What is it?
Cannabis is a name given to the plant Cannabis Sativa when used as a drug. The main active chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which moves quickly through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs. (NIDA)
Professional and Academic Risks
Having a drug conviction on your record can impact your academic and professional careers! Drug convictions may affect your financial aid and disqualify you for scholarships. Not only that, but many schools will kick you out if you receive a drug conviction!
Drug convictions can also have a large effect on your professional career: you may find it difficult to find government jobs, jobs selling controlled substances (pharmaceuticals), and jobs requiring licenses (transportation, medical, legal etc).
Legal Risks
It is important to understand that while the passing of Amendment 3 legalized the purchase and use of recreational cannabis for adults over 21 years old in Missouri, cannabis is still a federally illicit substance. This means higher education institutions that receive federal funding cannot allow for the possession, use, or selling of cannabis on their campus. It is also to be noted that while cannabis is legal for recreational use, it is only legal to use in private residences. This means it is still against the law to use cannabis in public spaces like sidewalks, parks, and schools.
Possessing
35g or less: Misdemeanor, Max 1 year prison, $1k fine
35g-30kg: Felony, Max 7 years prison, $5k fine
Selling
35g or less: Misdemeanor, Max 7 years prison, $5k fine
35g-30kg: Felony, 5-15 years prison, $5k-$20k fine
Effects
Cannabis is often thought to be a harmless drug but it actually has many negative effects on users’ body and life!
Health
Cannabis increases your heart rate and blood pressure! In the first hour after smoking you’re 4.8x more likely to have a heart attack! It can also increase your risk of lung infections and lower your body’s resistance to common illnesses!
Learning
Cannabis can impair your memory and ability to learn new things. Your ability to problem-solve and retain information can also be greatly reduced.
Judgment
Using cannabis can result in mood and personality changes and can distort your perceptions of reality (sights, sounds, time, and touch).
Sex
Not only can cannabis decrease sex drive, it also can lower sperm production in men and cause irregular menstrual cycles in women.
Sleep
Though many use cannabis as a sleep aid, some studies report that cannabis actually throws off your sleep cycle! It also increases next day daytime sleepiness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and jumpiness.
Motivation
While there is no official evidence, many report a decrease in motivation when using cannabis.
Addiction
Long-term cannabis use can lead to addiction and dependence.
Potential for Addiction
- Cannabis contains THC which is an addictive chemical
- 9% of users become addicted
- 17% of users that start smoking at a young age become addicted
- 25-50% of daily users become addicted
Getting Help
Cannabis addiction, like any kind of addiction, can be tough to battle on your own. If you are looking to quit using cannabis, consult a medical doctor or your campus health or counseling services. If you would like to talk to someone or find a local treatment facility, call 1-800-662-HELP.
Withdrawal
Two to three weeks after discontinued use, some users will face the withdrawal.Symptoms
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Anxiety
- Drug-craving
- Loss of Appetite
Dealing with Withdrawal
- Get moving! Any serious physical activity can boost your spirits and clear your head.
- Undo the Dew! A junk-food-free diet can decrease any blues that can come from quitting cannabis use.
- Relax! Take it easy. Try a new activity or practice a skill that you’ve let slide for a while.
