This vivid program points out new research that links marijuana smoking with head and neck cancers in addition to the already known risk of developing lung cancer. The video tells the story of a young man, whose chronic marijuana smoking developed cancer of his tongue, neck and jaw and who is now permanently disfigured. Video also reveals the recent research of Dr. Paul Donald who has been studying head and neck cancers in young people. Pictures are shown of many young marijuana smokers who subsequently developed similar cancers. Another physician displays chest x-rays of young marijuana smokers who have developed life-threatening lung cancer. After viewing this video, viewers will think twice before lighting up a joint.
Includes:
video, interactive quizzes, teacher's resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
Awards
Gold CINDY Award
Health Sciences Communication Association: Bronze Award
Columbus International Film & Video Festival: Honorable Mention
Reviews
Highly Recommended Marijuana is generally thought to be one of the most benign illicit drugs, however, in the DVD program Think Twice: Marijuana and Cancer, this and other common misunderstandings about the drug are quite succinctly and effectively debunked. Focusing on the link between marijuana use and cancer, Think Twice is designed to make teens and young adults consider the harmful side of this “natural” drug through research findings, testimonials, and graphic scenes of surgeries.
Think Twice works. If the research findings are not enough for people to evaluate the negative side effects of smoking marijuana, then the stories from cancer victims and the scenes of head and neck surgery will be. In addition to its carcinogenic properties, other problems associated with marijuana use are discussed such as its addictive qualities and emotional and social consequences. The issue of medicinal use of marijuana is briefly addressed, with physicians and researchers agreeing that there are more effective and less harmful pain relievers available for the chronically ill. The DVD together with the Teacher’s Resource Guide, make a valuable tool for the junior high through community college classroom. The Teacher’s Guide contains activity sheets, fact sheets, and other resources. Highly recommended.
- Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)