Guide Note
Marijuana is made from the dried leaves, flowers, stems and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Recreational users may smoke or ingest the plant to attain a mind-altering effect. Although prescription, or "medical marijuana," has become available in several states due to the potential medicinal benefits, marijuana remains a U.S. federally controlled substance.1
Fast Facts
- Slang words for marijuana include Mary Jane, reefer, weed, grass and pot2
- Hemp plants look similar to marijuana plants but hemp plants contain very little THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana3
- Hemp can be made into fabric, rope and food
- Contains at least 60 chemicals called cannabinoids1
- Marijuana smoke is often inhaled deeper and held longer than tobacco smoke which increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogens
- Marinol is a pharmaceutical product with similar properties and medical benefits as marijuana4
- Some marijuana users show signs of dependence5
- Has been illegal in the United States since the early 1900s6
Potential Medical Uses
- Nausea: Research has indicated that Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), a component of marijuana, may help treat nausea and vomiting associated with a variety of medical conditions and therapies1
- Pain: Studies have found analgesic effects1
- Multiple sclerosis: Studies have had mixed results on the effectiveness in the treatment of the tremors, muscle spasms and pain1
- Glaucoma: Smoking marijuana decreases pressure in the eye, which is a primary symptom of glaucoma1
Potential Health Risks
- Impaired thinking, problem-solving skills and memory1
- Reduced balance and coordination1
- Increased risk of heart attack1
- Heightened risk of chronic cough and respiratory infections1
- Potential for hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms1
- Marijuana smoke contains 50%-70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory tract1