Marijuana is derived from a natural growing plant called Cannabis plant. Cannabis plant is very versatile. There are two types of Cannabis; Cannabis Sativa, and Cannabis Indica. The relationship between the two is similar to that of an orange and a grapefruit. Cannabis Sativa is legal in the U.S., and is the form of Cannabis used to make hemp, a strong fiber used in countless materials and products. Cannabis Sativa grows wildly as a weed in the Southern U.S. (Kuhn n.p.).

Cannabis Indica can also be used to produce hemp, but this form of cannabis is mainly cultivated for it’s resins which contain the psychoactive properties found in marijuana (Kuhn n.p.). THC (tetrahyrocannabinol) is the compound in Cannabis Ind

Marijuana has a strong historical background. Written accounts from 2800 B.C. tell us of cannabis cultivation in China (Kuhn n.p.). Marijuana was used as a mild intoxicant for religious reasons. It was also used as a healing device, and held a wide variety of medical uses for ancient people (Julienalso

In 1988, Francis L. Young, Law Judge of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) said that “Marijuana in it’s natural form fulfilled the legal requirements of currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S. (Wekesser 40). He was also quoted as saying that marijuana was “one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man” (Wekesser 40). He thought that the laws restricting marijuana should be lifted allowing for medical use, but his orders were overruled by the DEA, and not a medical organization. In march 1992, the DEA then placed a final rejection on all requests to reclassify the drug (Wekesser 40).

The 1930’s brought though enforcement of these laws by the Burueau of Narcotics. Harry Anslinger, the commissioner or narcotics pushed the government and media to scorn the use of marijuana. People were now afraid of the drug, and it was considered to be a threat to public safety. It was at the top of our list for social problems in America. Several federal laws were passed banning the use, import, selling, and possession of any form of marijuana. The federal government had created an airtight trap for marijuana and Americans fully supported the ideas, with plenty of help form the media (Julien 172).

Marijuana can also be eaten alone or in baked goods. The effects of this technique are not felt as quickly, but when they are more intense, therefore, reducing the amount that needs to be taken (“NY Med. Marijuana”). Since marijuana is a natural herb, it can be made into tea. The effects of marijuana tea are similar to eating it, but the effects are localized more to the mouth (“NY Med. Marijuana”). A surprising fact to most people is that marijuana does not have to be taken directly into the body in order to benefit from it’s natural pain relieving abilities. Marijuana can actually be used as a compress. A cloth soaked in marijuana tea and applied directly to a pain will act as a pain reliever (“NY Med. Marijuana”).

There has been heavy argument concerning marijuana compared to alcohol and tobacco. People want to know which it safer. Marijuana has side effects, just as alcohol and tobacco do, but the effects with alcohol and tobacco are much more long term, and often lethal. While

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