Marijuana is a mind altering, bushy annual plant, that rapidly grows and develops dense, sticky flowers.  The cannabis species consists of a variety of strains including indica, ruderalis, and the most commonly used sativa.  It is classified as an mind altering intoxicant, stimulant, psychedelic, and depressant.  The main active chemical in marijuana is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. 

Marijuana has a long history of medical and industrial use dating back as far as 6000 B.C. in China, where it was mainly grown for it's fibrous hemp material used in the making of clothing and rope.  It was declared illegal in the United States in 1937 with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, and since 1970, has been classified as a  Schedule I drug of having no accepted medical value. 

Marijuana is typically sold in a dried form, compiled of leaves, stems, buds, and flowers of the plant, and ranges in color from greenish brown to white depending upon the type of strain and origin.   The most common route of administration is by smoking the fumes through either a pipe, water bong, or by rolling the drug into "joints", made out of tobacco paper, or "blunts", using the wrapping of a cigar.  It can also be cooked in food and eaten.  Hashish, or hash, is a concentrated form of marijuana that has a black, sticky, tar like form.   Marijuana has a variety of slang terminologies that include pot, herb, grass, weed, ganja, and trade marked names such as "Northern Lights" and "Skunk".

When inhaled or ingested the active chemical THC in marijuana has a direct effect upon the brain by bonding to the protein receptors of certain nerve cells, that create the "high" through a series of cellular reactions.  THC is absorbed by the fatty tissues in various organs of the body, and in heavy users can be detected for weeks after last use.  Marijuana influences many centers of the brain including pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, time perception, and movement.  Depending upon the factors of past use, environment, administration, and whether it is mixed with other drugs, the marijuana "high" is typically accompanied by feelings of relaxation and sensations of pleasure.  Use of the drug can also cause the opposite effect in some people and create feelings of anxiety or extreme paranoia. 

Like other drugs, there are many dangers associated with the use of marijuana.  Short term effects include blood shot eyes, lack of concentration and alertness,  difficulty with learning and memory, distortion of perception, decrease in problem solving skills, and increased heart rate.  Long term effects may include changes in dopamine activity within the brain, respiratory problems such as heightened risk of lung infections and daily cough, impaired immune system, and trouble organizing and using information. 

Marijuana has been used for centuries for it's medicinal properties, and despite it's classification of having no accepted medical value in it's smokable form, the United States government has produced a synthetic substitute for the chemical THC called Marinol.  It is manufactured in pill form, and is available by prescription for those who are suffering from painful debilitating diseases such as AIDS or Cancer.  Marijuana and it's substitute have been found to reduce nausea, pain, and muscle spasms in patients with neurological disorders.  Marijuan is mildly addictive, continued use does produce a tolerance,  and with chronic use there are symptoms of mild withdrawal such as irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety.

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