MARIJUANA

MARIJUANA

Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis Sativa. A key ingredient in marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives it a powerful high when smoked or ingested. Street names for marijuana include pakalolo, pot, weed, Mary Jane and grass

Health Risks of Marijuana

• Increased risk for asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
• Reduces ability to learn and retain information
• interferes with brain function
• Reduces resistance to common illness
• Increases heart rate, anxiety and panic attacks
• Increased risk of a heart attack.

Indicators of Marijuana Use

• Eating binges
• Bloodshot/glassy eyes
• Incense or breath mints to hide odor
• Giggly and silly for no reason
• Burnt fingertips

Marijuana in the US & Hawaii

• In 2014, more than 22.2 million people in the U.S. have reported using marijuana in the past month, making it the most used illicit drug.
• Marijuana was the primary substance used at the time of admission for the majority of adolescents (62.4%) in 2012
• 10.4% of Hawaii high school students have tried marijuana for the first time before 13. 18.5% have used marijuana in the past 30 days and 7.5% have used marijuana on school property in the past 30 days.

Legal Penalties

• Use or distribution of marijuana is a crime under both Hawaii and U.S. law.
• Recreational marijuana is illegal in the states of Hawaii.
• Medical marijuana is legal for persons with qualifying illness such as terminal cancers. Persons seeking medical marijuana must obtain a doctor’s recommendation and register with the State Department of Public Safety to avoid criminal prosecution under state law.
• Marijuana is federally illegal in the United States. Federal law trumps state law.