Marijuana is an illegal drug that comes from the cannabis plant. Also called "weed," "pot," "Mary Jane," "wacky tobaccy," "ganja," "herb," "dope," "grass," "chiba," and "bud," marijuana contains the chemical THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which produces the effect of feeling "high." The amount of THC in marijuana determines the drug's strength, and THC levels are influenced by such things as plant type, weather, soil and time of harvest. Today's sophisticated cultivation of the plant produces levels of THC that are far greater now than those of the 1960's and 70's. In general, the THC in marijuana today is up to FOUR times more potent!

Marijuana and other cannabis products are used in many different ways. Most often, marijuana is smoked, either as a "joint" cigarette, a "blunt" cigar, from a pipe, or from a "bong." (A bong is a long pipe that is filled with water to cool the smoke.) It is important to know that joints and blunts may also contain other drugs such as cocaine and the hallucinogen PCP. This can be very dangerous, particularly if a person does not know the marijuana is laced with another drug! Marijuana may also be ingested, for example as a tea or in "special" brownies

(For more information on the effects of marijuana, see the sidebar "What it Does to You.")

Before you use marijuana...Get the Facts...

Marijuana isn't always what it seems. Marijuana can be laced with other dangerous drugs without your knowledge. "Blunts" or hollowed out cigars filled with marijuana sometimes have substances such as crack cocaine, PCP, or embalming fluid added.

Marijuana can be addictive. Not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, but some users do develop signs of dependence. In 1995, 165,000 people entered drug treatment programs to kick their marijuana habit.

Before You Risk It...Know the Signs

How can you tell if a friend is using marijuana? Sometimes it's tough to tell. But there are signs that you can look for. If your friend has one or more of the following warning signs, he or she may be using marijuana:

• Seeming dizzy and having trouble walking
• Having red, bloodshot eyes, and smelly hair and clothes
• Having a hard time remembering things that just happened
• Acting silly for no apparent reason
• Getting the "munchies" and craving all kinds of food.

What can you do to help someone who is using marijuana or other drugs? Be a real friend. Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional help.