Marijuana has become increasingly common in recent decades despite persistent efforts by governments and law enforcement to combat this drug, but what precisely is marijuana?
Marijuana is derived from the cannabis plant, and is typically some variety of green interspersed with various other colours. The plant is cured (dried) in order to be made suitable for consumption.
Although legalization efforts have had varying levels of success in some states in the United States of America, this drug remains illegal throughout the world.
Marijuana or Cannabis is a psychoactive substance by virtue of the chemical THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which is responsible for producing the drug’s high.
The general rule of thumb with cannabis is the more THC present, the more potent the plant. In recent decades selective breeding has caused the amount of THC in the average plant to increase substantially, prompting concern from parents, educators, law enforcement, political leaders and physicians.
Marijuana is typically consumed through rolled joints (marijuana cigarettes) or through shredded portions of the plant being smoked from pipes or a variety of water pipes colloquially called “bongs”.
Some of the short term effects of Marijuana include:
- Bloodshot Eyes
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Reduced motivation
- Paranoia and Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- “munchies” (increased appetite)
- Altered state of mind