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'''Marijuana''' is a [[Schedule I]] [[Controlled Substance]] in the United States of America, and it is subject to various degrees of legality in different parts of the world.  It comes from the ''Cannabis'' [[plant]].   

'''Marijuana''' is a [[Schedule I]] [[Controlled Substance]] in the United States of America, and it is subject to various degrees of legality in different parts of the world.  It comes from the ''Cannabis'' [[plant]].   

In low doses, marijuana induces mild euphoria followed by a sense of general relaxation and well-being. Users often report heightened perceptions of music, colours and taste. Its effects at these doses are best likened to those of moderate alcohol consumption, but without the same degree of motor impairment and without the disinhibition towards aggression. Indeed, it is virtually impossible to start a fight when stoned.

The effects of marijuana can include short-term memory loss, mild hallucinations, and an impairment of physical and mental functioning. Proponents of marijuana have claimed that it has medicinal benefits although other treatments can also deliver these benefits to various ailments without hallucinations and the impairments to judgment. Some have advocated for decriminalization. <ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref>. Many members of the [[Libertarian Party]] advocate legalization. <ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>

 

In higher doses, marijuana can induce mild to moderate hallucenations. Unlike the direct distortions of sense perception produced by [[LSD]] or [[psilocybin]], these hallucenations are mostly "internal," i.e. they are simply functions of the user's hyper-stimulated imagination. There is a small risk of adverse side-effects and their likelihood increases with the dosage. They range from the merely inconvenient (short-term memory loss), through to the somewhat unnerving (paranoia/anxiety) and finally to the downright unpleasant (overwhelming disorientation/vomiting).

 

Chronic misuse of marijuana has been widely recognised as a significant risk factor for those with a predisposition towards developing various mental illnesses, particularly [[schizophrenia]]. Even for those without such a predisposition, chronic misuse oftens results in the user becoming both very bored and very boring. The key seems to be remembering what the word "recreational" means and moderating one's level of use accordingly.

 

Proponents of marijuana have claimed that it has medicinal benefits although other treatments can also deliver these benefits to various ailments without hallucinations and the impairments to judgment. Some have advocated for decriminalization. <ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref>. Many members of the [[Libertarian Party]] advocate legalization. <ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>

A religious or sacramental use of marijuana is reported in various cultures such as the Rastafarians or the Sadhus of India.  Use of marijuana in a religious capacity is legal for members of the Native American Church, however, members must be registered with the Church and government.   

A religious or sacramental use of marijuana is reported in various cultures such as the Rastafarians or the Sadhus of India.  Use of marijuana in a religious capacity is legal for members of the Native American Church, however, members must be registered with the Church and government.