An Essay on the Use and Perceptions of Cannabis sativa

I wrote this for a buddy who didn't understand smoking...in it is very general information that i am sure none of you are starangers to...i just thought i'd post it...

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An Essay on the Use and Perceptions of Cannabis sativa
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By Shawn Loga
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As the exposition to such a position paper, it must be stated forthright that this is a biased point of view, as the author is a proponent for the use and legalization of marijuana, and it should therefore be noted that the opinions contained in this essay are in favor of marijuana consumption. This does not mean that the information is skewed in any way, and it is the author’s intent to give a balanced argument.



To begin, the history of the marijuana plant should be taken into consideration, and also background information is needed to fully understand the argument. The marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa, is cultivated for its medicinal, recreational, and industrial uses. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical in the cannabis plant that, when smoked or eaten, produces the psychoactive effects that is most commonly called having a “high”. Cannabis sativa is classified as a psychedelic drug, and has different effects on each user (the effects will be discussed at length later). The Chinese and other Eastern cultures have used C. sativa for religious and medicinal purposes for thousands of years; it has only moved out of the Orient and into the West in the last 200 years. Native Americans have also been known to use marijuana, as well as other psychoactive drugs, such as peyote. Currently, marijuana is used medically to treat AIDS, glaucoma, and other body ailments (this statement will change radically as the United States government is having an ongoing battle against the medicinal use of marijuana). Any strain of Cannabis (sativa, indica, ruderalis) is an illegal substance, and possession or trafficking can result in fines or incarceration. Certain low-THC-content strains of the plant are allowed to be produced for the fibrous stalk, which is known as hemp.

It must also be made aware early on that most information concerning marijuana disseminated from major media sources is skewed and one-sided, being largely subsidized by the American government, and other governmental organizations such as the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. The D.A.R.E. program and other anti-drug groups try and use fear as a deterrent, rather than giving the individual complete information about a substance. This is harmful not only to the free will of an individual, but also shows the extent to which these groups will go to make their campaign work. Blatant misinformation is given, and the result is an ignorant public ready to denounce any positives about a drug. Many stereotypes and opinions held by individuals are the result of this early preening.

The negatives of marijuana are mild and only in rare cases can it lead to major problems (I feel like I am reading the back of an Advil bottle). The most common negative effect is dizziness and paranoia (in sensitive users with high dosage). Problems rarely occur, and if they do it is unlikely they will be repeated. People are generally capable of carrying out normal actions and activities while high.

Before going into the effects of marijuana consumption, a standard dosage and frequency needs to be set. Smoking method, potency, and personal tolerance will vary these assumptions greatly. The normal dosage of one “hit” (one inhale of smoke) is around 1/20 of a gram; it usually takes 4-5 hits to achieve desired effects, but this is very approximate. The average high will last around 2-3 hours, with 3-4 hours of comedown time. Also, most marijuana users will smoke multiple times during a high to keep it going longer. The frequency of intake will greatly increase the effects, with less being needed after the initial plateau is reached.

The onset of a high will usually be noticed after a few minutes, and a slight feeling of lightheadedness is usually the first effect felt. Within a short duration, the full effects should become active. Common effects include euphoria, laughter, happiness, increased appreciation of music, stress reduction, pain relief, philosophical or introspective thinking, deeper appreciation of nature, increased awareness of senses, deeper mind/body connection, strong artistic sense, change in perception of consciousness, and hunger. This is simply a general description, and some users experience such things as closed-eye visuals and even hallucinations, but this is rarer. Also, all effects are not likely to happen during one high, and the same effects will not repeat themselves every high. Each user is different, and therefore these descriptions should be taken as a simple guideline.

Whether the user is smoking for recreational or medicinal purposes, the effects can be extremely beneficial. The prehensile attitude of someone under the influence of C. sativa allows for a more direct experience with the subject, such as a musician working on a piece of music or an artist struggling understanding a route to completion. Excess baggage is forgotten, and the priorities of a person become clearer; this is why some feel closer to the Earth or other human beings while high. The levels of relaxation and introspection reached are not achievable without some sort of catalyst, and marijuana acts as that stimulant. It opens doors of perception that would have remained closed without the different light that the plant sheds on situations.

The preconceived notions about marijuana are usually false and do not give consideration for other substances, such as alcohol. Alcohol is the most widely used drug in America, and is involved in many crimes and most car accidents. The physical effects of alcohol are way more damaging than those of marijuana, yet the majority of society view smoking C. sativa as unacceptable and the consumption of alcohol as an everyday experience. Alcohol is and should remain legal and at the disposal of the user, but the same is true for Cannabis; people need to start applying the same criterion to different substances and ways of life.

It is the right of an individual to pursue whatever end he desires, unless that end infringes upon another’s right to do the same. The consumption of Cannabis sativa lies along this line, and it is up to each person to see through the propaganda and widen their horizon. The benefits of this drug are many, and with relatively little negative effects, it should be considered for anyone who is looking to get a different experience. History has shown that many great cultures embraced this plant, and have cultivated it for their use in politics, recreation, and medicine. Social stigmas and taboos should not deter anyone from doing the same.

 

Is that the whole essay? It was good, but you need to go into the effects of marijuana, not just say it's not as bad as alcohol.