Marijuana -- also known as weed, pot, grass, reefer, ganja, Mary Jane, blunt,
joint, roach, nail-can get in the way of your education in more ways than one.
Marijuana is illegal. Possession of marijuana on UM property is a misdemeanor with the
consequences of fines and possible jail time. Possession of marijuana in the City of Ann Arbor (but not on
UM property) is a civil infraction with the consequence of a fine.
Marijuana affects your brain. THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) damages
the nerve cells in the part of the brain where memories are formed, making it
hard to remember things.
Marijuana affects your self-control.
Marijuana can seriously affect your sense of time,
your hunger cues and your ability to do things that
require coordination, like driving.
Marijuana affects your lungs. There are more than 400 known chemicals in
marijuana. A single joint contains four times as much cancer-causing tar as a
filtered cigarette.
Marijuana affects other aspects of your health. Marijuana can limit your body's
ability to fight off infection. It can increase your heart rate and lead to
frequent chest colds. Marijuana can trigger panic attacks in those who are predisposed.
Marijuana can lead to psychological dependence. As with alcohol and many other
drugs, not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, but some users
develop signs of psychological dependence on the drug. They may experience withdrawal symptoms
like loss of appetite, sleep problems, weight loss and shaky hands.
Marijuana can take charge. Marijuana
can affect your judgment, drain your motivation and
can make you feel anxious.
