What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is comprised of the cured leaves, and flower clusters from the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. It is classified as a minor psychedelic drug because it does not cause a total break with reality as do major psychedelics. However, if large amounts of high potency marijuana are used, it could lead to a full psychedelic effect.
The major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Over 400 other chemicals are found in marijuana, including tar and carcinogens.
Marijuana is not a new drug. The first written records date it to 4,000 years ago in China, where the emperor, Shen Nung, advocated its use as an all-purpose medication and as a sedative. From there its use spread to India and neighboring countries.
Early Hindus used cannabis for a variety of purposes, including leprosy and fever. They also felt it was useful for creating energy and stimulating the mind. Hindus and Muslims also employed it to treat constipation, dandruff, hemorrhoids, obesity, asthma, urinary tract infections, loss of appetite, inflammation, and cough.
From India, the use of cannabis spread to surrounding countries and the Middle East, then to Europe and the Americas.
Initially hemp was cultivated in early America as a fiber crop for making rope. It was not used for its psychoactive properties by early American settlers.
Several years later Cannabis made its way up the Mississippi to larger cities from the port of New Orleans. In 1920 marijuana use was prevalent in the United States. By 1930 marijuana was available in most of the larger cities.
During the 60's and early 70's marijuana use reached epidemic proportions as it became a popular drug among young people. During this period marijuana use spread to youthful white males, from urban to rural areas, to larger numbers of women, and to older segments of the population as well.
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