Student Health Services - The University of Iowa

Substance Abuse

Marijuana

Slang for marijuana: grass, pot, weed, Mary Jane, dope, doobie, reefer, the chronic, ganja, sinsemilla, hash, herb, Aunt Mary, skunk, boom, kif, gangster

Definition: American or Indian hemp used as mind-altering drug. It increases blood pressure and contains more carcinogens than cigarettes

Appearance: Marijuana looks like dried parsely, with stems and/or seeds which are rolled into cigarettes. Hashish looks like brown or black cakes or balls.

Effects include:

  • muscular tremors
  • transient muscular rigidity
  • euphoria
  • relaxed inhibitions
  • disorientation
  • coated tongue
  • marijuana debris in mouth
  • odor of burnt marijuana
  • impaired perception and attention
  • impaired coordination and balance
  • thick, slurred speech
  • impaired divided attention
  • destroys brain cells
  • hilarity without cause
  • time distortion
  • bloodshot eyes
  • dry mouth and throat

Effects of overdose include: Fatigue, paranoia

Duration: onset 8 - 9 seconds lasts 2 - 3 hours, though effects continue after the high ends

Administration: smoked, orally

Page updated: 3/27/08