THE marihuana refers to species cannabis sativa, a family plant Cannabaceae, originally from India and cultivated all over the world.
It has been consumed by men for a long time and has many uses ranging from medicinal, recreational and even cultural.
As it is an herbaceous plant, it is small, reaching 2 to 3 m in height. Its leaves are typed, with serrated edges and very characteristic, the flowers are yellowish and do not give off perfume. Fruits are small and greenish-yellow.
Effects of marijuana on the body
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world, representing a public health problem in many countries. It is consumed from dried flowers wrapped in paper, forming cigarettes and also in pipes.
Its consumption causes psychological and physiological changes, such as:
- Acceleration of heartbeats;
- Relaxation;
- Euphoria,
- Reduced motor coordination;
- Difficulty maintaining balance;
- Changes in sense functions;
- Changes in mood.
Other reactions can be observed and vary from person to person and the amount used.
There is still the species Cannabis indicates, it has a different effect. While, Ç. sativa causes euphoria, the Ç. indicates provides physical and mental relaxation.
Chemical substances present in marijuana
The effects of marijuana on the body are due to the presence of more than 60 chemical substances in the plant. cannabis sativa, called cannabinoids.
The main psychoactive substance is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), there are also two other substances in great concentration: cannabinol and cannabidiol.
Medical use of marijuana
There are drugs made from chemical substances in marijuana and some research has shown that its medicinal use can contribute to the treatment of cancer and AIDS. Meanwhile, other studies indicate that despite its benefits, the associated risks still need to be better understood.
In some countries like Spain, Holland, Canada and Finland, the medicinal use of marijuana is allowed. In Brazil, in 2017, Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) included the cannabis sativa in the list of medicinal plants. However, its medicinal use has not been authorized in the country.
Origin and first uses of marijuana
According to archaeological research, there is evidence that cannabis was domesticated by humans in the Paleolithic period.
The earliest written reference we have to this plant dates from 2727 BC. C., of the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong, considered the "king of medicines". In this document, he extolled its medicinal properties.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans also knew it, while in the Middle East, its use spread to North Africa through the Islamic Empire.
Muslims used cannabis to relax, as alcohol was prohibited by the Koran. They were probably the ones who took her to the Iberian Peninsula.
The Spaniards, in turn, introduced it to their colonies in America. In 1545, there were plantations in Chile in order to extract the fiber to obtain the much-needed ropes for the ships' moorings.
Marijuana in the United States
In the United States, the cultivation of cannabis has been registered since the 17th century and the fiber was used to make rope, clothing and paper.
Marijuana entered the US pharmacopoeia in 1850 and until 1942 was prescribed to relieve labor pains, nausea, menstrual cramps, and rheumatism.
The first American drug law dates back to 1914, which prohibited the use of narcotics. When evaluating this policy four years later, the government concluded that consumption had not only increased, but trafficking was already causing problems. But in a country ruled by religion, punishments have increased.
Starting in the 1930s, a campaign led by the US Federal Narcotics Department and part of the press began treating marijuana as a dangerous substance.
Without considering its medicinal properties, studies appeared that claimed that its use would lead users to addiction to other drugs.
In 1961, the Americans used their geopolitical weight to approve, by the UN, a resolution which determined that the fight against trafficking would be the best solution to solve consumption. The strategy is supported by the government of Richard Nixon, who was at the White House from 1969 to 1974.
In the 1980s, under the administration of Ronald Reagan, the American government declares an all-out war on drugs. In addition to campaigns against consumption, the issue is dealt with in a criminal manner, seeking to punish both the user and the dealer.
This leads the United States to intervene militarily in countries like Colombia and Nicaragua. In addition, they spend a lot of money on weapons, policing and pesticides to wipe out crops in these places.
Marijuana in Brazil
During the colonial period, the Marquis de Lavradio (1699-1760), viceroy of Brazil, encouraged the planting of cannabis.
Again, fiber was sought for the purpose of supplying the demand for ropes and clothing. Likewise, the oil is used in public lighting and for medicinal uses such as treating wounds.
Enslaved blacks will use cannabis as tobacco in their religious rituals and recreationally.
The first ban, in 1830, will target precisely the black population. Consumers would be punished with a few days in prison, but sellers received only a fine.
In 1890, with the objective of keeping the newly freed black population under control, the first legislation was created that punished capoeiras, the practices of Afro religions and batucadas.
With the Vargas government, in 1932, there is an explicit ban on consumption following the international trend.
Read more about Drug Decriminalization.
Fun Facts About Marijuana
- The fibers from the marijuana plant can be used to produce ropes and fabrics.
- It is possible that marijuana has different effects on men and women. It is believed that women are more sensitive to its effects.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol is fast acting in the body. After being inhaled, in 10 minutes it is possible to see its effects, which can last up to 4 hours.
