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What is it?

Cannabis is a name given to the plant Cannabis Sativa when used as a drug. The main active chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which moves quickly through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs. (NIDA)

Professional and Academic Risks

Having a drug conviction on your record can impact your academic and professional careers! Drug convictions may affect your financial aid and disqualify you for scholarships. Not only that, but many schools will kick you out if you receive a drug conviction!

Drug convictions can also have a large effect on your professional career: you may find it difficult to find government jobs, jobs selling controlled substances (pharmaceuticals), and jobs requiring licenses (transportation, medical, legal etc).

Legal Risks

Missouri has some of the harshest cannabis laws in the country!

Possessing

35g or less: Misdemeanor, Max 1 year prison, $1k fine

35g-30kg: Felony, Max 7 years prison, $5k fine

Selling

35g or less: Misdemeanor, Max 7 years prison, $5k fine

35g-30kg: Felony, 5-15 years prison, $5k-$20k fine


Driving under the influence of any drug is illegal, so you can potentially get a DUI if driving while high.

Effects


cannabis is often thought to be a harmless drug but it actually has many negative effects on users’ body and life!

Health

Cannabis increases your heart rate and blood pressure! In the first hour after smoking you’re 4.8x more likely to have a heart attack! It can also increase your risk of lung infections and lower your body’s resistance to common illnesses!

Learning

Cannabis can impair your memory and ability to learn new things. Your ability to problem-solve and retain information can also be greatly reduced.

Judgment

Using cannabis can result in mood and personality changes and can distort your perceptions of reality (sights, sounds, time, and touch).

Sex

Not only can cannabis decrease sex drive, it also can lower sperm production in men and cause irregular menstrual cycles in women.

Sleep

Though many use cannabis as a sleep aid, some studies report that cannabis actually throws off your sleep cycle! It also increases next day daytime sleepiness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and jumpiness.

Motivation

While there is no official evidence, many report a decrease in motivation when using cannabis.

Addiction

Long-term cannabis use can lead to addiction and dependence.

Potential for Addiction

Getting Help

Cannabis addiction, like any kind of addiction, can be tough to battle on your own. If you are looking to quit using cannabis, consult a medical doctor or your campus health or counseling services. If you would like to talk to someone or find a local treatment facility, call 1-800-662-HELP.

Withdrawal

Two-three weeks after discontinued use, some users will face the withdrawal.

Symptoms

Dealing with Withdrawal

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Myth: of Missouri college students, 88% believe the typical student uses cannabis

Busted: 76% do not use cannabis

The following resources were consulted:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): http://www.drugabuse.gov/
Data from MCHBS, 2013