Marijuana: The Science and The Law Essay -- Illicit Drugs

Marijuana was first discovered in China in 4000 BC, and was use to introduce ropes. It was grown for hemp, and the hemp fiber was twisted to make the rope. In 3000 BC, marijuana was first smoke. Then it began to be used as a medicine in China for the treatment of malaria, beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pain, and absent-mindedness. Furthermore, in ancient India, they used it to relieve headaches, whooping-cough, prolong life, improve judgment, lower fevers, induce sleep, cure dysentery, and control dandruff (Think quest, n.d). Marijuana as well as known as pot, weed, and ganja is reported by the Office of National medicates Control Policy as the most widely used illicit medicine in the United says. Although, people view the drug as harmless, the use of marijuana has adverse health, safety, social, academic, economic, and behavioral consequences. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (formerly called the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse), 95 million Americans age 12 and older have tried marijuana at least once (The office of the Drugs Control Policy, n.d). According to the natural York City Health Department, marijuana is the most common illegal drug used by nearly 730,000 New Yorkers (12%) annually. The use is highest among 18- to 25-year-olds (30%). Since 2004, the rate of emergency department visits from the use of marijuana is reported to have more than doubled to 173 marijuana-related visits for every 100,000 New Yorkers in 2007 (New York City Department of Health and Hygiene 2010). Marijuana is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, which is dried and shredded. The scientific name for marijuana is cannabis. This plant can grow in nearly any environment. The average rate of growth is one to tw... ...ealth and Hygiene (2010). Illicit drugs in New York City. Retrieved from http//www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/survey/survey-2009drugod.pdfNew York State DOH (2012). New York State health commissioner warns against thedanger of synthetic marijuana. Retrieved fromhttp//www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2012/2012-03-23_dangers_of_synthetic_marijiana.htmRandom Facts (2012). Marijuana. Retrieved fromhttp//facts.random muniment.com/2009/02/27_marijuana.htmlScott, E.M. (2010). Marijuana decriminalization. Retrieved fromhttp//www.cga.ct.gov/2010/rpt/2010-R-0204.htm The Office of the Drugs Control Policy (n.d). Marijuana. Retrieved fromhttps//www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/marijuana_myths_facts.pdfThinkquest Education Foundation (n.d). The history of marijuana. Retrieved fromhttp//library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01474/history.htm