Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana

Street Names:Weed, Pot, Grass, Ganja, Joint, Blunt, Mary Jane

Method of Use: Smoked (pipe, joint-cigarette size, blunt-cigar size), Ingested (mixed with food)

Inhaling a substance through nose or mouth (sometimes using a substance soaked rag, breathing fumes out of a bag or balloon containing the preferred substance, or inhaling directly from the can)

Symptoms/Effects of Use

• Euphoria (elated sense of well-being)
• Distorted perceptions
• Red/blood-shot eyes
• Disruption of coordination/balance
• Slowed reaction time
• Lack of motivation
• Memory impairment
• Difficulty thinking and solving problems
• Anxiety, fear, distrust, paranoia
• Cancer of the lungs
• Brain damage
• Frequent acute chest illnesses (asthma, emphysema)
• Greater risk for lung infections (Bronchitis, Pneumonia, common cold)
• Psychosis
• Chronic use: increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia

What to Look For

• Red/blood-shot eyes
• White bumps on the tongue (only after recent/immediate use)
• Smell of marijuana and/or strong odors of
• cologne/perfume to mask marijuana smell
• Excessive use of eye drops
• Having the “munchies”
• Money spent/unaccounted for
• Difficulty holding a conversation
• Inappropriate laughter
• Evidence of drug paraphernalia

Withdrawals Symptoms

• Irritability
• Sleeping difficulties
• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Depressed mood

Note: Each person may experience different symptoms/effects. This list is not inclusive. For more information, visit www.drugabuse.gov