Buzz
The earliest documented reference to marijuana as a mind-altering substance appears around 2737 B.C. in the writings of the Chinese emperor Shen Nung. Throughout history, marijuana has served multiple purposes: as a gift, a treasure, a medicine, ceremonial incense, and for recreational use. Today, marijuana is known by hundreds of slang terms, including pot, weed, grass, green, herb, ganja, Mary Jane, dank, chronic, doja, reefer, dope, cheeba, bud, and hydro. While many of these may sound familiar, there’s far more to marijuana than its array of nicknames.
10. Victor Licata
On October 16, 1933, Victor Licata committed a horrific act, murdering his parents, two brothers, sister, and the family dog with an axe. He was deemed unfit for trial and sent to a mental health institution. Even though his marijuana use was not mentioned in his official diagnosis, the media seized the case to fuel the marijuana-crime-insanity narrative, portraying marijuana as a “poisonous, mind-wrecking weed” responsible for inducing homicidal tendencies.
The Victor Licata case sparked numerous news reports and TV films that portrayed marijuana as a catalyst for violent behavior. One of the most well-known examples is the 1936 movie Reefer Madness (originally titled Tell Your Children). In the film, a group of high school students are enticed to try marijuana, leading them to be involved in a hit-and-run, manslaughter, suicide, attempted rape, and eventually spiraling into madness.
In 1941, American author Cornell Woolrich released a novel called Marihuana, which described marijuana as a cause of “insanity, criminality, and death.” The novel was based on the testimony of Harry Anslinger, who served as the Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics from 1930 to 1962. Anslinger played a key role in spreading false anti-marijuana propaganda and igniting a national campaign against the drug. He is also responsible for making numerous misleading and alarming statements about marijuana. Anslinger authored the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, which criminalized the sale of marijuana.
His justification for the campaign was that “there are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”
9. Cannabis Cup
As marijuana is a naturally occurring plant rather than a synthetic drug, it can be cultivated into numerous strains. These strains offer distinct characteristics such as unique tastes, colors, aromas, or strengths. Some varieties, like hemp, serve no recreational purpose but are instead used for practical products like fiber, oil, paper, rope, and seeds. Other strains, however, are specifically bred to achieve certain effects.
In the regulated cannabis market, growers are frequently tasked with creating unique strains of marijuana. Some of the most renowned strains globally include White Widow, a hybrid of Indian indica and Brazilian sativa, Blueberry, Purple Kush, BC Bud, Holland’s Hope, Alaskan Thunder, Malawi Gold, Purple Dragon, Panama Red, Kaia Kush, Northern Lights, Quebec Gold, Sour Diesel, Skunk #1, and many others.
The Cannabis Cup, the world’s largest marijuana festival, takes place annually in Amsterdam each November, and has recently expanded to the US states of Washington and Colorado. This festival, celebrated for its marijuana competitions, showcases top cannabis strains and offers awards for categories like best new product, hash, glass, booth, and the best seed company. The event also features music, food, and comedy, making it a prime location for buying, selling, and exchanging marijuana-related products.
8. Where The Wild Buds Grow
In today’s world, marijuana seldom has the chance to grow freely like a weed. The cultivation of cannabis is strictly regulated, and the plants are often raised in an artificially controlled life cycle. However, some of the most natural marijuana can be found in regions of the Himalayas, Northern India, Nepal, and Southern China, where it thrives in indigenous fields. One such location is the Annapurna Circuit, where wild marijuana grows freely in the mountains.
Natural marijuana plants can be found in Siberia, south of the Caspian Sea, across central and southern Russia, and on the lower slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, as well as in India. These plants are scattered across vast landscapes, making it impossible to determine the precise area of growth. When a substantial patch of marijuana is located, the plants need to be nurtured to produce potent buds.
In countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, marijuana is processed into three main products: bhang, ganja, and charas. Bhang consists of the mature leaves, ganja refers to the buds, and charas is a form of hashish. Some of the most potent charas is sourced from Himachal Pradesh, India. This has made India a favored destination for backpackers, drug smugglers, and those keen to see marijuana growing in its natural environment. Afghanistan remains the world’s most productive source of marijuana.
7. Budder
Marijuana primarily exists in three main forms: flowers (buds), resin (hashish), and hash oil. The THC content in buds typically ranges from 5 to 10 percent, though the potency of marijuana has been steadily increasing over time. For instance, a study showed that the average THC level in buds in 1985 was 3.48 percent, and by 2006, it had risen to 8.77 percent. The most potent buds can reach THC levels of up to 27 percent.
