Marijuana essays

Marijuana essays Marijuana, should it be legalized or remain a burning issue of controversy? Marijuana is a drug made from the dried leaves and flowering tops of the hemp plant (DuPont 189). Even though the cultivation, distribution, possession, and use of marijuana is illegal in many nations, including the United States and Canada, many people continue to use it on a daily basis (DuPont 195).Marijuana has been used as an intoxicant for thousands of years all around the world. Many people who use marijuana believe it improves their capabilities and talents, but scientists have failed to find any proof that this is true. There have been a number of studies that show that marijuana can damage short- term memory (Mendelson 24). Some of the physical short- term effects of marijuana include redness in the eyes and a rapid heartbeat. The drug also interferes with a persons judgment and coordination (DuPont 196). Marijuana usually makes users have feelings of panic, dread, dreamful, or quite simply, relaxed. These feelings will change due to the THC in the drug. When used as an intoxicant; the drug distorts the perception of time and distance. It can also impair a persons ability to drive an automobile or operate machinery. Marijuana may also cause users to feel like their sound, color, scent, taste, and touch seem intensified (Mendelson 25). According to a 1988 government survey, marijuana is the third most widely used drug in the United States, after cigarettes (Mendelson 27). Along with the short- term effects that marijuana has on people, there are also many long- term effects as well. Marijuana has many long- terms psychological and physical effects on users. These effects include causing the users to lose interest in school, their jobs, and social activities. Smoking Marijuana can give you bronchitis, chronic coughing, chest pains, and for males the reduction of sperm cells (DuPont 207). There have been many studi...