A Quick Look at Marijuana Use From the Past to the Present

Author: Liz Lathey

Delta nine tetrahyrdocannibinol. What? Weed. Smoking marijuana is a widespread phenomenon in big cities, small towns and college campuses alike. Marijuana is thought by many to be a harmless high, despite the fact that it is considered "gateway drug" to other harder substances. Most college-aged students are familiar with marijuana and its effects, even if they themselves have never used the drug. For many smokers, marijuana is a symbol of rebellion or independence. For others, it is simply a part of everyday life.

Marijuana is grown in the tropical and temperate regions of the world and has three main species: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and cannabis ruderalis. All three species are grown both in and outdoors for their leaves and flowering tops, known as buds. These can be either smoked or eaten. Marijuana can also come in a concentrated resinous form called hashish or as a sticky black liquid called hash oil. Cannabis grows wild in many parts of the world, as it is a weed, but this produces low-quality specimens. Most marijuana is purposely cultivated for human use.

Cannabis has been used for thousands of years both recreationally and medicinally. Usage began in China and the Middle East. In the 19th century, use of cannabis spread to Europe and then to America in about the middle of that century. Although cannabis was made illegal in the United States in 1937, its recreational use has continued.

Marijuana is smoked primarily for feelings of euphoria, relaxation and altered perception. There are, however, negative effects, which include paranoia, dry mouth, nervousness and respiratory problems. Few users, however, smoke marijuana over the age of 30. Long-term negative effects include lung and throat problems.

Although marijuana does have some negative effects, the fight for its legalization for medicinal purposes continues. Federally, it is illegal to buy, grow or possess cannabis. However, the controversy about its medicinal purposes has caused authorities to rethink previous laws. It has been proven to help in cases of glaucoma, AIDS and cancer. AIDS can cause a loss of appetite known as the "wasting syndrome" which leads to drastic weight loss and weakness. Chemotherapy causes nausea, which makes it difficult for cancer patients to keep down their food. Marijuana can increase one's appetite as well as relieve nausea, which minimizes the weight-loss that occurs with both illnesses. For glaucoma patients, marijuana relieves ocular pressure, which can cause damage to the eye.

The Food and Drug Adminstration has given permits to eight people in the United States to use marijuana legally for illness. There are also a few states that protect patients who grow and possess medical marijuana with their doctor's approval. These states include Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Alaska and Maine. Ten states, including Vermont, have symbolic medical marijuana laws, which are not as effective. Over 24 states have had initiative processes in the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

In Vermont, the medical marijuana law was approved on April 27, 1981, and took effect immediately. The current law is that it is legal for cancer and other medicinal purposes as determined by the Commissioner of Health. This program is administered by the Department of Health, and is called a "research program," but it actually enables doctors to prescribe marijuana. Some text of the act says, "the commissioner of health shall have the authority to obtain … cannabis administered under this program."

On campus, marijuana is used, and students have varied reactions to it. One anonymous first-year non-smoker said, "With all the tension involved in classes, some need a means to relax. It seems to be a form of escape." Another non-smoker noted, who also wished to remain unnamed, noted, "I have no problem with other people doing it but I choose not to because it's a cheap thrill. There are more productive ways of having fun." Some smokers had other opinions, such as one first-year who said, "I smoked regularly during the first semester and still maintained A's in all of my classes." Another said,"Legalize it."