Hash, on the other hand, contains a THC concentration of about 15–20 percent but can be much stronger. Sieved hashish averages around 45 percent THC, while bubble hash is known to have about 53 percent THC. The creation of hash involves extracting trichomes, which are the tiny hairs and crystals on the bud's surface. After extraction, the trichomes are transformed into kief, which is then heated to form hash blocks.
The most powerful marijuana form is hash oil, which is created by dissolving unwanted resins with solvents like ethanol or hexane. This process results in a fluid or honey-like oil. Typically, hash oil has a THC potency of 30–90 percent. The most potent type of hash oil is budder, which can contain up to 99.7 percent THC and 5–15 percent total cannabinoids. Budder, like most butane hash oils, can be smoked, vaporized, or added to marijuana edibles. It is incredibly pure, free from heavy metals, fertilizers, toxins, solvents, molds, diseases, and other contaminants. Essentially, budder is 100 percent pure marijuana. In contrast, the most powerful synthetic THC product ever created is dimethylheptylpyran, discovered in 1949, with a half-life of 20–40 hours.
6. Weed Consumption
Everyone has their preferred way of consuming marijuana. The most popular methods include smoking joints, using a bong, bubbler, hookah, vaporizer, or pipe, as well as taking spots (knife hits). Others enjoy preparing edibles like cakes, cookies, brownies, or butter. But which method is the best? Studies show that people experience different psychological effects depending on how they consume marijuana.
In one study, researchers tested the pain tolerance of individuals who smoked marijuana versus those who used dronabinol, a pill containing THC. The results revealed that participants who took the pill were able to tolerate pain for a longer period. Additionally, it was noted that dronabinol took about an hour to take effect, while smoking marijuana worked within 15 minutes. The study concluded that dronabinol “could provide analgesic effects for a longer time without the health risks associated with smoking.” However, users of dronabinol were less likely to find its effects as pleasurable as those who smoked marijuana.
It has been established that smoking marijuana exposes users to carcinogens, which can lead to respiratory issues and cancer. Taking spots can present greater health risks since the marijuana is heated to extremely high temperatures. However, these risks can sometimes be mitigated by cooling the smoking device or adding ice to the bottom of the bottle.
A significant number of marijuana users prefer to inhale it, so what is the best way to do so? Research suggests that using a vaporizer may be the best option, as it can reduce the amount of carbon monoxide and toxins in the smoke. Studies have also shown that water filtration can help decrease both particulate matter and harmful substances in smoke, although there have been few studies examining how water filtration affects marijuana. Joints and blunts may be harmful due to the high amount of weed consumed.
5. Irvin Rosenfeld
In 1976, Robert Randall filed a lawsuit against the United States Food and Drug Administration, seeking to have the charges of marijuana cultivation dropped. Randall, who had long suffered from glaucoma, used the Common Law doctrine of necessity to win his case. Judge James Washington ruled that the medical prohibition on marijuana was unfounded, and as a result, federal agencies began supplying Randall with medical marijuana. He became the first American to receive marijuana from the government for the purpose of treating a medical condition.
Following the Randall case, the United States government launched the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program, which allowed a select number of patients to access medical marijuana. In 1983, Irvin Rosenfeld became one of those patients. Rosenfeld suffers from multiple congenital cartilaginous exostoses, a condition that causes tumors to form at his joints. Throughout his life, Rosenfeld has undergone six operations to remove 30 tumors. However, since he began using marijuana, he claims to have experienced fewer new tumors.
Irvin Rosenfeld holds the record as the longest-living medical marijuana user. In 2009, he reached the remarkable milestone of smoking 115,000 joints. Rosenfeld participated in the Missoula Study in 2001, which found that he was in excellent health for his age and medical condition. In the United States, the push for medical marijuana gained significant traction in the early 1980s when individuals with AIDS spearheaded a grassroots movement to have it legalized.
4. Marijuana In The United States
Marijuana is still prohibited under federal law in the United States. However, Colorado and Washington have legalized its possession to a certain extent. Washington's Initiative 502, passed in November 2012, played a significant role in driving the state's voter turnout to a historic 81%. The initiative secured 55.7% of 3,095,444 votes, and alongside Colorado's Amendment 64, was hailed as a pioneering achievement in global electoral history. The legalization effort in Washington gained momentum through a movement that successfully gathered 241,153 signatures.
Following the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington, Mexico hinted it might revisit its cannabis laws. In Washington, prosecutors in King and Pierce counties dropped all marijuana possession misdemeanor cases. Meanwhile, Colorado announced plans to open its first cannabis dispensary by January 1, 2014, with Washington taking a slower approach. Colorado also permits residents to cultivate marijuana, which is not allowed in Washington.
