Marijuana is currently probably the most widely used and controversial drug in the world. Although some people cry out for stricter marijuana laws and stiffer penalties for users and dealers, others decry legal systems which punish nonviolent "pot smokers." United States citizens of every age group and social statuses consume it, yet American politicians seeking reelection are loathe to advocate its legality. Overall, a much better knowledge of the history, uses, and risks of marijuana might help societies to produce more productive and democratic policies because of its regulation.
Cannabis Smoking
Like many other mind-altering drugs, marijuana has been used worldwide for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese texts describe its use in both recreational and medical settings. Archaeological evidence shows that the cannabis plant first spread from Asia to Africa, and was seen growing in Europe as soon as the sixth century, A.D. Over a millennium later, colonial Americans grew hemp as a cash crop for its usefulness in textiles.
Between 1850 and 1942, American doctors regularly prescribed marijuana to decrease your pain, nausea, and arthritis. Cannabis was also used recreationally - and legally - during most of this time around. It was not until 1935 and the passing from the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act that most states started to strictly regulate the drug.
Marijuana Alternatives
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, marijuana was seen primarily as a rebellious, countercultural, or "hippie" drug." However, still it didn't carry the taboos or stiff legal penalties which exist today. The 1970 Controlled Substances Act led to today's status quo by making marijuana an agenda I drug - within the same class as heroin, cocaine, and other narcotics. As part of the Reagan administration's War on Drugs, mandatory sentencing laws passed within the 1980s which still require sentences of twenty-five years or more for thrice-convicted marijuana offenders.
These legislative decisions remain controversial even today, and reform advocates reason that marijuana is not nearly so dangerous or habit-forming regarding necessitate such strict legal penalties. Additionally they frequently push for the decriminalization of marijuana, specifically for medical use. Groups of these advocates are large and diverse, and include such organizations because the Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, and Students for Sensible Drug Policy.
No matter differing opinions around the legality and social acceptability of marijuana, most people can agree that the number of individuals arrested for nonviolent marijuana crimes has become a serious problem. Usa jails are full of millions of these convicts, and Congress spends vast amounts of taxpayer dollars keeping them locked up. Furthermore, these offenders are typically placed in the same facilities as murderers, violent drug dealers, and other dangerous criminals. They face long, life-consuming sentences, and even marijuana users who need help with addiction rarely have access to medicine programs. Increasingly more marijuana users find themselves behind bars, but the drug condition in America is not improving.
Thankfully, assistance is readily available for people who need it. If you are experiencing marijuana or any other addictive substances, make use of the links below for a confidential consultation. We are standing by day and night to get you going on the road to recovery.
