Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in America, more importantly, it is the most commonly used drug among my peers. Marijuana is defined as a drug composed of the leaves, stems, and flowering buds of the Indian plant, Cannabis Sativa. The flowering tops of the plant secrete a sticky resin that contains the active material for which marijuana is used. My generation is exposed to Marijuana on a daily basis, some choose to use it, and others just try it to experiment. From experience, I know the main reason some teens use Marijuana because it simply relieves stress. Either that or they have nothing else better to do so why not smoke and have fun? It is significant that not only I, but others know about Marijuana because my generation is growing up with it. .
The main active ingredient in drugs from the plant is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The amount of THC in marijuana varies depending on many factors, including climate and soil conditions. Generally, plants from hot dry areas produce more THC. Marijuana is extremely dangerous to society for many reasons. Marijuana, like alcohol, impairs the user's motor skills. Marijuana affects an individual's ability to operate a car in two ways. First, it alters the individual's concept of time. This makes them feel they have been driving for a long time when in actuality, they have been driving for a few minutes. More importantly, it alters the user's ability to diagnose dangerous situations because the THC of the Marijuana has put their mind in relaxed state. Marijuana is known as a "gateway" drug, and is bad for user health. Some short term effects include increased hunger, sleepiness, and delayed reaction time; these effects vary from person to person. The more an individual uses Marijuana the more tolerance they grow to it, therefore after time more Marijuana may be needed to get "high", and although it is not physically addictive, it is mentally addictive.