In August 2013, the US Federal Government declared that it would not challenge the marijuana laws in states that had legalized it. The government outlined eight main priorities for federal prosecutors, focusing on concerns like selling to minors and using firearms to fund drug cartels. President Obama stated that it wouldn't make sense for federal authorities to target recreational users in states where the practice was legalized. A 2013 Pew Research Center survey revealed that 52% of Americans supported marijuana legalization.
3. Long-Term Impact
Marijuana remains illegal in many parts of the world, making it difficult to secure funding for research into its long-term effects. While some studies suggest marijuana may contribute to various physical and mental health issues, others claim it offers potential benefits. Although marijuana smoke contains carcinogens and tar, there is little evidence to support a direct link between marijuana and lung cancer. A recent New Zealand study revealed that prolonged marijuana use in adolescents led to a reduction in IQ.
Some studies have explored how marijuana affects the brain while high. As with many substances that alter the mind, marijuana can impair memory and cause a loss of coherence. Many users become more lethargic and indulge in unhealthy food, which can lead to health concerns, while others report a boost in exercise and motivation after using marijuana.
Research has shown that chronic marijuana use may affect sperm function. Other studies have found a link between marijuana consumption and mental health issues like anxiety, psychosis, and depression. However, some research suggests that marijuana could aid individuals with depression and anxiety, as it appears to alter how people react to negative images and emotions.
In a study conducted by a PhD candidate at Maryland University, young mice were exposed to marijuana for 20 days before being allowed to mature into adulthood. The results showed that the adult mice suffered from impaired cognitive function and brain damage. The author interpreted these findings to mean that 'teenagers who smoke cannabis will damage their brains for life and may be more susceptible to developing schizophrenia.'
A study conducted by Imperial College London revealed a connection between prolonged marijuana use and a depletion of dopamine levels. However, medical marijuana research paints a different picture, showing that marijuana can be helpful for conditions like nausea, weight loss, insomnia, neurogenic pain, asthma, and glaucoma. It has also been found to assist in managing migraines, hangovers, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, alcohol addiction, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy.
2. Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system consists of a network of receptors in the human body that influence the effects of cannabis. When you use marijuana, it affects various physiological processes such as motor learning, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. Excessive marijuana use can lead to health issues and may result in isolated behavior.
While the exact role of the endocannabinoid system remains unclear, numerous studies have examined the effects of THC on behavior. Mice treated with THC show alterations in the hippocampus and a reduction in short-term memory. Research also indicates that the endocannabinoid system influences food-seeking behavior and regulates hunger, which explains why people often feel hungry after consuming THC. This system also affects taste perception, making individuals more selective eaters or giving them a craving for sweets.
The endocannabinoid system is known to affect various bodily functions such as energy storage, nutrient transportation, and gastrointestinal processes. This system may also play a significant role in conditions like obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular issues.
Long-term marijuana use has been associated with anti-social behavior. Research on mice has shown that removing cannabinoid receptors led to reduced object exploration, fewer social interactions, and increased aggression. These findings suggest a connection between marijuana abuse and anxiety-driven behavior, as well as its role in suppressing excessive arousal.
Research into the endocannabinoid system has revealed that marijuana use can affect body temperature regulation and cause symptoms such as night sweats. Smoking marijuana induces sleep and lowers physical energy levels. In severe cases, individuals may experience cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, characterized by recurring nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain due to marijuana consumption.
1. Schapelle Corby
Southeast Asia is home to some of the strictest drug laws globally, largely due to the region's association with the Golden Triangle. These laws are designed to combat the large-scale cultivation of opium, heroin, and marijuana, as well as the production of methamphetamine. Countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar have particularly harsh enforcement. In Indonesia, even possessing small amounts of illegal drugs, including marijuana, can lead to long prison sentences. Smuggling or trafficking drugs in countries like Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia can result in the death penalty. In Malaysia, possession of 200 grams (seven ounces) of marijuana automatically leads to a mandatory death sentence.
Schapelle Corby, an Australian woman, is currently located on the Indonesian island of Bali. She was arrested at Denpasar Airport on October 8, 2004, after 4.2 kilograms (9.3 lb) of marijuana was discovered in a vacuum-sealed bag. Corby immediately denied any knowledge of the drugs. Despite repeated requests for fingerprint testing of the bags, the authorities refused. On May 27, 2005, she was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
In March 2008, the Indonesian Supreme Court upheld Corby’s sentence, rejecting her final appeal. However, in May 2012, she received a five-year sentence reduction as part of Indonesia's Independence Day remission program. Her new sentence was due to end on September 25, 2016, though Corby could be eligible for parole before then. In October 2013, she was granted parole approval by the Justice Ministry. However, her release came with the condition that she would not be allowed to return to Australia until 2018. The case has sparked outrage and strained relations between Australia and Indonesia.
