Marijuana

Marijuana Prevention and Education

Marijuana can be an addictive substance, particularly for youth. Marijuana use during childhood or adolescence is dangerous because the human brain does not fully develop until around age 26.

Although marijuana use by adults (21+) has been made legal in Washington State that does not mean it is without health risks. The safety of marijuana has not been established. Just like tobacco and alcohol, it has been associated with health and social problems.

Marijuana is made from dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Marijuana comes in multiple different forms and THC Levels vary depending on the product and method use.

How marijuana affects health is determined by how it's consumed. Marijuana is most commonly smoked, from pipes, bongs, joints, blunts, and other paraphernalia including devices that heat or vaporize marijuana. It can also be consumed through foods and beverages, such as brownies or tea.

The Grant County Health District in partnership with Washington State Department of Health is dedicated to preventing underage use of marijuana. Learn More.

Marijuana Laws

If you choose to use marijuana, it's important to know the laws, potential risks, and how you can help prevent underage marijuana use.

Retailer Marijuana

It is illegal for anyone to:

• Possess and/or use marijuana under the age of 21 unless the person is medically authorized
• Drive while under the influence of marijuana 
• Use marijuana in public places
• Grow marijuana plants unless the person is medically authorized or licensed by the state as a marijuana producer.
• It is illegal for adults to provide marijuana to minors.
• It is also illegal for parents to provide marijuana to their children.

Washington Initiative 502 (PDF) passed in November of 2012 and went into effect July 1, 2015.

Medical Marijuana

The Cannabis Patient Protection Act (PDF) was signed into law on April 24, 2015. SB 5052 creates strict regulations for marijuana producers, processors, and stores that want to sell to patients. Under the act, the Department of Health is directed to adopt rules for:

• Product compliance;
• A Medical Marijuana Authorization Database; and
• Training and certification of Medical Marijuana Consultants

The Department of Health is dedicated to protecting access for patients with qualifying conditions and ensuring that their products are safe, quality tested, and accurately labeled. Medical Cannabis Washington Department of State website

Risks Associated with Marijuana

Risk of Addiction

• The younger youth are when they try marijuana, the more likely it is that they will become addicted. Marijuana is estimated to produce addiction in approximately one in 11 of those who use it at least once. This rate increases to about one in six, or 17%, for users who start in their teens, and 25% to 50% among daily users

Risk of Withdrawal

• When people who are addicted to marijuana try to stop using, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleeping difficulties, anxiety, and cravings.

Short-Term Effects of Cannabis

• Drowsiness
• Loss of inhibitions 
• Increased appetite
• Loss of co-ordination
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dryness of the eyes, mouth, and throat
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Feeling of well-being
• Talkativeness
• Decreased nausea

Long-Term Effects of Cannabis

• Impact brain development. This may include reduced cognitive abilities (learning and understanding) and memory.
• Breathing problems. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs and can cause problems such as daily cough and phlegm, frequent lung illness and higher risk of lung infections.
• Increased heart rate. Marijuana raises heart rate for up to 3 hours after smoking, increasing the chance of heart attack.
• Problems with infant and child development during and after pregnancy. Marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to increased risk of brain and behavioral problems in babies and children.

Form of Cannabis

Smoking

Marijuana is combustive and the smoke is inhaled which allows the body to absorb THC. The most common methods of smoking marijuana are joints, pipes, and bongs.

Edibles

Marijuana can be ingested through food, or "edibles" which often include things like brownies and other baked goods. Marijuana can also be ingested in liquid form by brewing it as a tea.

Concentrates

Marijuana concentrates are condensed masses of THC. Concentrates can range from 40% - 90% THC, making them up to four times stronger than regular high-quality marijuana. Concentrates often go by the following terms: wax, hash, hash oil, honey oil, budder, butane hash/honey oil (BHO), shatter, dabs, black glass, and errl.

Topicals

Lotions, salves, and balms can be infused or other chemicals extracted from marijuana and can be used for pain and inflammation. They do not make a user feel high.

Vaporization

A new form of inhaling marijuana includes vaping, which may involve the use of electronic vaping devices.