Marijuana. There are so many people out there who truly don’t have all of the facts completely right. By studying out our issue book you can find all the information necessary to inform and update you on all there is to know about using Marijuana. We chose this topic in hopes that there might be some readers that can find this information useful and learn something they may not have known before.
Dustin Johnson We selected Marijuana as a topic of focus because it is an ongoing debate in the country at this time. There are many who desire for it to be legalized and many condemning the use of the drug. This is also something where a lot of people may not have the best information being provided to them. Whoever you talk to now days seems to have their own opinion which they believe to be right, but they have not taken the time to search out the problems and the solutions for themselves. This is why we have put together an Issue Book regarding the subject. We hope to employ the power of knowledge to those who may not know the severity of the drug to help them make better solutions to the problems.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Selection of Issue Kyle Van Genderen We selected this article and issue because of its importance and relevance to today’s society. Drugs are no small matter, and the debate over legality is almost as heated as the debates on legalizing abortion, gay marriage and other intense subjects. Personally, I have been intrigued as to why we allow alcohol in the country (a known increasing factor of violence) yet we withdraw the lax, mellow-used marijuana. We contemplated for a little, but we all seemed to enjoy the idea of studying marijuana, because it interested each group member. Lots to be learned, and much to be understood in this subject. Initially, I was able to defend marijuana. I needed to make reasons (legitimate or not) to legalize the stuff, and it was an intense study. I found lots of great facts to incorporate into my presentations and did a solid job on providing excellent data. I also conducted an interview with a gentleman from the Juvenile Corrections Center in St. Anthony, Idaho. It was amazing to get such rich information and find such a deeply threatening subject that stirred up some great questions with excellent results.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Kyle Van Genderen
Team Member Tasks
Strategic research Background Information Solutions to the Problem Biography Personal Reflection Why we selected the issue
Dustin Johnson
Designer Editor Biography Personal Reflection Why we selected the issue
Del Powers
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Strategic research Background Information Solutions to the Problem Biography Personal Reflection Why we selected the issue Marijuana Awareness Group
Strategic Research Kyle Van Genderen Background Information and Research Marijuana was the most widely used illicit drug in 2001. http://www.theantidrug.com/pdfs/resources/marijuana/Marijuana_Strategizer.pdf Since 1990, marijuana use has continually increased and been more widely accepted. http://www.theantidrug.com/pdfs/resources/marijuana/Marijuana_Strategizer.pdf Marijuana is addicting, destroys the brain, and reduces focus, speech, and processing capabilities. http://www.theantidrug.com/pdfs/resources/marijuana/Marijuana_Strategizer.pdf 3 out of 4 users claim they went back to use pot again within the next 30 days. https://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/marijuana_myths_facts.pdf Youth with a ‘D’ Average were 4 times more likely to have a continued use of marijuana in their life. https://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/marijuana_myths_facts.pdf There is as MUCH cancer-causing chemicals in marijuana (one joint) than smoking 5 cigarettes. http://www.acde.org/common/Marijauana2.pdf Most youth encounter marijuana in the drug-related world. The second most used drug in the Juvenile Corrections Center was Marijuana There are currently 500 youth in the JCC and they struggle with addiction regularly …that 86% reported being arrested for a crime while under the influence and 71% reported that they were under the influence when committing the crime that got them into the states custody. So no direct information about under the influence of Marijuana while committing crimes, but as you can see it is the second most abused drug after Alcohol that our juveniles get into trouble with”
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Strategic Research Youth with exposure to marijuana have a hard time overcoming the addiction. 86% of the 500 at the JCC were under the influence of either alcohol or marijuana when arrested. Individual stories from the youth (privacy kept) didn’t even know the gravity of the situation on until the sobered up. People tend to continue patterns that have worked for them in the past, to overcome and recover from an addiction it is necessary to figure out the dynamics of the drug use. As you probably know, Drug and Alcohol use is a Bio-Psycho-Social problem, to overcome the addiction the juvenile needs to address each of these three aspects of the addiction.” Attendees of the JCC admit that their drug use was socially related. 78% of youth had drugs as a means to make and keep friends Marijuana is a gateway to social acceptance on some levels. The Social situation that the Juvenile returns to will…need to be addressed, if his family and friends are using he will have a much more difficult time trying to stay clean.” Youth addicted to Marijuana and other drugs increase negative or bad behavior such as stealing; their good judgment decreases. 75% of the 500 youth admit to having stolen something to get the drugs or alcohol they wanted Crime in the U.S. is continuously increasing; car insurance claims show more theft than ever. “I can give several examples of youth who left our custody, abused drugs in the community, and then were recommitted to us. These youths look, sound and act burned out. Upon I.Q. testing they have actually shown to have lost I.Q. points some as much as one standard deviation.” Private use of Marijuana has dramatically increased; more people seek help personall. The largest bump of the growth in Marijuana incarceration was in the 60’s, but personal use is on the rise. Help available for addiction recovery is more accessible. the number of individuals who access treatment through private providers in the community has increased dramatically since I moved to southern Idaho, (I also provide and clinically supervise D&A treatment in the community).”
