Marijuana

Effects

Smoking or otherwise ingesting marijuana produces delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the body. THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for short-term memory, coordination, learning, and problem solving. Cannabinoid receptors generally are activated by anandamide, a neurotransmitter, but when THC is present it mimics anandamide, binds with the cannabinoid receptors, and activates the neurons. This interaction creates the feeling often described as euphoria.

Only very small portions of the cannabis plant produce THC. THC is only found in the flowers of the plant and in some of the leaves. Many other parts of the plant have uses that are unrelated to THC. Cannabis seeds, for example, can be used both for animal livestock and in foods for humans like granola. Hempseed oil can be used as cooking oil, turned into personal hygiene products, printing inks, and perhaps even as a source of fuel. Cannabis stalks can be used to produce building materials, industrial textiles, rope, paper, and consumer textiles. Finally, some attribute agricultural benefits to the cultivation of cannabis, as its deep roots are a natural soil aerator, it prevents weeds, needs few insecticides to repel insects and other pests, and improves soil when used as part of a crop rotation system.

Medical reports regarding the effects of marijuana use are often contradictory. Many studies have been conducted by those advocating for some change in drug policy, including both adherents of and opponents to liberalization of drug laws. As a result, some studies extol the benefits of cannabis use while others emphasize the risks. Not enough unbiased research has been conducted to make reliable statements regarding the long-term health risks of smoking marijuana. Ethical issues have also [Page 488]clouded such research, since marijuana is illegal and could potentially harm those involved.

Historical Background

The first recorded historical reference to the cannabis plant comes from China around 4000 B.C.E. Small farming communities there used the plant both to make rope and as a food source. Later, they began creating textiles out of cannabis, as it produced a fiber that was very workable and strong. As early as 800 B.C.E., records refer to the plant as a “sacred grass.” In India, cannabis was one of the five sacred plants used as a medicinal offering to Shiva. The plant was brought for the first time to Europe in an urn around 500 B.C.E., and references to its euphoric powers begin to be included in Samaritan, Roman, and Jewish texts during this time period. Regular, recreational use of marijuana, or smoking hashish, became popular in the 13th century all over the Middle East. It is difficult to ascertain how widespread marijuana's use was at this time, however, because references to cannabis smoking were far less frequent than those indicating the use of opiate, which records of that time suggest was the popular drug of choice.

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