Marijuana

From Wikislippy

Marijuana, also known as cannabis is a product of the plant Cannabis sativa. Humans have been consuming cannabis for centries. Although in the 20th century there was a rise in its use for recreational, religious or spiritual, and medicinal purposes. It is estimated that about four percent of the world's adult population use cannabis annually. The possession, use, or sale of cannabis products became illegal in most parts of the world in the early 20th century. Since then, some countries have intensified the enforcement of cannabis prohibition while others have reduced the priority of enforcement or lessened the penalties for possession of small quantities.

Apsychoactive drug or substance is a chemical substance that acts primarily on the central nervous system where can alter brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behaviour. The main psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

[edit] Health

In 2006, a large-scale study found that people who smoke marijuana, even heavy, long-term marijuana users, do not appear to be at increased risk of developing lung cancer. Marijuana smoking also did not appear to increase the risk of head and neck cancers. These researchers postulated that the THC present may have a protective effect by causing aging cells to die before they become cancerous. Other recent research suggest the cannabinoid CBD may stop certain cancers from spreading, although not in concentrations consumed during smoking.