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Strategic Research Source 1 (citation): Johnson, Glen. Relationships Between Adolescent Drug Use and Parental Drug Behaviors. Adolescence 19:74 (Summer 1984). Periodicals Archives Online. What you learned about problem/possible solution: There is a serious concern about Parents’ use of drugs dramatically affecting youth and seeming to encourage children’s use of heavier, more powerful drugs. Five Key Facts: A. Studies show more children with marijuana-using parents adopting stronger drugs later in life. B. Other adolescents and adults who use drugs have a larger affect on those who have not had interactions with drugs. C. Parental influences increase youth use dramatically. D. The ladder-effect intensifies each generation. E. Further studies needed to show this ladder more fully. Source 2 (citation): Bonn-Miller, Marcel Marijuana use motives: Concurrent relations to frequency of past 30-day use and anxiety sensitivity among young adult marijuana smokers. Addictive Behaviors 32:1 (January 2007). SciVerse. What you learned about problem/possible solution: Reducing the amount of drug availability will enable us to keep less exposure to youth. There is an increasing problem with the results and effects of youth using it. Five Key Facts: A. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. B. Addictions for Marijuana persist nearly life-long for users C. 46% of 12th graders admit to having experimented with Marijuana D. Increased anxiety and sensitivity a common side-effect E. Continued problems throughout their entire lives Source 3 (citation): Maria Czyzewska, Harvey J. Ginsburg, Explicit and implicit effects of antimarijuana and anti-tobacco TV advertisements, Addictive Behaviors, Volume 32, Issue 1, January 2007, Pages 114-127 What you learned about problem/possible solution: through advertisements young college-aged students decrease their desire or appeal to strong drugs. Five Key Facts: A. Advertising works (it affects the mind’s reaction to drugs) B. Through advertisements of anti-drug use, potential users increased desire to avoid and share knowledge of the negative side-effects. C. Specific types of advertisements either encourage or discourage use, and get opposing effects sometimes. D. Graphic and medical ads tend to scare aware from drugs E. Governmentally supported campaigns tend to encourage rebellion
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Strategic Research Source 4 (citation): J. Jacobus, S. Bava, M. Cohen-Zion, O. Mahmood, S.F. Tapert, Functional consequences of marijuana use in adolescents, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, Volume 92, Issue 4, June 2009, Pages 559-565 What you learned about problem/possible solution: Use in teens for marijuana is increasing yearly, and the rate has not slowed. We need persistent efforts in maintaining this drug and prohibiting its legality. Five Key Facts: A. Nearly half of 12th graders in the U.S. have used marijuana B. 6% are currently using it regularly C. Students who use tend to show less focus, lack of attention, and slower response times D. Further studies of use of nicotine and alcohol can be compared to show intensifications with combining drugs E. Teaching our youth the results of drug use and giving them a deeper understanding could decrease use. Source 5 (citation): J.B Kingree, Ronald Braithwaite, Tammy Woodring, Unprotected sex as a function of alcohol and marijuana use among adolescent detainees, Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 27, Issue 3, September 2000, Pages 179-185, What you learned about problem/possible solution: an increased awareness of the dulled sensitivity in youth could ultimately reduce unprotected sex rates and irresponsible activities. Students who use marijuana are more likely to have unprotected sex Five Key Facts: A. Marijuana use is associated with a higher unprotected sex rate. B. Health for those born out of wedlock is dramatically low, and can increase mental incapacities. C. When students who have used marijuana are presented with common-sense situations, they fail to act accordingly. D. Common sense for protection is diminished E. Increased work and campaigning will help students see the results of IQ drop in tests after frequented marijuana use. Source 6 (citation): Stephen J Heishman, Kamyar Arasteh, Maxine L Stitzer, Comparative Effects of Alcohol and Marijuana on Mood, Memory, and Performance, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, Volume 58, Issue 1, September 1997, Pages 93-101 What you learned about problem/possible solution: Moods, emotions, and decisions are swayed by alcohol and marijuana use. The amount of intensification for marijuana, however, is amplified immensely. Five Key Facts: A. Time perception and reaction tests proved that there was no decrease in functioning. B. Lack of ability to calculate increased with increased BA and marijuana increase. C. The two most psychoactive drugs in the world D. Alcohol caused 44% of traffic fatalities in 1993, and marijuana will soon rise above that. E. Use of either impairs vision and reduces ability to problem solve.
