I've had this discussion so many times, and I often become irritated at the ignorance to the facts about the so called "drug" and its effects on people.
Fact: The brain has THC receptors specifically made to take in and react to the chemical.
Fiction: Marijuana is physically addicting.
Fact: Marijuana has proven medical uses.
Fiction: Marijuana affects the ability to make rational decisions.
The following is courtesy FriendlyStranger.com:
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that grows much like corn or wheat, not some powdered drug produced in a clandestine laboratory. It has many other uses besides being the lowest risk recreational substance used in society.
The stalk of the plant, known as "Hemp", contains fiber and hurds and is a sustainable, environmentally friendly, renewable, natural resource.
The flowers contain a mild psychoactive ingredient called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). When the flowers or "buds" are dried and smoked they are more commonly referred to as "Marijuana".
Who uses cannabis recreationally?
People from middle teens, to seniors, in all walks of life, in every country around the globe. Yes, even doctors, lawyers, judges, police and politicians!
Why do people smoke it?
Cannabis produces a feeling of well being, promotes the facilitation of interpersonal behavior, and reduces aggressive behavior. In other words, it usually makes people happy, sociable and peaceful.
Is cannabis addictive?
No. Cannabis produces no withdrawal symptoms no matter how heavily it is smoked. It is habit forming (psychologically addictive), but not physically addictive.
For a drug to be physically addictive, it must be reinforcing, produce withdrawal symptoms, and produce tolerance. Marijuana is reinforcing, because it feels good, but it does not do the other two things.
Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are all physically addictive.
Has anyone ever died from smoking it?
No. Cannabis is nontoxic. No deaths from a cannabis overdose have ever been verified. It has been estimated that one would have to smoke eight hundred cannabis cigarettes to induce a fatal reaction, and even then one would probably receive a lethal dose of carbon monoxide first.
Does cannabis lead to harder drugs?
No. This is known as the “gateway” or “stepping stone” theory. That by trying cannabis, it will lead to the use of heroine, cocaine or other dangerous substances. Fact is, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol are the first drugs to be encountered during adolescence, as these are legal and more readily available. People who use hard drugs do so of their own choice whether or not they have tried cannabis.
Does cannabis have any other uses?
Cannabis is usually ranked among the top medicines, called “panaceas”, a word which means “cure-all”. The therapeutic potential of cannabis includes: treating multiple sclerosis, asthma & breathing difficulties, alcoholism, glaucoma, AIDS, epilepsy, migraine headaches & severe pain, as well as being an antiarthritic, antidepressant & anticonvulsant. It can be used to control inflammation, and for relief of nausea in cancer treatment patients. This is just a sampling of the medicinal properties this plant has to offer.
Hemp Stalks and Hemp Seed have vast industrial applications. See the chart below for a quick overview of hemp’s incredible potential.
Why is cannabis illegal?
Prohibition began when cannabis / hemp was made illegal under the name "marijuana" in the Opium and Narcotic Drug Act of 1923. It was a decision based on misinformation, sensationalism and public manipulation that effects us to this day. (
Click Here for information on marijuana prohibition)
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The main thing I tell people about marijuana is its effects are 100% dependent on the person using it. If the person moves onto harder drugs it is very likely they would have done so to begin with. Many other marijuana users use no other drugs and do not feel the need to. The effects while on the substance can also be controlled through a strong mind (ie: if you tell yourself you are ok...youll be ok, if you tell yourself your going to die...your most likely going to be a bit hysterical).
The topic itself is hard to arque, which is why it remains such a debate today. All I can say is when I turn 18, thanks to california voters in 1996 I can legally get my medication for back pain and anxiety