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Marijuana
(click photo for larger image)
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Bud off marijuana plant seized by TAG |
HISTORY:
Marijuana has been used as an agent for achieving euphoria since
ancient times; it was described in a Chinese medical compendium
traditionally considered to date from 2737 BC Its use spread from China to
India and then to N Africa and reached Europe at least as early as AD 500. A
major crop in colonial North America, marijuana (hemp) was grown as a source
of fiber. It was extensively cultivated during World War II, when Asian
sources of hemp were cut off.
INFORMATION:
The effects of marijuana vary with its strength and dosage and with
the state of mind of the user. Typically, small doses result in a feeling of
well-being. The intoxication lasts two to three hours, but accompanying
effects on motor control last much longer. High doses can cause tachycardia,
paranoia, and delusions. Although it produces some of the same effects as
hallucinogens like
LSD and mescaline (heightened sensitivity
to colors, shapes, music, and other stimuli and distortion of the sense of
time), marijuana differs chemically and pharmacologically.
The primary active component of marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC), although other cannabin derivatives are also thought to be
intoxicating. In 1988 scientists discovered receptors that bind THC on the
membranes of nerve cells.
Marijuana lowers testosterone levels and sperm counts in men and raises
testosterone levels in women. In pregnant women it affects the fetus and
results in developmental difficulties in the child. There is evidence that
marijuana affects normal maturation of preadolescent and adolescent users
and that it affects short-term memory and comprehension. Heavy smokers often
sustain lung damage from the smoke and contaminants. Regular use can result
in dependence.
STREET NAMES:
Astro turf, bush, cannabis, daga, ditch weed, dope, duby, ganja,
grass, green, hay, hemp, herb, "j", jay, Jane, Juanita, junkweed, kali,
leaf, Mary, Mary Jane, M.J., northern light, pakalolo, ragweed, reefer,
roach, sativa, sens, sins, smoke, stinkweed, Texas tea, THC, wacky weed, and
weed.
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