Team Number: 067
School Name: Shiprock High School
Area of Science: Behavioral and Social Sciences
Project Title: Effect of Marijuana
We want to find out what the side effects of smoking marijuana are and how we can help to keep teenagers from starting the habit. Most teenagers on the reservation are smoking or thinking of smoking marijuana. The purpose of doing this project is to find out what these side effects can do to our body, so we call tell other people about it.
In 2002, over fourteen million Americans ages twelve and older used marijuana at least once in a month prior to being surveyed, and 12.2 percent in the past twelve months. The percentage of youth ages 12-17 who had ever experimented with marijuana declined slightly from 2001-2002.
When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain. In the brain, THC connects to specific parts called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells. One study has shown that a user's risk of heart attack quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. This can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat. It is also sometimes followed by chest illness, a high risk of lung infections, and a greater risk to obstructed airways.
Our mission is to use this information to contribute our time to finding out what the effects of marijuana on the Navajo Reservation, and to help teenagers our age to think twice about smoking marijuana.
Team Members
Sponsoring Teacher(s)