Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Cannabis is a term that refers to marijuana and other drugs made from the same plant. Other forms of cannabis include sinsemilla, hashish, and hash oil. All forms of cannabis are mind-altering (psychoactive) drugs. Also know as pot, weed, grass, chronic, bud, BC, hash, dope and hydro.

Marijuana is the most common illicit drug. According to NSDUH an estimated 97.5 million Americans aged 12 or older has tried marijuana at least once in their lifetimes. The actual total of users is approximately 25.4 million or 10.4% of population aged 12 or older in 2005.

The adverse affects of abusing marijuana include impaired short-term memory, impaired concentration, attention, and judgment; impaired coordination and balance, increased heart rate, blood shot or red eyes, dry mouth and increased appetite (the "munchies"). One’s risk of heart attack QUADRUPLES within the first hour after using marijuana.

Marijuana abuse is associated with many detrimental health effects. These effects can include frequent respiratory infections, impaired memory and learning, increased heart rate, anxiety, panic attacks and tolerance. Increase risk of cancer of the head, neck and lungs. It also can decrease testosterone levels and lower sperm counts for men and increase testosterone levels for women and increase their risk of infertility.

For additional information on Marijuana, check out these websites;

Fact Sheet - Marijuana
http://www.well.com/user/woa/fspot.htm

Marijauna
http://www.streetdrugs.org/marijuana.htm

DEA, Drug Information, Marijuana
http://www.dea.gov/concern/marijuana.html

Facts & Figures: Marijuana
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov//marijuana/index.html