APU INFORMATION/ENGLISH/Vol.20 Information

We have received the results of the JUAA University Evaluation and Accreditation

Student Press Assistants Get the Latest Scoop!

Ensuring a Drug-Free Student Life

Events to commemorate APU's 10th anniversary

The Recipients of Scholarships and Awards for Spring 2009

Names of Officials

Back Number

There has been a recent spate of university student arrests for the possession and/or cultivation of marijuana and other illegal drugs. Marijuana and other illegal drug use is not only punishable by law, it can lead to addiction: a deadly combination that could ruin your student life.

Students from around the world gather here to study at APU. In some countries marijuana may be legal, and some students may have misconceptions that it is no more dangerous than a cigarette or that the physical act of using the drug cannot be punished. For these reasons it is of utmost importance that students have a proper understanding of the harmful effects of marijuana as well as the severe criminal punishments it can lead to. Students must raise their awareness to avoid situations in which they might encounter marijuana or other drugs in a nonchalant manner or out of fleeting curiosity.

Legal Penalties of Offense

Possession, receipt or transfer of marijuana	Up to 5 years imprisonment
Aiding and abetting receipt or transfer	Up to 2 years imprisonment
Sale of marijuana	Up to 7 years imprisonment
Import or export of marijuana	Up to 7 years imprisonment
Import or export of marijuana with intent to sell	Up to 10 years imprisonment

Disciplinary Action under APU Regulations

Expulsion

(International students)

Deportation, Permanent ban from entering Japan

Physical Effects

Marijuana has 50% more tar than cigarettes. Use can cause sinusitis, bronchitis, emphysema, or even lung cancer.
Marijuana can also cause reproductive dysfunction and genetic defects and/or mutations. Use during pregnancy can intoxicate the fetus or even lead to miscarriage and stillbirth. What's more, marijuana kills brain cells which can cause memory loss, altered states of consciousness, hallucinations, and serious mental impairment.

Mental Effects

In the beginning, users may experience mood swings, lack of concentration/patience and loss of motivation, and will gradually start to experience hallucinations, delusions, depression and paranoia.
The effect that these disorders have on mental health is so severe that they are collectively referred to as "cannabis psychosis".