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[[Image:Marijuana.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indoor Marijuana Grow (DEA photo)]]
 
[[Image:Marijuana.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indoor Marijuana Grow (DEA photo)]]
 
'''Marijuana''' (colloquially known as "weed" or "pot" or "dope" or "reefer") is the name given to the flowering buds of the ''Cannabis'' genus of plant, divided into the species ''Sativa, Indica'' and ''Ruderalis'', prepared for human consumption. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is [[tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound which imitates natural cannabinoids produced in the human body.  Because THC is considered harmful, marijuana is generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is legal in some liberal jurisdictions when prescribed as by a physician.<ref>The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world (other than Uruguay, and as of mid-2018 Canada), and results in long prison sentences in many places. In Portugal, Argentina, California and South Australia, the use (rather than the sale) of small quantities of marijuana is allowed. In only one country in the world, the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana in small quantities is reportedly allowed by law enforcement.</ref> In some extremely liberal jurisdictions, you can even buy it in a vending machine.<ref>E.g. [[Seattle]]</ref>
 
'''Marijuana''' (colloquially known as "weed" or "pot" or "dope" or "reefer") is the name given to the flowering buds of the ''Cannabis'' genus of plant, divided into the species ''Sativa, Indica'' and ''Ruderalis'', prepared for human consumption. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is [[tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound which imitates natural cannabinoids produced in the human body.  Because THC is considered harmful, marijuana is generally illegal to possess, cultivate and sell in most countries, although it is legal in some liberal jurisdictions when prescribed as by a physician.<ref>The sale of marijuana is illegal virtually everywhere in the world (other than Uruguay, and as of mid-2018 Canada), and results in long prison sentences in many places. In Portugal, Argentina, California and South Australia, the use (rather than the sale) of small quantities of marijuana is allowed. In only one country in the world, the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana in small quantities is reportedly allowed by law enforcement.</ref> In some extremely liberal jurisdictions, you can even buy it in a vending machine.<ref>E.g. [[Seattle]]</ref>
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In the past two decades, the number of brain tumors has increased by up to 40% in the U.S. and Europe, particularly among men between ages of 20 and 40<ref>http://www.healthandenvironment.org/brain_cancer/peer_reviewed</ref> — the same demographic that is most likely to have smoked pot. However, conclusions based on a review of published biomedical research found that cannabinoid compounds unique to cannabis actually exhibit promising anticancer properties, reducing both tumor size and cancer pain.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nikan|first=Marjan|last2=Nabavi|first2=Seyed Mohammad|last3=Manayi|first3=Azadeh|date=2016-02-01|title=Ligands for cannabinoid receptors, promising anticancer agents|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26764235|journal=Life Sciences|volume=146|pages=124–130|doi=10.1016/j.lfs.2015.12.053|issn=1879-0631|pmid=26764235}}</ref>
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The [[liberal media]] typically downplay or completely ignore the role of marijuana in [[Young mass murderers|mass killings]], horrific accidents, and other types of harm to innocent people victimized by users of the drug.  For example, authorities conceal from the public how much marijuana was in the system of "College Weed Dealer" [[Young Mass Murderers|Dzhokhar Tsarnaev]] when he went on his killing rampage.<ref>http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/04/dzhokhar-tsarnaev-dealing-drugs/64529/</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://canadafreepress.com/article/can-marijuana-fuel-jihad|title=Can Marijuana Fuel Jihad?|last=Kincaid|first=Cliff|date=|newspaper=Canada Free Press|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|language=en|via=}}</ref>  ''Rolling Stone'' magazine, which has often featured musicians who abuse drugs, put Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its July 13, 2013 cover. The magazine's article described him as "a dedicated pot smoker" and local dealer who "always had big Tupperware containers of weed in his fridge." <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/jahars-world-20130717|title=Jahar: The Making of a Monster|last=Reitman|first=Janet|date=July 17, 2013|newspaper=Rolling Stone|access-date=February 17, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|work=|via=}}</ref>
    
The effects of THC can include short-term memory loss, malaise, psychosis in predisposed individuals, violence and violent fits, as well as impairment of physical and mental functioning. Some researchers claim that cannabis has "medicinal" benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]); but many scientists contest this, and state that there are numerous federally approved medicines for the diseases that "medicinal" marijuana has been used to treat.
 
The effects of THC can include short-term memory loss, malaise, psychosis in predisposed individuals, violence and violent fits, as well as impairment of physical and mental functioning. Some researchers claim that cannabis has "medicinal" benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]); but many scientists contest this, and state that there are numerous federally approved medicines for the diseases that "medicinal" marijuana has been used to treat.
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Marijuana is an [[antispasmodic]] and [[anticonvulsant]] is used in the treatment of seizures.<ref>[http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9586&page=106 National Academies Press: Marijuana and muscle spasticity]</ref> Marijuana is also used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis,<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.1780090304/abstract Online Library: Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs]</ref> depression,<ref name="interestingfacts.org">[http://www.interestingfacts.org/fact/facts-about-marijuana Interesting Facts: Facts about marijuana]</ref> and glaucoma. However the effect of marijuana on intraocular pressure (IOC) is not as effective as those offered by other drugs on the market.<ref>[http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/statements/marij.asp National Eye Institue: Glaucoma and Marijuana use]</ref>.  In states where marijuana is legal (either completely or via medication), parents of young children have been known to seek out strains that are high in Cannabidiol (CBD) and low in THC; Cannabidiol is known to counteract the "high" of THC, and is believed to be the cause of the anti-seizure effects when consumed.
 
