Myths about Marijuana Use
Introduction
"Marijuana is the most widely
used illicit drug in the United States. According to the National Survey on
Drug Use and Health, 95 million Americans age 12 and older have tried
"pot" at least once, and three out of every four illicit drug users
reported using marijuana within the previous 30 days" (from a pamphlet
published by the Office of National Drug Control Policy). In this treasure
hunt, you will examine 10 "beliefs" about marijuana and determine
which are true and which are false.
Guiding
Question
Given that marijuana usage by teens
is not uncommon, should it just be accepted? Or resisted?
Questions
1. True or
False? Marijuana is natural and harmless.
2. True or False? The marijuana used today is stronger that the marijuana used
in 1960.
3. True or False? Marijuana is not as harmful to your health as tobacco.
4. True or False? Marijuana is not addictive.
5. True or False? Marijuana is used to treat cancer and other diseases.
6. True or False? Marijuana's effects on the body are both short term and long
term.
7. True or False? Street marijuana is often "laced" with other drugs.
8. True or False? The history of marijuana use includes the making of rope.
9. True or False? There's not much parents can do to stop their kids from
experimenting with marijuana.
10. True or False? Marijuana is considered a "gateway" drug and can
lead to the abuse of stronger drugs.
Internet
Resources
Marijuana Myths and
Facts
Facts about
Marijuana
Marijuana Facts
Marijuana News
Basic Facts about Marijuana
Definition of Cannabis
Information about Marijuana
Hemp
History
History of Marijuana
Use
Medical Uses of Marijuana
Marijuana and Medicine
Marijuana Law Reform
The Legalization
Question
Marijuana Abuse
Facts for Parents
Drug
Facts
Adverse Effects of Marijuana
High School and
Youth Trends
Teens Driving High
Risk of Stroke
Teen
Health Risks
Effects of Marijuana
The Forbidden Medicine
Drug Law Reform
Marijuana Arrests
Less
Cancerous than Tobacco?
Frequently
Asked Questions about Marijuana
Teens and Drugs
Drug Facts
Treatment
Take Action
Recommended Reading
Activities
1. After
examining some of the informational pamphlets published by the government and
other organizations, create your own pamphlet about the facts teens need to
know about marijuana usage.
2. Consider what you would do if you were a parent of a teenager. Write a
script of a discussion you would have with your own child about marijuana use.
3. Make a poster with a slogan and visual that explains one of the truths about
marijuana that you have discovered and want other teens to know.
4. Collect current news articles (at least 12) about the topic of marijuana
usage and write an editorial (2-3 pages) expressing your opinion about the
latest findings.
5. Prepare for a debate about the legalization of marijuana. Prepare arguments
for both sides of the issue as you will have to be ready to debate both sides
of the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana.
Vicki Peterson, Teacher, and Eric Chau,
AP student, collaborated to develop this web hunt.
Check by Olivia Wong.