Marijuana has been around for many centuries to come now and it is well known as cannabis, weed, or pot. It is the most commonly used drug around the world. Marijuana is created from the drying of flower tops, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant contains Tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC) which is accountable for the psychological and mind-altering effects when used. People can either smoke, vape, or eat marijuana with the intention to have physical and mental effects. Marijuana is known to have mind-altering effects. Many people use marijuana to get “high” or “stoned” to feel a certain way. The results of the drug are almost instant and can last for a couple hours. Marijuana can remain in one’s body from anywhere to …show more content…
The short-term effects of weed include impaired judgment, short-term memory, feelings of anxiety or paranoia, etc.; whereas, the long-term effects may be addiction, impaired thinking, ability to learn and perform everyday tasks, and decline in intelligence quotient. There are many different views on marijuana and whether it should be legalized. The topic of to legalize marijuana is a controversial topic as there are two sides to how American citizens feel about this issue. Some groups of people strongly feel that marijuana should be illegal since they are worried about the ways it will affect the public. Others feel that marijuana should be legal as there are benefits to the nation with it being legalized. There are many debates about if the Federal Government should make marijuana illegal in all states since according to the Constitution they have powers to intervene on the laws of the states. Currently, there are eight states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington that have legalized recreational use of marijuana. There are also over 15 states that have legalized medical marijuana.