Marijuana Facts

   "The toxicity levels of cannabis compounds are estimated at 40,000, meaning that a subject would have to ingest 40,000 times the regular dose to induce death" (Toxicity 1), which means ”a smoker would theoretically have to consume nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana within about fifteen minutes to induce a lethal response” (Toxicity 1). Thus it is virtually impossible to overdose on marijuana, and as I have stated before, there has not been one single reported case of anyone dying from smoking marijuana, "the consumption of marijuana -- regardless of quantity or potency -- cannot induce a fatal overdose" (Armetano 12).

     Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Studies have shown that THC has previously unknown benefits which has helped people with illnesses and cancer. It can also be very therapeutical. "The earliest records of medicinal marijuana use have been traced back to China in 2737 BC, and evidence of its therapeutic use can be found throughout world cultures" (Mathre3).  Ancient cultures used marijuana in rituals which were celebrated by whole communities. "After studying all the evidence, the judge in DPF v. DEA #92-1179 and ACT v. DEA #92-1168 found marijuana to be 'one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man' " (Mathre 5). Marijuana is safe to use recreationally.

 

 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

 







      It is clearly preposterous for lawmakers to make the use of marijuana a crime. Politicians are supposed to act in strict regard with what the public opinion is. In Colorado, it is now "legal for adults 21 years of age and older to use, possess, and cultivate limited amounts of marijuana under state law" (Marijuana Policy Project 2). Lawmakers decided to let citizens vote on marijuana legalization in the past 2012 election and the vote came out to be in favor for the legalization of marijuana. Hopefully Maryland will have the same type of vote in 2016, as well as the same outcome.

 

    In conclusion, marijuana should not immediately be looked down upon because of previous assumptions. One should learn to respect the herb that nature has given to us. In Colorado citizens have a clear demand that lawmakers respected and let the citizens of the state vote on marijuana's legality. Upon further indulgence in the knowledge of marijuana one will gradually shift their previous assumptons on the subject and realize that marijuana is not as bad as it was once thought to be.

 

"Toxicity." cannabismd.net/toxicity. Lifevine Media, 26 July 2008. Web. 27 Mar.2013.     

http://www.cannabismd.net/toxicity/

 

Armentano, Paul. "Recent Research on Medical Marijuana." NORML.org. NORML | NORML Foundation, 14 Mar. 2012. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://norml.org/component/zoo/category/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana

 

Mathre, MSN RN CARN, Mary L. "The Medicinal Use of Marijuana." Mary Lynn Mathre, MSN RN CARN . UKCIA, June 1993. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.ukcia.org/medical/medicinaluseofmarijuana.php

"Amendment 64 Implementation Task Force issues recommendations ." mpp.org. Marijuana Policy Project, 8 Mar. 2013. Web. 27 Mar. 2013. http://www.mpp.org/states/colorado/