matter. It is still Cannabis Sativa, or cannabis for short. And it is

still illegal. The use of marijuana as an intoxicant in the United

States became a problem of public concern in the 1930s. Regulatory

laws were passed in 1937, and criminal penalties were instituted for

possession and sale of the drug. "Marijuana" refers to the dried

leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, which contains the

non-narcotic chemical THC at various potencies. It is smoked or eaten

to produce the feeling of being "high." The different strains of this herb produce different sensual effects, ranging from a sedative to a stimulant.

The term "marijuana" is a word with indistinct origins. Some

believe it is derived from the Mexican words for "Mary Jane"; others

hold that the name comes from the Portuguese word marigu-ano, which

means "intoxicant". The use of marijuana in the 1960's might lead one

to surmise that marihuana use spread explosively. The chronicle of its 3,000 year history, however, shows that this "explosion" has been

characteristic only of the contemporary scene. The plant has been

medical value whatsoever, despite the fact that it has a several

was sold as a nerve tonic-but mankind has been using cannabis

North Africa, appeared in Latin America and the Caribbean, and finally entered the United States in the early decades of this century. Marijuana can even be used as "Biomass" fuel, where the pulp (hurd) of the hemp plant can be burned as is or processed into charcoal, methanol, methane, or gasoline. This process is called destructive distillation, or 'pyrolysis.' Fuels made out of plants like this are called 'biomass' fuels. This charcoal may be burned in today's coal-powered electric generators. Methanol makes a good automobile fuel, in fact it is used in professional automobile races. It may someday replace gasoline.

made from its primary active ingredient. Let's assume - for the sake

was available as a medicine legally in this country until 1937, and

Some topics in this essay:
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