Hunterdon Prevention Resources

Regular marijuana users often develop breathing problems, such as chronic coughing and wheezing. Marijuana contains the same cancer causing chemicals as tobacco. The amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed by those who smoke marijuana are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers, mainly because the marijuana smoker breathes in the drug deeper, and holds the smoke in their lungs longer. The active ingredient in marijuana is THC (tetrahydrocannabinal). The behaviors exhibited by introducing THC to the brain are similar to those of alcohol. Marijuana can produce several responses such as relaxation, introspection, feeling connected with the world, irrational behavior, and paranoia. The use of marijuana by teens can affect school, sports, driving and other activities; Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug detected in impaired drivers, fatally injured drivers and motor vehicle crash victims. Read more about The Truth About Marijuana and Teens