Marijuana is an [[antispasmodic]] and [[anticonvulsant]] is used in the treatment of seizures.<ref>[http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9586&page=106 National Academies Press: Marijuana and muscle spasticity]</ref> Marijuana is also used in the treatment of migraines, arthritis,<ref>[http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.1780090304/abstract Online Library: Treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs]</ref> depression,<ref name="interestingfacts.org">[http://www.interestingfacts.org/fact/facts-about-marijuana Interesting Facts: Facts about marijuana]</ref> and glaucoma. However the effect of marijuana on intraocular pressure (IOC) is not as effective as those offered by other drugs on the market.<ref>[http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/statements/marij.asp National Eye Institue: Glaucoma and Marijuana use]</ref>.  In states where marijuana is legal (either completely or via medication), parents of young children have been known to seek out strains that are high in Cannabidiol (CBD) and low in THC; Cannabidiol is known to counteract the "high" of THC, and is believed to be the cause of the anti-seizure effects when consumed.
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Conclusions based on a review of published biomedical research found that cannabinoid compounds unique to cannabis exhibit promising anticancer properties, reducing both tumor size and cancer pain.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Nikan|first=Marjan|last2=Nabavi|first2=Seyed Mohammad|last3=Manayi|first3=Azadeh|date=2016-02-01|title=Ligands for cannabinoid receptors, promising anticancer agents|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26764235|journal=Life Sciences|volume=146|pages=124–130|doi=10.1016/j.lfs.2015.12.053|issn=1879-0631|pmid=26764235}}</ref>
      
There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with pressure from [[liberal]] <!--and [[conservative]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/california-weed/article60280481.html|title=Orange County conservative a hero for marijuana advocates|last=Hecht|first=Peter|date=February 13, 2016|newspaper=Sacramento Bee|access-date=February 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theestablishment.co/meet-the-right-wing-women-fighting-for-marijuana-reform-e6789ec8569b#.n27d1opva|title=Meet The Right-Wing Women Fighting For Marijuana Reform|last=McBride|first=Hannah|date=April 29, 2016|newspaper=The Establishment|access-date=February 17, 2017}}</ref>--> advocates of marijuana, more accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug.
 
There have not been many in-depth and widely distributed studies into the possible medicinal effects of marijuana. However, with pressure from [[liberal]] <!--and [[conservative]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/california-weed/article60280481.html|title=Orange County conservative a hero for marijuana advocates|last=Hecht|first=Peter|date=February 13, 2016|newspaper=Sacramento Bee|access-date=February 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theestablishment.co/meet-the-right-wing-women-fighting-for-marijuana-reform-e6789ec8569b#.n27d1opva|title=Meet The Right-Wing Women Fighting For Marijuana Reform|last=McBride|first=Hannah|date=April 29, 2016|newspaper=The Establishment|access-date=February 17, 2017}}</ref>--> advocates of marijuana, more accredited institutions are conducting research on the drug.
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Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its perceived harmful medical and psychological effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[Ron Paul]], [[William F. Buckley]], and [[Larry Elder]], have advocated the decriminalization of this drug. Some [[liberal]]s support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. [[Libertarian]]s are usually the biggest supporters of marijuana legalization. [[Gary Johnson]], a former Republican and 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate for President, is the highest ranking US politician to advocate for marijuana legalization. He was a two-term Governor of [[New Mexico]].
 
Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its perceived harmful medical and psychological effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[Ron Paul]], [[William F. Buckley]], and [[Larry Elder]], have advocated the decriminalization of this drug. Some [[liberal]]s support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. [[Libertarian]]s are usually the biggest supporters of marijuana legalization. [[Gary Johnson]], a former Republican and 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate for President, is the highest ranking US politician to advocate for marijuana legalization. He was a two-term Governor of [[New Mexico]].
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Legalization on a Federal level is virtually impossible, since the United States was a major leader in the international treaty known as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs<ref>https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf]</ref> of 1970.  Said treaty is defined by the Constitution as carrying equal weight to an Amendment to the Constitution; therefore, the only way marijuana could ever be legal on a Federal level is if we withdrew from a treaty of our own creation as a prerequisite to legalization.
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Legalization on a Federal level is virtually impossible, since the United States was a major leader in the international treaty known as the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs<ref>[url=https://www.unodc.org/pdf/convention_1961_en.pdf]</ref> of 1970.  Said treaty is defined by the Constitution as carrying equal weight to an Amendment to the Constitution; therefore, the only way marijuana could ever be legal on a Federal level is if we withdrew from a treaty of our own creation as a prerequisite to legalization.
    
==References==
 
==References==
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