9781422276952

Marijuana has serious effects on the human brain, and it’s important for teens to know what the side effects are and how they will affect them as adults. In chapter one, you will learn about the negative mental effects of marijuana—from memory problems and attention problems, to lower school and job achievement, to even addiction. You will also learn about the symptoms of cannabis intoxication and with- drawal, as well as cannabis use disorder. Chapter two discusses marijuana’s negative physical effects on the human body— ranging from elevated blood pressure and heart rate, loss of control over motor functions, damage to the lungs and brain, and even overdose. Chapter three covers a variety of topics ranging from the differences between recreational marijuana and medical marijuana; how marijuana products (marijuana flower, oils, tinctures, edibles, etc.) affect each person differently; marijuana depen- dence and addiction; withdrawal symptoms that may occur if a person quits using marijuana; and what to do if you think someone you love or care about is addicted to marijuana. In chapter four, we will talk about how marijuana laws and public opinion about the use of marijuana are changing in the United States and around the world, how parents make decisions to treat their sick children with medical marijuana, and the personal choice adults make about using medical and/or recreational marijuana. In chapter five, we’ll talk about the science of marijuana, including how people study marijuana and its effects; medical migrants and cannabidiol; how the federal U.S. government views medical marijuana science; and how medical marijuana has helped some people with diseases and disorders such as epilepsy and post-trau- matic stress disorder, as well as Holocaust survivors. While many people consider medical marijuana to be a “wonder drug,” it’s important to understand both the positive and negative effects of marijuana, which can be especially harmful to youth. So, let’s gets the facts and begin learning.

9