About Marijuana

Marijuana or Cannabis is the third most popular drug in America, falling behind Alcohol and Tobacco respectively. According to government surveys it has been used by more than 80 million Americans, 20 million of which have done so in the past year, and 11 million which do so regularly. Marijuana is non-toxic and cannot be overdosed on. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug by virtue of its THC content. Cannabis remained in the United States pharmacopoeia until 1941, removed only after Congress passed the Marihuana Tax Act.

Medical Use

Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief -- particularly of neuropathic pain (pain from nerve damage) -- nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant, specifically for patients suffering from HIV, the AIDS wasting syndrome, or dementia. Emerging research suggests that marijuana's medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors and are neuroprotective. Currently more than 60 U.S. and international health organizations support the use of medical marijuana as treatment under a physician's supervision.

Industrial Use

Marijuana in the form of hemp, has large implications in numerous industries; textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, foodstuffs, insulation, animal feed, and other products to name a few. Hemp being a strain of marijuana contains a marginal amount (1%) of THC. Hemp produces a much higher yield per acre than do common substitutes such as cotton and requires few pesticides. In addition, hemp has an average growing cycle of only 100 days and leaves the soil virtually weed-free for the next planting. The hemp plant is currently harvested for commercial purposes in over 30 nations, including Canada, Japan and the European Union. Although it grows wild across much of America and presents no public health or safety threat, hemp is nevertheless routinely uprooted and destroyed by law enforcement. Each year, approximately 98% of all the marijuana eliminated by the DEA's "Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program" is actually hemp.

Controversy

Legalization of marijuana has remained a controversial issue. While proponents of marijuana legalization point to overcrowded prisons and the cost of the "War on Drugs," opponents say that the drug is a "gateway drug" and that it will lead to heavier drug use and more crime.

Solutions

Those in favor or the legalization of marijuana have proposed that it would better to tax and regulate the market. Much like we do with alcohol and tobacco today, they say it will put an end to overcrowded prisons and law enforcement expenses. While some have called for merely allowing medical use others have called for an end to the "war on drugs" in its entirety.