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. Marijuana is a very useful and effective medicine. It helps victims Proponents of Multiple sterosis, arthritis, aids, marijuana have claimed that it has medicinal benefits although other treatments can also deliver these benefits to various ailments without hallucinations and many other pain inducing illnessesthe 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 due to its harmful medical and emotional effects and its likelihood of harm to third parties due to drug-related crime and impaired driving driving. Tests on on people under the influence of marijuana have shown that marijuana does not impair drivers as much as other substances. Due to the nature of the "high" people under the influence are known to in fact not be reckless and drive slower and more with more caution. Marijuana did impact users responce time. A few libertarian-leaning conservatives, most notably [[William F. Buckley]], [[P.J. O'Rourke]], 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.