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Strategic Research Del Powers Background/Introduction Marijuana is so popular (39.8 percent of the U.S. population has tried marijuana at least once) in part because it is regarded as a relatively "safe" drug. Marijuana use is most common among young adults aged 18-25 (more than 16 percent have used marijuana in the last month. The Centers for Disease Control report that 30.2 percent of college students have used marijuana in the past year. Most high school students do not think that it is a problem to try marijuana once. Only 18.6 percent of high school seniors see problems associated with one time marijuana use. One of the dangers of marijuana is that it is considered a "gateway" drug. That is, those who use marijuana are more likely to move on to "harder" and more dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that the younger someone is when he or she uses marijuana, the more likely he or she is to use other drugs when they reach adulthood. Even with marijuana use on the decline in general, it is clear that with 2.1 million people using marijuana for the first time each year, this is still an issue. The Positive Effects of Medicinal Marijuana Here is the known list of positive effects of marijuana: Appetite stimulator Sleep enhancer Relieves eye pressure – glaucoma Decreases muscle spasms Chronic pain reliever Stops convulsions Nausea relief - relief from vomiting Also, the health effects of cannabis are Well-documented in the treatment of: Cancer - see marijuana and cancer Epilepsy Multiple sclerosis Arthritis - relieves stiffness and swelling AIDS and HIV Anxiety and panic attacks Gout - relieves swelling and pain in legs and feet Parkinson’s - help muscular tremors and pain Sexual dysfunction
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Strategic Research The Ramifications of Marijuana Use (The Negative Effects if Marijuana were to be legalized for Medicinal Purposes) Within a few minutes after smoking marijuana, the heart begins beating more rapidly and the blood pressure drops. The heart beat increases by 20 to 50 beats per minute, and can increase even more if other drugs are used at the same time. Risk for a heart attack is four times higher within the first hour after smoking marijuana. Scientists have found that regular marijuana smokers can experience respiratory problems. Their lungs are exposed to those carcinogenic properties longer, when smoking. Smoking marijuana, even infrequently, can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, and cause heavy coughing. -When high doses of marijuana are used, usually when eaten in food rather than smoked, users can experience the following symptoms: Hallucinations Delusions Impaired Memory Disorientation There are many short term effects that come with the use of Marijuana: Distorted Perception (touch, sight, taste) Loss of Coordination Trouble thinking/problem solving Reduced Blood pressure Studies have found that children born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy exhibit some problems with neurological development. Altered Responses to Visual Stimuli Poor Problem Solving Skills later in life Attention/Memory problems
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Strategic Research Solutions for those who have become Addicted to Marijuana First Solution: Treatment Programs that are available. Identify / Clarify the Solution: These include detoxification, behavioral therapies and regular attendance at meetings of support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous. Detoxification: Medical treatment of an alcoholic or drug addict involving abstention from drink or drugs until the bloodstream is free of toxins. Behavioral Therapies: A kind of therapy used by a psychologist or a psychiatrist that helps people to change the way they behave and act. Support Groups: A group of people who are available to support one another emotionally, socially, and sometimes financially. Second Solution: One-on-one intervention Identify / Clarify the Solution: This is an in-depth discussion about the patient’s use of marijuana and reasons for favoring or opposing quitting, as well as answers to questions the