A by-product of the Cannabis sativa plant, marijuana has been used by various cultures for centuries for medicinal and spiritual uses. The ancient Aryan Indians used a form of cannabis in tribal rituals, and the drug has been known to treat discomfort from headaches, glaucoma, and nausea resulting from chemotherapy. Marijuana also has a strong association to pop culture. It is not uncommon for people to pass around a joint during a rock concert.
Pros and cons
A frequent and/ or overuse of the drug can use many negative side effects, such as memory loss or paranoia. Like cigarettes, continuous use of marijuana can increase the risk for lung cancer and other related illnesses. “It is also argued that marijuana is a "gateway" drug, leading users
…show more content…
Some of the short term effects include “deformation of the sperm cells, which causes temporary sterility in men. It can also disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle. “The immediate effects of taking marijuana include rapid heartbeat, disorientation, and lack of physical coordination, often followed by depression or sleepiness. Some users may even suffer panic attacks or anxiety.” Other popular side effects include hallucinations, and paranoia or the feeling that you are constantly being watched by someone. It can also cause psychosis, “which is a strange behavior, where users are seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren’t there and they can’t tell the difference between imagination and …show more content…
Over 94 million people in the US have admitted using it at least once. Among 12- to 17-year-olds, 6.7% were current marijuana users in 2007. US marijuana users spent approximately $10.5 billion on the drug in the year 2000.” According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, “a large percentage of those arrested for crimes test positive for marijuana. Nationwide, 40% of adult males tested positive at the time of their arrest. Next to alcohol, marijuana is the second most frequently found substance in the bodies of drivers involved in fatal car