Mind Over Matter - Teacher's Guide

Marijuana

Marijuana is the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main ingredient in marijuana that causes people who use it to experience a calm euphoria. Marijuana changes brain messages that affect sensory perception and coordination. This can cause users to see, hear, and feel stimuli differently and to exhibit slower reflexes.

• Mechanism of Action
  THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, binds to and activates specific receptors, known as cannabinoid receptors. There are many of these receptors in parts of the brain that control memory, thought, concentration, time and depth perception, and coordinated movement.
  
  
• Marijuana Activity One
  The student will understand the effects of marijuana on brain structures which control the five senses, emotions, memory, and judgment.
  
  
• Marijuana Activity Two
  The student will understand how marijuana interferes with information transfer and short-term memory.
  
  
• Marijuana Activity Three
  The student will learn more about the important role of the cerebellum.