The drug is the groundwork of the cannabis plant, which when ingested into the body chemically alters brain function. The altering of the brains functioning causes temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior. These changes are all results of the chemical substance found in marijuana called Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC which causes the "high" or euphoria one achieves by consuming the drug. There are several different ways in which users of the drug achieve their "high." The most common methods of getting "high" are smoking blunts or joints, ingesting edibles or liquid concoctions, using machines such as vaporizers as well as smoking out of handmade glass bongs. The goal for many when consuming the drug is to get as much THC out of the substance as they can. Once a high is achieved the marijuana user has soothed their craving for the drugs immediate euphoria and are pleased with their life momentarily. .
With this knowledge of what marijuana is, one may begin to wonder why someone would want to use this drug. Also what benefits and consequences surround the use of marijuana, especially with a high percentage of users being adolescents? Sitting with a few of my friends, some who smoke the drug and some who do not, I asked them a series of questions about marijuana. Questions that ranged from what is the drug able to do for you mentally and physically? To knowing the side effects of using marijuana, and it being widely available to young people, do you have any fears for future generations or for your own? Their answers to my questions did not surprise me but they did cause me to question how I view marijuana socially. .
"Everyone has their own different issues in life that they want to get away from," said one of my interviewees. "It does not matter why you smoke weed it's about the feeling you receive from the THC. Weed gives me a chance to cope with life.
