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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''' is a dangerous drug that comes from the ''Cannabis'' [[plant]]. The main active ingredient in marijuana is [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound.
'''Marijuana''' (colloquially known as '''"weed"''' or '''"pot"''') is a dangerous drug that comes from the ''Cannabis'' [[plant]]. The main active ingredient in marijuana is [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|THC]], or tetrahydrocannabinol, an [[organic chemistry|organic chemical]] compound. Marijuana is illegal to possess, cultivate or consume in most civilized areas of the world.
The effects of marijuana can include short-term memory loss, mild [[hallucination]]s, and an impairment of physical and mental functioning. Proponents of marijuana have claimed that it has medicinal benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]) although other treatments can also deliver these benefits to various ailments without hallucinations and the impairments to judgment.
The effects of marijuana can include short-term memory loss, mild [[hallucination]]s, and an impairment of physical and mental functioning. Proponents of marijuana have claimed that it has medicinal benefits (see [[Medical marijuana]]) although other treatments can also deliver these benefits to various ailments without hallucinations and the impairments to judgment.
George Washington grew marijuana. <ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/gwtheman.htm The President and the Cabinet: George Washington the Man]</ref>
George Washington grew marijuana. <ref>[http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/gwtheman.htm The President and the Cabinet: George Washington the Man]</ref>
Marijuana is over 100 times less lethal than Alcohol (ratio of lethal dose to effective dose)<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol Wikipedia: Tetrahydrocannabinol]</ref>.
Marijuana is over 100 times less lethal than Alcohol (ratio of lethal dose to effective dose)<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol Wikipedia: Tetrahydrocannabinol]</ref>.
==Law==
==Legal Status==
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 the most [[liberal]] countries of [[Western Europe]], it is legal, though several other countries impose more harsh penalties than the Untied States.
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 the most [[liberal]] countries of [[Western Europe]], it is legal, though several other countries impose more harsh penalties than the Untied States.
The [[Netherlands]] decriminalized the use of marijuana in 1976. As a result, marijuana use among the 18-25 age group doubled, while the rate of [[heroin]] addiction tripled.<ref>[http://www.justice.gov/dea/demand/speakout/09so.htm Europe’s More Liberal Drug Policies Are Not the Right Model for America]</ref> The Netherlands also saw an influx of "drug tourists" and other undesirables, as well as an increase in crime.
Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization.<ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref><ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>
Many liberals have advocated for decriminalization.<ref>[http://www.leap.cc Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]</ref><ref>http://www.lp.org/issues/lp-oss.shtml</ref>