Asian American and Pacific Islander youth were invited to share their beliefs and thoughts about health and marijuana. These are their questions.

Marijuana is a mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the Cannabis plant.

The main ingredient is delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC), which is a mind-altering chemical. Thus, marijuana is classified as a psychedelic-psychoactive drug, which causes changes in behavior, mood, and consciousness.

Medical Use – Used therapeutically to treat physical and psychological disorders.

Recreational Use – To alter mood, perceptions and consciousness.

Effects experienced depend on: how it is being used (smoked, ingested, vaped, etc), dosage, prior experience, any concurrent drug use, mood / state, and social environment

Some studies have found:

• A possible decline in IQ among youth marijuana users.
• Problems with memory, learning, attention, and school completion
• Higher risk of developing depression.
• Slightly increased risk of developing schizophrenia.

A high dosage may result in:

• Paranoia and/or Panic Attacks
• Hallucinations
• Toxic Psychosis – disorientation / losing state of consciousness

Ways that Marijuana is Consumed:

The most common ways are smoke-able marijuana plant and edibles (marijuana infused into foods & drinks). Using hash oil & wax (inhaling marijuana ingredients through vapor instead of smoke) is also becoming popular. Other ways are:

• Pills & capsules – capsules filled with concentrated THC oil
• Tinctures – concentrated form of marijuana in alcohol solution
• Topicals – lotions, salves, balms, and sprays that are applied directly to the skin

• Very happy, euphoric, laughing at things that aren’t normally found humorous.
• Increased heart rate and paranoia
• Delayed reaction time or response
• Bloodshot eyes
• Increased appetite
• Impaired coordination and concentration
• Anxiety

Washington State laws:

• You must be 21+ to purchase, possess and use (unless medically authorized).
• It is illegal to provide marijuana to anyone under the age of 21.
• If you are under the age of 21, you cannot enter a marijuana store.
• It is illegal to drive under the influence.
• It is illegal to consume marijuana in public.