Without much debate Marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal drug in Texas as well as the US.  Marijuana grows in the form of a plant. As the plant matures it flowers or produces “buds.” The buds contain a chemical known as Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.  THC is the active ingredient that allows its users experience the “high” or altered physical and mental effects when consumed. Marijuana farmers or growers will generally grow multiple plants at a time in which they seek to yield the largest amount of buds along with the highest levels of THC within the buds from their plants.

Most of the time Marijuana is the first drug people are introduced to and typically takes place during their middle school or high school years. I’m sure you have heard marijuana over the years being referred to as “the gateway drug.” Gateway meaning people who use Marijuana are more susceptible to start trying other drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, prescription pills ect…  Obviously coming from our view point being recovered addicts ourselves this is often true but not always the case.  There are people out there that strictly use Marijuana and have not or have no desire to use anything else.

How do people commonly use or ingest Marijuana?

Most people use Marijuana by smoking it. Broken up pieces of Marijuana can be rolled up into cigarette paper often referred to a joint or cigar paper referred to as a blunt. Another way people use Marijuana is by smoking it out of a pipe or water pipe (bong) this is often referred to as smoking a bowl. More recently with the introduction of vaporizing electronic cigarettes has allowed people to ingest THC in a form of liquid vapor or hash oil without actually having to inhale smoke. This falls under the process referred to as Dabbing. Dabbing is the process which people will extract the THC in resin form out of marijuana by using butane. It’s important to note that this process generally yields higher THC levels than normal Marijuana and the amount people have to ingest to feel its effects are significantly lower. There are a few different types of this extract.  1) Shatter – typically a hard solid resin that is dark or amber in color.  2) Wax or Budder – typically softer consistency like butter or a paste. 3) Hash Oil – dark sticky liquid with herbal aroma. People ingest these extracts by smoking out of special pipes called dab rigs, oil rigs or vapor bongs. Edibles have been around for a long time.  Everyone has heard of pot brownies.  These edibles became popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s during the rise of the hippie movement. Now days there are a much wider variety of edibles available to people like breads, cakes, cookies, chocolate bars and even different types of candies.

Other Common or Street Names:

Pot – Weed – Dope – Grass – Cannabis – Herb – Bud – Chronic – Hydro – Skunk – Nugs – Not to mention all the names of different specific strains of marijuana developed over the years.

How to identify if someone is under the influence or may use Marijuana on a regular basis:

• Changes in normal personality
• Bloodshot eyes
• Shorter attention span
• Tired or lethargic
• Increased appetite
• Dry mouth or cotton mouth
• Slower reaction time
• Increased pulse
• More talkative or overly giggly
• Looses track of time
• More secretive
• Excessive cologne or body spray
• Increased paranoia, anxiety or panic

Look out for paraphernalia around the house or vehicle:

• Remnants of marijuana often called “shake” on floors, tables or desks tops. Will look like small leafy crumbs.
• Pipes or bongs
• Cigarette rolling papers
• Cigars, usually cheap and flavored
• Lighters
• Visine or eye drops
• Small plastic baggies or cellophane wrappers from cigarette boxes

Bay Area Recovery Center has successfully treated individuals dependent on drugs and alcohol for over 20 years.  People need to know treatment does work and there is life after addiction.  Let us use our experience and expertise to develop a detox and treatment plan that is personalized to your situation.  The illness of addiction is not something you or your family should have to go through alone.  We can help. Call us now (713) 999-0116 or (281) 853-8715.