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Question: What is Marijuana?

Answer: The term 'marijuana' refers to the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant. Marijuana is a tobaccolike substance produced by drying the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant. Marijuana contains a natural chemical called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which gives users of the drug a 'high' when smoked. Marijuana leaves are usually smoked in the form of loosely rolled cigarettes called joints or cigars called blunts.

A number of other drugs including phencyclidine (PCP) may be used in making joints and blunts, substantially altering their effects and deadliness. Some common names for marijuana include pot, grass, weed, mary jane, acupulco gold, and reefer.

Marijuana users experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers, such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Some of the effects of marijuana use also include increased heart rate, dryness of the mouth, reddening of the eyes, impaired motor skills and concentration, and frequent hunger. Extended use increases risk to the lungs and reproductive system, as well as suppression of the immune system. Occasionally, hallucinations, fantasies, and paranoia are reported.

(Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration information page about Marijuana http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/marijuana.htm)


Comments
76 thru 80 of 98 comments
On 02/22/04
Donald from AZ said:
The marijuana laws are doing more bad than it is preventing... Since its illegal its a great way for gangsters to have a good profit... Since its illegal there is no way to know the potency OR if it has been laced with other drugs... Since its illegal the users have to keep their consumation secret making it hard to do anything without suspition of cops, parents, Friends or so on making the user do more extreme things to keep it secret... Since its illegal we Got prisons that are OVERPOPULATED with Marijuana users... Since its illegal there is not a lot of research in the domain of marijuana
On 02/14/04
stu from FL said:
lots of the stuff you read about cannabis is propaganda. both sides of this issue use information that isnt proven. i encourage all people to make ther own decision with an open mind at not a mind that is set on one side of the issue. i do think more research needs to be done on this drug. but cannabis has been around a long time and thomas jefferson grew cannabis on his farm.
On 02/14/04
stu from FL said:
"Marijuana leaves are usually smoked in the form of loosely rolled cigarettes called joints or cigars called blunts." sorry but this is in correct the buds not the leaves are smoked. and also if any ather substance is added to marijuana you can see or smell it.
On 02/07/04
Chris from Othe said:
So I'm wasting my life by smoking pot? Whatever. I'll let you keep that opinion, despite the fact that statistics and other evidence have shown that pot has never had any serious health risks, has never killed anybody, and that cases where it has seriously impacted one's life are far more rare than the likes of, let's say, alcohol. But I'm getting off my point. So what if I'm wasting my life? Why should the government crack down on me for doing so? After all, my life belongs to me, not you or the president. If any damage is inflicted, it's inflicted on me, not anybody else. You are in no posit
On 02/03/04
josh from AZ said:
omg you are ridiculous marijuana will be legal in the states before long and it is actaully good for you but due to the high amount of controversy caused by concerned parents they give it a bad name. personally i use marijuana sometimes however ill just leave it at this and move to ontario or jamacia when im 18
76 thru 80 of 98 comments



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