Marijuana
About
Marijuana is the most often used illegal drug in this country, and several states have legalized the possession of small amounts of the drug. The main active chemical in marijuana and other forms of cannabis, and the one that affects the brain the most is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana can be rolled into a cigarette called a “joint,” or smoked as a cigar (called "blunts), smoked in a pipe or water pipe (called a “bong”), vaporized using a “vape” pen, ingested in food form (known as "edibles") such as brownies, chocolate, pizza or gummy bears or brewed as tea, or eaten or smoked in wax form (resembles lip balm texture).
Facts
In 2015, daily marijuana use exceeded cigarette use nationally among 8th, 10th and 12th graders combined. In 2019, 4.1% of this group reported daily use of marijuana in any form (smoking, vaping, etc). source
Regular marijuana use by young people can have long-lasting negative impacts on the structure and function of their brains. Research shows that those who used marijuana heavily in their teens and through adulthood had a significant drop in IQ. source
It’s not always about the smell anymore. The practice of consuming marijuana extract, a yellow, waxy substance, is called dabbing. These extracts come in various forms, hardly produce a smell (making it difficult to detect), and often contain dangerously high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical in unprocessed marijuana that provides a high. source
Forms of marijuana extract: hash oil or honey oil (a gooey liquid); wax or budder (a soft solid with a texture like lip balm); shatter (a hard, amber-colored solid).
Using marijuana compromises judgment, alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time, all skills required for safe driving. Despite this, over 12 million people 16 years and older reported drugged driving in the last year. source
The risk of marijuana addiction jumps over 50% when first used before the age of 18. In fact, sensitivity to all drugs is greater at younger ages, particularly younger than 18. source
Pelham Teens and Marijuana
Pelham 8th and 10th graders have shown a significant decline in marijuana use (last 30-day use) from 2009 - 2019. Marijuana use within the last 30 days has risen slightly among our 12th graders to 22%. source
Pelham 8th and 10th graders use marijuana at significantly lower levels than their national and county peers as well as their peers at other like-schools. Pelham 12th graders use marijuana at significantly lower levels than their peers at other high-achieving schools (22% vs. 31%) source
24% of Pelham seniors report vaping marijuana, a significantly higher rate than their national peers (8%). source
The top reason for using marijuana, as reported by students, is “to relieve stress.”
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