Posted by Natalee Wheeler on January 13, 2020

Mary Jane. Weed. Pot. Herb. Marijuana. What’s the 411 (or should I say 420?) on marijuana??

What is marijuana?

Marijuana comes from a plant. It is dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana contains a mind altering chemical known as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol aka THC. Since the 1970s when marijuana gained popularity, there has been an increase in the THC content of the drug. Marijuana is also the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States.

How do people use marijuana?

Marijuana can be used in a variety of different ways. Marijuana can be smoked through a joint, blunt, or bong. It can also be consumed through tea, edibles (like gummies, brownies, etc.), or through a vaporizer or dabbing.

What about CBD or hemp??

Hemp is a variety of a cannabis plant that doesn’t produce high amounts of THC, but does produce CBD (cannabidoil). CBD is marketed as a medicinal product, but there isn’t much evidence for health benefits and it isn’t really regulated, so there are a variety of possible outcomes from using it.

What is MSU’s policy on marijuana?

Although medical marijuana is legally allowed in the state of Montana, federal law prohibits the use, possession, or cultivation of marijuana on campus property or at MSU sponsored events. Basically, DO NOT use/make/have marijuana at MSU.

Will I get in trouble for smoking pot?

At MSU, marijuana is not allowed AT ALL due to MSU being an educational institution. This means that there will be disciplinary action taken if you are found using marijuana on campus. If you are using it in the residence halls, Residence Life staff will call the police and a report will be initiated.

What are the dangers of marijuana?

Marijuana may not be safe for your mental health:

Using marijuana can intensify feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental concerns. Using marijuana may also increase paranoia and lead to episodes of panic or a panic attack. Marijuana may not be safe for everyone’s mental health so it is important to pay attention to your body and emotional responses.

Hygiene can be affected by marijuana use:

Sharing things like bongs, joints, pipes, or blunts can compromise your hygiene. Infectious diseases such as meningitis, mononucleosis and stomach viruses are passed through saliva when these devices are used.

Marijuana can affect your learning:

Using weed can affect your memory, ability to concentrate, attention span, and ability to learn new information. These activities that are important for studying, taking exams, and doing homework can all be affected 24 or more hours after the last use.

THC content can be unknown or unreliable:

Take for instance, dabs. A dab is a concentrated amount of marijuana extracts and other cannabinoids. These concentrated doses result in oils called wax, hash oil, and budder. The THC content in dabs is 50-80%, compared to a regular dose of marijuana that contains 12-13%. This means that the effects of dabs can be very unpredictable given that the THC content is so high. Regular use of dabs can increase tolerance to marijuana as well.

Marijuana can be addictive:

Don’t drive high:

A DUI doesn’t necessarily just mean that you have been drinking alcohol and driving. A DUI can also be issued if you are driving under the influence of marijuana. You should wait to drive 3-5 hours after smoking and at least 9 hours after taking edibles.

Want to learn more? Here are some helpful websites:

National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana

Get Smart About Drugs: https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/drugs/marijuana