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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, meaning that it is an illegal substance under the law of the United States.  In a few countries, particularly in Western Europe, the substance is legal, but in other countries it is subject to much harsher criminal penalties than in the United States.  It comes from the ''Cannabis'' [[plant]].  

The main active ingredient in marijuana is [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or tetrahydrocannabinol, an organic chemical compound.

The main active ingredient in marijuana is [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or tetrahydrocannabinol, an organic chemical compound.

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 people of varying political alignment advocate its legalization. <ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>

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 people of varying political alignment advocate its legalization. <ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>

Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form, believing any usage of mind-altering substance is immoral and inimical to conservative values. However, there are exceptions, such as [[William F. Buckley]] and [[Larry Elder]]. Some [[liberal]]s support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. [[Libertarian]]s are usually the staunch supporters of marijuana legalization.

Many [[American]] [[conservative]]s, especially social conservatives, oppose legalization of marijuana in any form due to its harmful medical and emotional effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and reckless driving. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[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.

A religious or sacramental use of marijuana is reported in various cultures such as those of the [[Rastafari]] movement or the [[Sadhu]]s of India.

A religious or sacramental use of marijuana is reported in various cultures such as those of the [[Rastafari]] movement or the [[Sadhu]]s of India.