conclusion seems to be that light, recreational use of marijuana by adults as generally practiced in this country
has not shown ant evidence of being harmful. As with alcohol, casual use is virtually safe; more extensive
abuse may be increasingly dangerous. A cannabis “high” while occurring , may expose one to immediate
errors of judgment and movement, but to a much less degree than intoxication with alcohol. Heavy doses and
long time use may be detrimental, particularly with regard to the lungs and perhaps in other respects not yet
proven in long range studies.
Eight states have decriminalized the private possession of small amounts of marijuana, making it a civil
offense subject to minor punishment that does not include a criminal arrest record. Most states have made pot
possession a misdemeanor rather than a felony, with others moving in that direction. Obviously the fight over
marijuana is continuing, although the principle of decriminalizing marijuana has not yet been generally
accepted.
Whatever the ultimate decision as to harmfulness, many people young and old, will choose not to use
marijuana. There is good reason still for a thumbs-down attitude regarding the drug. Casual use has not been
found to be damaging, but there is still a chance that it is. Certainly the cruel shock of an encounter with the
law is still real enough. However small the risk, many people consider it too great for the potential pleasure.
Marijuana, whose scientific name is cannabis sativa, was mentioned in historical manuscripts as early as
2700 B.C.. in China. (Grolier Electronic Encyclopedia, 1998). The cultivation of the marijuana plant began
as far back as the Jamestown settlers, around 1611, who used hemp produced from the marijuana plant’s
fibers to make rope and canvas. It was also used in making clothing because of its durability. These uses fit
with the social climate of the time, because the main focus was on survival rather than for psychoactive
purposes.
Beginning in the 60’s marijuana use saw a resurgence which may be attributed to many caus
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