| Signs and
Symptoms of Marijuana and/or Hashish Abuse:
The primary effects of marijuana and hashish are behavioral
because the drug affects the central nervous system.
Both marijuana and hashish decrease one's ability to
perform tasks requiring a great deal of coordination
(such as driving a car). Visual tracking is impaired
and the sense of time is prolonged. Learning is greatly
affected because the drug diminishes the ability to
concentrate. Frequent users may experience a loss of
energy, lack of concentration, memory loss, decreased
performance at work/school, and a general lack of ambition.
Other effects may include blood-shot eyes; increased
heart rate and blood pressure; bronchial irritation;
sinusitis; and asthma in heavy users; decreased fertility;
and possible detrimental effects upon the immune system.
Regular users will may also experience agitation, insomnia,
irritability, and anxiety over a period of time.
» Rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter in early
stages of intoxication
» Sleepy or stuporous in later stages of intoxication
» Forgetfulness in conversation
» Inflammation in the whites of the eyes; pupils unlikely
to be dilated
» Odor similar to burnt rope on clothing or breath
» Tendency to drive slowly (beneath speed limit)
» Distorted sense of time (tendency to overestimate
time intervals)
» Use or possession of paraphernalia (roach clip, packs
of rolling papers, pipes, bongs)
» "Munchies"
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