Marijuana
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 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. [1]. Many people of varying political alignment advocate its legalization. [2]
Many American conservatives, 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 liberals support legalization, but most instead advocate for drug treatment and rehabilitation. Libertarians 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 Sadhus of India.
