Marijuana in a nutshell

Use of marijuana as a narcotic is as old as the history of the humans. Variously called as pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane, or MJ, marijuana is mainly dried and shredded leaves of a hemp plant scientifically known as Cannabis Sativa. It is smoked mostly in hand-rolled cigarettes.

Marijuana is quick to take effect in the user’s brain. Shortly after inhaling marijuana smoke, user’s heart starts to beat more rapidly, the bronchial passages relax and become enlarged, and blood vessels in the eyes expand, making the eyes look red. After smoking it, the user feels euphoric.

Marijuana is psychedelic in nature. That is, it has mind-altering effects on the user. Long-term use of marijuana causes disorientation in the users. It disturbs their psychic balance. Marijuana smoke may also cause cancer of the respiratory tract and lungs. Studies show that marijuana smoking may double or even triple the risk of these cancers.