Marijuana is by far the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States and in most other countries as well. The use of marijuana may decrease in years to come, as may the use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and drugs such as Valium and prozac. But the use of marijuana, like the use of these other psychoactive drugs, is here to stay.

"Marijuana" refers to the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, which contain the non-narcotic chemical THC at various potencies. It is smoked or eaten to produce the feeling of being "high." The different strains of this herb produce different sensual effects, ranging from sedative to stimulant.

Marijuana has been used since ancient times. While field hands and working people have often smoked the raw plant, aristocrats historically prefer hashish made from the cured flowers of the plant. It was not seen as a problem until a calculated disinformation campaign was launched in the 1930s, and the first American laws against using it were passed.

More to come...