What Parents & Educators Need to Know

Signs of Marijuana Use:

There are many signs of marijuana use to be aware of. We have listed numerous below to help in determining if someone you care for may be using marijuana.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Bloodshot/glassy eyes Enlarged (dilated) eye pupils Impaired short term memory Red, puffiness under the eyes Sleepiness / Sleepy appearance Discolored fingers Difficulty thinking Distorted sensory perceptions Dry mouth Euphoria (temporary feelings of elation, energy and limitless power) Feeling sluggish Impaired judgment Impaired short-term memory Increased heart rate Increased appetite, craving sweets Reduced coordination Temporary feelings of reduced anxiety or stress Sadness/depressed mood Sensation that time is passing slowly Burnt fingertips Eating binges Droopy eyes

BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS Increased appetite Craving for sweets Reduced motivation Anxiety Grandiosity (acting in a pompous or boastful manner) Inappropriate laughter; Giggle and act silly (for no reason) DRUG PARAPHERNALIA Cigarette rolling papers Seeds that have been cleaned from marijuana Smell on clothing, in room, or in vehicle Pipes, bongs, homemade smoking devices (you may see sticky residue from burned marijuana) Social withdrawal and isolation Small seeds in the lining of pockets Strong odor of burnt leaves Use of incense Incense, breath mints to hide odor WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS: Irritability Agitation Insomnia Difficulty remembering/learning Depression

Warning Signs that Marijuana Use is a Problem:

• Altered perception of reality(e.g., hallucinations, delusions and suspicious thoughts).
• Continued marijuana use despite significant problems related to use (e.g., financial/legal problems or neglecting responsibilities).
• Craving marijuana.
• Finding it increasingly difficult to resist using marijuana when it is available.
• Spending a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain marijuana.
• Cutting back or stopping important social, occupational or recreational activities because of marijuana use.
• Unsuccessful attempts to control or cut down use.

Signs and Symptoms of Cannabis Related Overdose:

Excessive use of marijuana can create paranoia and possible psychosis. These same effects may develop from long-term use of the drug, which has also been observed to produce sharp personality changes, especially in adolescent users.

• lung damage
• chronic bronchitis
• lowering of testosterone
• acute anxiety attacks
• chronic reduction of attention span
• possible birth defects, still births and infant deaths

1. Marijuana is usually smoked using cigarette rolling papers, a purchased water bong, or a makeshift bong that can be made from a variety of items.
2. Hash can be smoked or eaten, and is sometimes cooked into baked goods.

Generally it can be difficult to recognize marijuana use if you don't see the individual after smoking when they are still experiencing the effects of the drug. The potency of marijuana has increased exponentially in the past 20 years.

Source: Marijuana Addition Information and Treatment

Links for Parents

Marijuana Facts and Myths

Marijuana is an Addictive Gateway Drug

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