Smoking Marijuana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Smoking Marijuana - Essay ExampleMarijuana can be consumed either by smoking or oral administration. The drug can be smoked in the form of a simple paper wrapped joint or through different devices like bongs and chillums. The contents of hempen necktie can also be vaporized, wherein a gas is produced without actually burning the drug. This method of consumption is considered less(prenominal) harmful than direct smoking as the vaporized gas contains lesser concentration of toxic substances. Studies conducted harbor revealed that subjects were only 40% as likely to report respiratory symptoms as officers who do non vaporize, charge when age, sex, cigarette use, and amount of cannabis consumed are controlled (Abrams et al 572). The alternate way is to consume marijuana by word of mouth in its dehydrated or heated form. Occasionally, it might be taken in combination with opposite drugs or with alcohol or tobacco. This coupling increases the toxicity and potency of marijuana.Studies have revealed that nearly four part of the worlds adult population (162 million) use cannabis annually and 0.6 percent (22.5 million) daily (UNODC). There has been a rampant(ip) increase in the use of marijuana ever since the 20th century. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is not extensively used by teenagers. A study conducted by the National Institute of Drug contumely proved that aforesaid fact. The results demonstrate that fewer than one in five high school vent teenagers were marijuana users (NIDA)Marijuana- Brief HistoryMarijuana has been used since antiquated times. Its history dates back to the third millenary BC. Seeds of the plant Cannabis have been excavated from sites of several antique civilizations. The drug was used commonly in ancient India and Nepal, where it was known as ganjika or ganja. It is mentioned in the Vedas as a sacred hallucinogenic, and was one of the five apparitional plants in Indian mythology (Rudgley 102). The Chinese used to cultivate ca nnabis to obtain hemp fibres and also for food.The use of Cannabis is also found among ancient Aryans, Assyrians, Scythians and Thracians. It is also believed that shamans burnt the leaves of the plant cannabis to induce a state of trance (Cunliffe 405). Besides these medicinal purposes, marijuana was also used for spiritual and religious practices. Scythians ascertained religious ceremonies where marijuana was consumed. The Scythians also used marijuana as offering in royal tombs. It was, in fact, the Scythians who introduced hemp into northern Europe around 500 BC. Historians also believe that it was used by ancient Jews, Christians and Muslims. Thus, through the course of history, marijuana has been used for multiple purposes. The long period from the third millennium BC to the present times has experienced the spread of marijuana around the globe. With the widespread popularity also came the discovery of its assertable side effects. It was largely used by more musicians especi ally jazz artists, for they believed that smoking marijuana gave them favorable position and the inspiration to create music. Its use was glamorised and it was sold in the black market. As its abuse increased greatly, many countries were forced to declare it an illicit drug. Marijuana was made federally illegal in the United States the States in 1937 by the Marihuana Tax Act. It was classify as a Schedule I drug, which implies that it was classified a