In the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health more than 14 94 million Americans ages 12 and older reported that they used marijuana at least once.

The main active ingredient in marijuana is a chemical called THC. This chemical is responsible for the intoxicating effect. THC is similar to natural chemicals found in the body. These chemicals play a role in memory, concentration and perception, coordination, pain sensation, immunity to disease and reproduction. When a person smokes marijuana, the THC is rapidly absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream. In the bloodstream it is carried to the brain and other organs of the body. In the brain it disrupts that normal process of the natural chemicals and leads to intoxication. Marijuana also contains more than 400 other chemicals, including cancer-causing agents. Marijuana smoke contains up to 70 percent more cancer agents than tobacco smoke, the NIDA says. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which increases the lungs' exposure to the smoke.

When marijuana is smoked, its effects begin immediately after the drug enters the brain and lasts from one to three hours. THC causes brain cells to release a chemical that produces a feeling of pleasure. THC also probably alters the way the brain processes information. This may be the cause of the short-term memory loss. Research findings for long-term marijuana use indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other major drugs.

The marijuana available today can be five times more potent than the marijuana of the 1970s, the NIDA says. Marijuana's effect depends on the strength of the THC it contains. Most ordinary marijuana contains about three percent THC. Sinsemilla, which is made from just the buds and flowering tops of female marijuana plants, is about 7.5 percent THC, but can range as high as 24 percent. Hashish, made from the sticky resin from the female marijuana plant flowers, is about 3.6 percent THC, but can range as high as 28 percent. Hash oil, a tar-like liquid distilled from hashish, is about 16 percent THC, but can range as high as 43 percent.

When the early effects fade after a few hours, users become very sleepy. Other signs of use include depression, fatigue or hostility. Long-term effects include deteriorating relationships with family members and friends, a drop in grades, increased absenteeism or truancy, lost interest in sports or other favorite activities and changes in eating or sleeping habits, the NIDA says.

Other popular street terms for marijuana include weed, widow, herb, pot and grass. Most people who use marijuana roll the loose plant parts into a cigarette, which is called a joint or nail, or smoke it in a pipe, which may be called a bong, the NIDA says. Some users cut open a cigar, remove the tobacco and replace it with marijuana and often crack cocaine. These may be called blunts, primos or woolies. A marijuana-laced cigar may also be dipped in another drug called PCP; this may be called a happy stick, wicky stick or love boat.

For instance, although few youths use cocaine, the risk of trying it is greater for a young person who has tried marijuana than for someone who has not, the NIDA says. Some research indicates that long-term marijuana use may alter the brain, making it more easier to become addicted to alcohol, cocaine or other drugs.