Abusers usually retain the odor of the substance that they have inhaled on their breath and in their clothes. Irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose may result in excessive nasal secretions. Redness and watering of the eyes commonly occur. The user may appear intoxicated or lack muscular control and may complain of double vision, ringing in the ears, vivid dreams, and even hallucinations. Drowsiness, stupor, and unconsciousness may follow excessive use of the substance. Abusers usually inhale these drugs from the container or from plastic or paper bags. Therefore, discovery of plastic or paper bags or handkerchiefs containing dried plastic cement is a telltale sign of this form of drug abuse. MARIJUANA. –Marijuana is a greenish, tobacco-like material consisting of the leaves, flowers, small stems, and seeds of the plant Cannabis Sativa L, which grows throughout the world. Its fibers have been used to manufacture twine, rope, bags, clothing, and paper. The sterilized seeds are used in various feed mixtures, particularly bird seed. Traffic in, and use of, drugs from the cannabis plant are now restricted by law in most countries, including the United States. Although known to exist for nearly 5,000 years, we probably know less about marijuana than any other natural drug. In the past, it has been used in the treatment of a variety of clinical disorders. Very early in China’s history, it was used to relieve pain during surgery. In India it was used as medicine; in the United States it was used as an analgesic, a poultice for corns, and a component in a variety of patented medicines. You can identify marijuana smokers by their possession of such cigarettes, often called sticks, reefers, or joints. A marijuana cigarette is often rolled in a double thickness of brownish or off-white cigarette paper. Smaller than a regular cigarette, with the paper twisted or tucked in on both ends, the marijuana cigarette often contains seeds and stems and is greener in color than regular tobacco. Another clue to the presence of “reefers” is the way in which they are often smoked. Typically, such smoking occurs in a group situation. Because of the rapid burning and harshness of the marijuana cigarette, it is generally passed rapidly, after one or two puffs, to another person. Users inhale the smoke deeply and hold it in the lungs as long as possible. When inhaling, persons often cup the cigarette in the palms of both hands to save all the smoke possible. An additional clue to marijuana use is an odor similar to that of burnt rope. You can readily detect the odor on the person’s breath and clothing. When smoked, marijuana appears to enter the bloodstream quickly because the onset of symptoms is rapid. It affects the user’s mood and thinking. The effects of the drug on the emotions and senses vary widely, depending on the amount and strength of the marijuana used. The social setting in which it is taken and the effects anticipated by the user also influence the person’s reaction to the drug. You probably will not recognize marijuana (pot) users unless they are heavily under the influence. In early stages, when the drug acts as a stimulant, users may be very animated and appear almost hysterical. They commonly talk loudly and rapidly and easily burst into laughter. Usually, the effects of the drug start about 15 minutes after the person inhales the smoke of the cigarette. The effects can last from 2 to 4 hours. At low doses of one or two cigarettes, persons who become intoxicated may experience an increased sense of well-being, initial restlessness, and hilarity. That stage is followed by a dreamy, carefree state of relaxation and an alteration of sensory perceptions, including expansion of space and time. Users also experience a more vivid sense of touch, sight, smell, taste, and sound; a feeling of hunger, especially a craving for sweets; and subtle changes in thought formation and expression. To an unknowing observer, a person in this state of consciousness would not appear noticeably different from a normal state. At higher but moderate doses, the user experiences the same reactions experienced with the use of low doses, only they are intensified. Still, you would scarcely notice the changes. The person may also experience altered thought formation and expression, such as fragmented thoughts, sudden loss of ideas, impaired immediate memory, disturbed associations, and an altered sense of self-identity. Some perceive a feeling of enhanced insight. Such distortions can produce feelings of panic and anxiety in those who have little experience with drugs. The panic and anxiety can cause persons to fear they are dying or going crazy. That panic reaction usually disappears as the effects of the drug wear off. Low to moderate doses of the drug produce minimal changes in body functions. At very high doses, effects may include distortions of body images, loss of personal identity, fantasies, and hallucinations. In addition, toxic psychoses can occur 3-12