annabinol, known as THC. The THC is found principally in the resin of the plants, and in hot climates it serves to protect the plant from dehydration. Thus, marijuana grown in hot and dry climates has a greater concentration of THC than marijuana grown in other areas (Abel, 1980). The chemical THC attaches itself to certain neuroreceptors in the human brain, blocking some signals, amplifying others. Some users report heightened awareness of musical sounds, smells and tastes. others point to a direct feeling of euphoria, which research believes is due to the THC blocking pain receptors (Wallach, 1989).
The chemical residue from marijuana often stays in the human system for several months. Although it does not necessarily continue to react when a person limits or decreases smoking the substance, a certain level of toxicity is reached in which it takes less marijuana to adversely affect the body, but more to retain the feeling of euphoria (Gold, 1989). Some, however, have argued for the immediate legalization of the substance, under the guidelines of the Federal government. This, they say, will limit its detrimental effects and increase revenue (Mano, 1990).
In the United States, the marijuana problem flourished in the sixties. During that time, the use of marijuana in the United States grew logarithmically, and the resulting difficulties became endemic in some areas. In this paper, the medical, social, economic, psychological, and legal aspects of marijuana as a problem will be examined. Finally, the paper will conclude with an overview of the legacy of marijuana.
As a drug, the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, produces what pharmacologists call a sedative-hypnotic effect. In small doses, THC causes a mild euphoria. However, "marijuana, like alcohol, is a depressant in its effects on the nervous system; the 'high' is a result of depression of the higher centers and consequent release of lower centers from chron...