client has about quitting or modifying use. This helps patients resolve their mixed feelings about change, identifies short-term goals that can be worked on over a 30-day period. Provides advice about initiating change and reviews progress after 30 days. This is an effective counseling approach for many chronic marijuana smokers. From these studies, drug treatment professionals are learning what characteristics of users are predictors of success in treatment and which approaches to treatment can be most helpful. Third Solution: Use More Protective Factors that are associated with decreased marijuana use Identify / Clarify the Solution: Knowing certain safety factors to take precaution and prevent the use of Marijuana within a household and family can help reduce the likelihood of its use. Increased parental presence in the home High levels of “connectedness” to their parents A greater number of shared activities with their parents Personal importance placed upon religion and prayer High self-esteem High levels of school connectedness
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Personal Reflection Del Powers Working on our Medicinal Marijuana Issue book was a very informative experience for myself. There was a lot of information concerning the positive effects that come along with medicinal marijuana. Loads of cures can come from the use of medicinal Marijuana if used and treated properly with it. While there are so many treatments that can be used for sickness, there are still so many people who use Marijuana for all the wrong reasons. Sadly, in our society today there would be those who would take advantage of it. Even without Marijuana being legalized right now, it still runs ramped around our society today. The scary thought is if it were legalized and used for medicinal purposes how much more it would be readily available. As I was thinking, I thought of the example of alcohol consumption. In our younger generation, those who are 21 or younger cannot purchase alcohol. We see a much less drinking percentage in those who are 21 or younger because it’s illegal for them to buy. If it weren’t illegal for this age group to purchase, then we would definitely see an increase in alcohol consumption. Overall, I feel that it’s way to risky of a call to allow marijuana to be legalized. It could have a dramatic effect upon our younger generation that could set them down the wrong path.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Personal Reflection Kyle Van Genderen The amazing thing I found out, that honestly still has me held by the collar, is how harmless marijuana actually is in comparison to alcohol. I was surprised to ponder and discover through conversations amongst peers, friends and family, that alcohol related child and spousal abuse is higher than any other abuse-relating cause. Marijuana (however useless it may make someone) has no history of stirring violence or causing serious trouble or problems amongst the majority of users. It blew my mind! I could not believe that after all of this study, I am actually pro-legalizing the drug, and pro-banning alcohol once again. The differences in the two are simply astounding. The other thing that hit me was how much I did not know about all of the myths in the drug debate. So much of the contention going on is about information falsely given or misinterpreted. The information alone could teach so many people and save the argument for everybody. It really would make all the difference in the world if everyone would study up on things like this before jumping into the argument ring.
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Marijuana Awareness Group
Personal Reflection Dustin Johnson In reflecting back on this project I realize the devastating impact that marijuana can have on the body. The one thing that gets me is how damaging it really is. There are many people out there that believe marijuana is a cure all drug and has all the answers. This is not the case as it will slowly destroy the mind and the essential organs of the body. I found it amazing how marijuana has much more chemicals than tobacco and how it can become an addictive substance that leads to harder drugs. On the flip side I have seen that marijuana also has capabilities of healing and there needs to be more research done. It is my opinion that marijuana be made a schedule II drug so that it may be researched, thus allowing more breakthroughs of the drug. With so many questions unanswered at this time I believe that marijuana can still help in the medical field, but it has to be done legally and correctly.
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Marijuana Awareness Group