Alcohol:
Marijuana:
The Blunt Facts
How your marijuana use may be impacting your life.
For Your Information
Marijuana is the most common illegal drug used in the United States. Approximately 100 million Americans have tried marijuana at least once and more than 25 million have smoked it in the last year. It is the most widely used illicit substance on college campuses across the country. It is federally illegal to use recreationally or medicinally. In Pennsylvania, it is legal to use with a medical marijuana card, but illegal to use any form of THC recreationally.
Cannabis on Campus
Penn State Altoona is a drug-free campus. Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia is a violation of the Penn State Student Code of Conduct. Penn State sanctions include disciplinary probation, review of housing contracts for those in on-campus housing, and mandatory participation in the AWARE program. The violation also becomes part of a student's disciplinary record.
Short-term Effects
The effects during and immediately after consuming cannabis can include euphoria, fatigue, light-headedness, impaired short-term memory, impaired motor coordination, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, increased appetite, dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.
Long-term Effects
The effects after prolonged or chronic cannabis use can include difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, nausea/vomiting, reduced memory, bronchitis, lung infections, mental illnesses like schizophrenia and psychosis, increased anxiety and depression, and developing Cannabis Use Disorder or addictions to other substances.
Having Trouble?
There are resources on campus to help if you believe you or someone you know is having difficulty controlling their marijuana use. Are your grades suffering? Do you feel more depressed or anxious than usual? Are the things you usually enjoy coming in second place to marijuana? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please call the Health and Wellness Center at 814-949-5540 to schedule an appointment with an addictions specialist.