Marijuana - the FACTS

Marijuana is a herb with dried flowers which had many strains and strengths and which contains the chemical Tetrahydrocannibol (THC). It has been used for thousands of years for medical, religious, social and relaxation purposes and was widely accepted until the 1930's when the US & Canada started to work on the first laws to against people using it. This was an orchestrated campaign which led to disinformation and general public hysteria. Today, the Canadian Police Chief's Association are fighting for decriminalization and are urging lawmakers to re-legalize and tax users, introduce age limits and laws such as those used for the use of alcohol and tobacco.

Marijuana, when smoked or eaten is produces a high effect which can last for a few hours and can also give alternative sensual effects ranging from stimulant to sedative. There is no specific profile for a marijuana smoker however in the past American Presidents have farmed hemp and cannibis and are believed to have used it. In a survey done from people of all walks of life, society and culutre, one in five Americans has said that they used it and it is still highly popular in everyday use. Marijuana is smoked socially, for pain and for relaxation; just as is was thousands of years ago in Biblical times.

Most users of Marijuana are social or moderate smokers and they are no more likely to abuse cannabis as they are to abuse alcohol. One thing that has been shown in surveys is that users of marijuana peaks in early adult years with some quitting and a few carry on into their late adult years. Marijuana is no more habit forming than alcohol and less habit forming that eating sugar. Nobody has ever died from using Marijuana alone and the National Academy of Science reports that "the legal drugs for adults, such as tobacco or alcohol,... precede the use of illegal drugs and tobacco is a gateway drug".

With regard to your health a Harvard University Medical Team found in 1987 that "dangerous physical reactions to marijuana are almost unknown". Whilst all smoke is unhealthy, marijuana is safer than tobacco as people tend to smoke less of it. To allay medical problems in relation to smoking you can eat marijuana and it has proven to be a "wonder pain cure" for people who suffer with arthritis, stress, glaucoma, cancer, AIDS and even asthma. Marijuana has proven to be a medicinal herb with hundreds of therapeutic uses for ailments. So, the facts are laid before you about the uses of marijuana and some of the hysteria has been taken away about it's use. What is your view on the use of marijuana?