Marijuana: The Science and The Law

Marijuana was first discovered in China in 4000 BC, and was used to make ropes. It was grown for hemp, and the hemp fiber was twisted to make the rope. In 3000 BC, marijuana was first smoke. Then it began to be used as a medicine in China for the treatment of malaria, beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pain, and absent-mindedness. Furthermore, in ancient India, they used it to relieve headaches, whooping-cough, prolong life, improve judgment, lower fevers, induce sleep, cure dysentery, and control dandruff (Think quest, n.d).

Marijuana also known as pot, weed, and ganja is reported by the Office of National Drugs Control Policy as the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. Although, people view the drug as harmless, the use of marijuana has adverse health, safety, social, academic, economic, and behavioral consequences. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (formerly called the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse), 95 million Americans age 12 and older have tried marijuana at least once (The office of the Drugs Control Policy, n.d). According to the New York City Health Department, marijuana is the most common illegal drug used by nearly 730,000 New Yorkers (12%) annually. The use is highest among 18- to 25-year-olds (30%). Since 2004, the rate of emergency department visits from the use of marijuana is reported to have more than doubled to 173 marijuana-related visits for every 100,000 New Yorkers in 2007 (New York City Department of Health and Hygiene 2010).

Marijuana is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, which is dried and shredded. The scientific name for marijuana is cannabis. This plant can grow in nearly any environment. The average rate of growth is one to tw...

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