Teen Health, Course 1

Introduction

Marijuana is one of the most controversial drugs around. Because it comes from a plant, it is often called weed, grass, or pot. Research has shown that marijuana has many negative effects on the body. On the Web site below you will read about marijuana and how it negatively affects the brain, heart, lungs, and immune system.

Link to explore: Mind Over Matter: http://www.nida.nih.gov/mom/mj/mommj1.html

Directions

• Start at the “Mind Over Matter” Web site .
• Read through the page then click on the “next page” button at the bottom. Note that there are four pages for you to read. Take notes as you go.
• When you finish reading, answer the questions below.
• Finally, using the information you learned on the Web site, create a marijuana quiz that teens can take to test how much they know about the drug. Try to include questions about little known facts that will really challenge them to think about the consequences of using marijuana.

Questions

1			What is the plant that marijuana comes from?
2			How do the chemicals in marijuana affect brain cells?
3			What is the name of the chemical in marijuana that affects brain cells?
4			What part of the brain processes memory?
5			What are four negative reactions the body can have to marijuana?