Legalizing Marijuana Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Legalizing Marijuana - Research Paper Example It is also believed that India was one of the few countries which pioneered the consumption of this plant as a tool for recreation and relaxation. The Sadhus and the Gurus who practiced the art of spiritual elevation found this plant to be extremely useful for their purpose. They gained a lot from its usage whereby it was considered to be a holy drug. Earlier texts of Hinduism dictate that Marijuana was used by the Hindu Gods to evolve and to relax at the same time. (ElSohly, Mahmoud) Ancient Hindu text Soma Veda refers to Marijuana as the â€Å"food of the thinking mind.† Indians call it Ganja. It has served millions of people over a period of time and has been acclaimed as a life saving drug. However, there are side effects of this plant and if consumed by the innocent it may drive one to an extremely negative frame of mind. Marijuana comes from the plant known as Cannabis Sativa. The major psychoactive compound in the plant is known as THC, and this is the element which is responsible for the psychoactive effects in the human mind. The female plant of Cannabis Sativa is consumed by people as it is said to be more potent with THC than the male plant. (Rudgley, Richard) Marijuana has been used for medicinal as well as recreational purposes. Marijuana influences the human body and mind in many different ways. It has the power of changing the mood to the perception of the human mind for a particular object. It enhances hunger when consumed and can lead to weight loss among those who consume it. It relaxes the muscles and also helps the mind calm down after the THC molecules hit the ‘cannabinoid’ receptors which are present in the human mind. The situation for the usage of Marijuana remains static as most of the countries have banned the recreational use of this drug, however, it is allowed in those countries to be used for medicinal purposes. (Gettman, Jon) For those who have tried and are not prejudiced towards it, it is