Marijuana Is The Most Commonly Used Illicit Drug Worldwide

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide. As the amount of marijuana use increases, legalization of the drug is a topic debated, discussed and researched by our government, health professionals, and law enforcement. I personally don’t agree with the legalization of the drug knowing how dangerous its usage can be. The effects marijuana has on its users, I believe, is cause for concern along with the other known problems that arise with its use. Marijuana is derived from the leaves, stems and flowering parts of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The discovery of cannabis can be traced back to 2900 B.C. China, and has been used for hundreds of years for multiple purposes including: fibers, oils, medicine and recreation (Cannabis). The cannabis plant contains psychoactive chemicals, substances that change brain function, resulting in alteration of mood, perception, and consciousness. The psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, acts on specific brain receptors, inducing a relaxed state, relieving pain, causing fatigue, and stimulating appetite (Davis Web). Marijuana is typically smoked, which releases the THC that is then absorbed into the blood stream through the lungs. Marijuana induces the release of dopamine creating a feeling of euphoria almost immediately. The fast acting drug is especially appealing to sensation seeking young adults and teens. Unfortunately, there are very real physical and mental effects of marijuana use that don’t make up forShow MoreRelatedShould Marijuana Be Banned? Essay909 Words   |  4 Pages Marijuana is now partially decriminalized in 24 states including DC and legal for recreational use in 4 states. Due to new medical studies, and the consequences on those convicted from use of the most common illicit drug in the world, the United States is being forced to rethink its stance on the matter. 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