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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
46 thru 50 of 98 comments
On 12/13/05
Teshia from UT said:
It is a shame that not a lot of research has been done on marijuana. I would suggest doing a search about it on the web and in your local library just to see how little information is available. Always ask yourself "is this source reliable?" "what kind of tests were done?" "do they relate to the subject?". Many of the online comments come from people with first hand experience with the drug. Do their arguments have substance? Is the government doing enough to ensure the best interests of the citizens? How many people have died from using marijuana? Consider these things to create your opninion
On 08/21/05
Aaron from Othr said:
Smoking bud doesn't make you sick, you're flu is not a result of pot, and being braindead is probably a result of you having the flu the day before.
On 08/01/05
anonymous from CA said:
Just to let you know that what´s against the law, you take your chances. Personally I know differerent folks physiology are different and as for me - Never in my life has cannibas tea, brownies, or chicken curry has ever made me high, whereas friends consuming the same with me got high. I never had any problems with short-term memory. Since I have glaucoma, I have opted for the small Federally legal synthetic THC pill for glaucoma available at the county hospital by prescription only. By the way I can still do 80 pushups. Again different folks physiology are different.
On 06/11/05
anonymous from Othr said:
I smoked a blunt for the 1st time, a couple of weeks ago. It was the worst experience of my life. I hallucinated and thought I was killing myself. I was terrified. I do not think marijuana should be legalized. People can and should live without it. There are other types of medications for pain, that work very well.
On 05/27/05
melvin from Othr said:
hey! man believe me, weed is it not a good thing weed becomes you a stupid person without no reasoning, weed damage your memory
46 thru 50 of 98 comments



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