Marijuana is the mind-altering substance produced from a plant with the scientific name Cannabis sativa. Marijuana has been utilized for thousands of years and has many uses. For example, individuals may use it as a relaxant, which helps individuals to unwind, and have fun—it sort of makes you feel less inhibited. It also has various other uses such as relieving stress, anxiety or pain and it can also be used as a coping mechanism. Some individuals use it just because they are bored or simply because their friends are using it. And the younger users are just very impressionable and they see their older siblings or family members using, so they too become curious. Some younger teens use because of peer pressure. Whatever the reason, Marijuana use is not going away soon. Research indicates teens that smoke and drink alcohol are more likely to engage in Marijuana at one time or another.

Of course, it helps that Marijuana can be found just about anywhere one looks—many suburbs and towns and in many homes as well. It’s no joke, just about anyone can get their hands on Marijuana if they so chose to. Some individuals justify its use and assert that it is better than alcohol use, because it does not seem to lead to aggression as alcohol does. Instead, Marijuana often produces a mellow, dreamy, more passive state.

How is Marijuana Used

This green, brown or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers, and leaves, and seeds, of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, may be smoked as a cigarette (called a joint or a nail) or in a pipe or bong. However, in recent years it has appeared in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana. This sometimes is done in combination with other drugs such as crack cocaine. However, many individuals are curious by nature and love experimenting, so it is sometimes used to brew tea, or mixed in with foods—individuals can be very creative. There are many slang terms used for Marijuana. Some of the more popular names are, pot, herb, weed, grass, boom, and Mary Jane.

Brief History of Cannabis

History has shown that he use of Marijuana goes so far back that it is hard to believe; however, research indicates that it can be found as far back as the Neolithic Age (about 10,000 B.C. in the Middle East) and that charred cannabis seeds were found in a ritual brazier at an ancient burial site in present day Romania.

As a matter of fact, the record books show that Marijuana has an ancient history of ritual use and is found in pharmacological cults around the world. Marijuana’s religious uses can trace back to the days when ancient Jews and Christians used cannabis as a sacrament, as well as Muslims in various Sufi orders as early as the Mamluk period. It has also been documented that Marijuana was widely used in India and Nepal, by some of the wandering spiritual Sadhus for centuries and in more recent times the Rastafari movement has embraced it as a sacrament—asserting that marijuana is the Tree of Life. This belief has carried over to the 20th century and some organized religions treat cannabis as a sacrament also

Marijuana a Popular Drug of Choice

There are many reasons individuals choose to use Marijuana as their preferred drug. Some individuals use it just for relaxation—it is said to have a calming effect and helps to alleviate the daily pressures that go along with a stressed-out society.

Others use Marijuana to increase their appetite—which is known to stimulate hunger, taste and digestion.

Marijuana is known to cause the mind to be more open to creative stimulus of art and music; therefore individuals use it to further enhance their creativity in this area. Marijuana is also used to create new and creative thoughts, stating that it also provides great insight and inspiration.

Then again, there are those who use Marijuana as a recreational tool, whereby it helps individuals to become loose and better able to socialize. Marijuana helps stimulate conversation among groups of people—which is one reason this drug is so popular. These individuals want to have fun, be able to feel free an uninhibited.

Another popular reason people use Marijuana is because it is an aphrodisiac and enhances sexual pleasure, but like alcohol, be sure not to take too much or you just might pass out and defeat the purpose.

There are also more important reasons why individuals use Marijuana and that is because of its sedative like effects. Some people need help in this area, particularly if they are under stress and unable to sleep. Sleep is very important and a body can break down without it. Also, Marijuana helps eliminate nightmares produced by post-traumatic stress disorders, as well in otherwise healthy individuals just having a restless night.

What about those who use Marijuana as a pain soother both for minor aches and pains to chronic more serious injuries or diseases? Well, researchers feel that Marijuana is a less problematic drug to reduce pain without causing other more serious side-effects in the way that opiate drugs do—less wear and tear on the heart and lung.

It is fair to say that Marijuana’s medicinal use is also gaining renewed recognition.

Marijuana is a medicinal herb that has hundreds of proven, valuable therapeutic uses – from stress reduction to glaucoma to asthma to cancer therapy, etc. However, it is not all glorious—there are some side-effects and those should be noted also.

Negative Problems Associated with Marijuana Use

As with similar drugs there are negative effects, some of which could have been avoided—such as motor vehicle accidents and work related accidents – usually caused by an individual’s ability to focus and function properly due to the effects of the drug. Common sense should tell you that just like alcohol do not drive when under the influence or operate hazardous machinery—then these negative effects could be avoided. This seems like a no-brainer!

There should be no question that pregnant women should not use this drug, because it can harm the fetus, and, in fact, research indicates that it can contribute to low birth weight, which brings with it multiple problems. Again, a no-brainer! However, the most common side effects are cognitive deficits. Short term use has been known to cause memory defects, mental clouding and confusion.

Marijuana is not different than any other drug it has benefits if used properly and it has risks if not. While many adults use it responsibly there are those who abuse it. Marijuana is similar to alcohol and requires many of the skills and the maturity of adulthood to use it properly—and teenagers just do not seem to have the needed maturity to use this responsibly. No one should have to go to jail for using Marijuana, so be responsible and do not abuse this drug.