Pubdate: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 Source: Meliorist, The (CN AB Edu) Copyright: 2005 The Meliorist. Contact: http://www.themeliorist.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2867 Author: Geordon Hoag, News Contributor Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) MARIJUANA MYTHS AND FACTS In the Atrium on Tuesday, January 18, at 12:00 p.m. a function was held called Marijuana Myths and Facts, to help promote student awareness about the usage of the drug. It was part of Tobacco Reduction week, hosted by the Students for Tobacco Reduction. Lunch was provided for those who attended and the students walking past on their commute to class cried out "free!" when they saw the stacks of sandwiches. Those in attendance were enthusiastic and about half of the seats were full. During the short seminar, it was revealed by MC Chrysta Duff that Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug. She explained that it comes in three basic forms, leaf/bud, hash and hash oil. The THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) levels in any of these varieties varies from toke to toke, so you never know exactly how much you're receiving. THC is the drug that causes the high when one smokes marijuana, but it also inhibits the immune system of the user. It increases heart rate and can cause paranoia if used in large doses. She warned those in attendance that approximately one in every ten adolescent users will continue to use the drug into adulthood. After the presentation a survey was handed out by Duff and Chinook Health Region Health Promotion Specialist Karoline Philipp. Those who completed the survey were entered into a draw for a $20 Safeway gift certificate that could be used for everything except tobacco products. Strangely, smokers were entered twice. For more information about Marijuana or smoking, contact Karoline Phillip - --- MAP posted-by: Derek