Marijuana: What is America’s Fastest Growing Drug?

Introduction

Weed, Mary Jane, Kush, cannabis, the devil’s plant, all names synonymous with marijuana, a drug that is becoming so prevalent in America. It’s not uncommon to be walking down a city street or a college campus and to encounter the foul skunky odor of somebody smoking weed. Although still technically illegal under federal law, more and more states have begun to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. With more and more focus being put on it, many people still don’t know a lot about marijuana’s history, impacts on the US and our health, legality and more. 

What is it?

Hemp/cannabis is an extremely versatile plant, with all its parts being used for multiple purposes. The most sought after component of cannabis are the THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) compounds found throughout the plant. Most of the oils that contain these compounds are found in the flowers where they are extracted. However, CBD and THC can also be extracted from the leaves, seeds, and stalk of the plant. Strong fibers harvested from the stalk can also be used to make rope, clothing, and more. 

You might have heard of THC and CBD thrown around interchangeably, however, they’re not the same. THC is the main psychoactive component found in marijuana and is responsible for the “high” sensation when using THC products. THC stimulates pleasure centers in your brain releasing dopamine while also having psychoactive and physiological effects on the body and brain. THC can be used medicinally to treat pain, aid in sleep, nausea, and more. CBD is another main compound found in hemp plants that researchers speculate slows down certain brain processes. It has been used to treat disorders like anxiety, seizures, depression, and more. However, the full effects of these compounds and how they work are still not fully understood with more research needed.  

Legal or Illegal?

As mentioned earlier, the use of recreational marijuana is still federally illegal, meaning smoking/distributing marijuana or using cannabis products recreationally is a federal crime. However, starting in 1996, California was the first state to legalize marijuana setting an example for many other states. Cannabis has a complicated history in the US, with it ironically first being criminalized in California in 1915. Being introduced by Mexican immigrants in the early 1900s, it quickly became associated with Mexicans and other immigrant groups. Fueled by racist stereotypes and misconceptions, many other states and finally the federal government illegalized marijuana in 1970 classifying it as a schedule 1 drug.

Pros and Cons

There have been numerous studies concluding that cannabis products including CBD and THC have useful impacts on the human body and mind and can be used medically to treat many conditions. In addition, the cannabis industry is a multi-billion dollar industry generating jobs and tax revenue. However, marijuana can also lead to health risks like memory and cognitive function impairment and addiction/dependency. There is also a possibility of harm to brain development in adolescent use. Another side effect of prolonged cannabis use is CHS(cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome) which causes repeated nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. One study found that over 32.5% of chronic marijuana smokers reported symptoms that met the criteria of CHS.

Conclusion

Like most drugs, illegal and legal, marijuana has its uses and drawbacks. While having undoubted medical and beneficial uses for people who need it, marijuana also has undoubted harmful effects if used improperly. People should have their own freedoms to use marijuana, just like alcohol or tobacco, however, it’s our job to educate ourselves about it and to weigh the risks and benefits of using it. 

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