Editing Marijuana

Be it resolved that the government should adopt the legalization of marijuana.

Marijuana, also known as cannabis is a product of the plant Cannabis sativa. Humans have been consuming cannabis for [[century|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.

The main psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

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.

Why is marijuana illegal? It's because of the proposed health risks and the idea that it may impare your judgement. Well isn't that what cigarettes and alcohol do also?

==External Links==
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marijuana
* http://www.unodc.org/pdf/WDR_2006/wdr2006_chap2_biggest_market.pdf
* http://sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060526083353.htm
* http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dny/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501729_pf.html