Marijuana
Paige McFarland
Professor Rock Neelly
ENG 102
10 April 2013
Marijuana
What is Marijuana? Marijuana is often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane, or MJ. Marijuana is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa. What is Cannabis? Cannabis comes from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). It grows wild in many of the tropical and temperate areas of the world. It can be grown in almost any climate. The main ingredient in cannabis is called delta-9 tetrahydro-cannabinol, which is commonly known as THC. This is the part of the plant that gives the "high." THC is responsible for many of its effects. When marijuana is smoked, its effects begin almost immediately. Marijuana can be taken in three ways, by eating, made into a tea, or smoking (the most popular). Smoking it can be done three ways, through a pipe, a joint, or a blunt. A joint is a rolled piece of paper that is twisted at the ends. A blunt is normally a cigar wrap filled with marijuana. Different people will get different results, and certain types of cannabis can cause different effects. The amount of THC (marijuana 's main active chemical) may also change the result. If alcohol or other drug use is occurring while smoking marijuana, the effect could be different. Some effects—including relief from pain and nausea, increased appetite, and reduced muscle spasms—are considered beneficial for medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. Psychological effects may involve hallucinations, impaired judgment, and mood swings. Some studies have linked marijuana use to short-term memory problems. Although marijuana does not cause physical addiction, users can develop a psychological dependence on the drug.
A treaty called the International Opium Convention of 1925 was the first attempt to control the international trade in marijuana. In the years that followed, many countries passed laws against growing, selling,
Professor Rock Neelly
ENG 102
10 April 2013
Marijuana
What is Marijuana? Marijuana is often called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane, or MJ. Marijuana is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa. What is Cannabis? Cannabis comes from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). It grows wild in many of the tropical and temperate areas of the world. It can be grown in almost any climate. The main ingredient in cannabis is called delta-9 tetrahydro-cannabinol, which is commonly known as THC. This is the part of the plant that gives the "high." THC is responsible for many of its effects. When marijuana is smoked, its effects begin almost immediately. Marijuana can be taken in three ways, by eating, made into a tea, or smoking (the most popular). Smoking it can be done three ways, through a pipe, a joint, or a blunt. A joint is a rolled piece of paper that is twisted at the ends. A blunt is normally a cigar wrap filled with marijuana. Different people will get different results, and certain types of cannabis can cause different effects. The amount of THC (marijuana 's main active chemical) may also change the result. If alcohol or other drug use is occurring while smoking marijuana, the effect could be different. Some effects—including relief from pain and nausea, increased appetite, and reduced muscle spasms—are considered beneficial for medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. Psychological effects may involve hallucinations, impaired judgment, and mood swings. Some studies have linked marijuana use to short-term memory problems. Although marijuana does not cause physical addiction, users can develop a psychological dependence on the drug.
A treaty called the International Opium Convention of 1925 was the first attempt to control the international trade in marijuana. In the years that followed, many countries passed laws against growing, selling,
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