Marijuana

Scientific Name(S): Cannabis sativa More than a dozen other species names have been used to describe marijuana. Family: Cannabaceae

Common Name(S): A variety of common names have been attributed to the plant. There are, however, specific terms for the various plant parts and extracts. These include: anascha and kif(resinous material and flowering tops mixed with the leaves); banji, hemp, cannabis, shesha, dimba, dagga, suma, vingory and machona (entire plant); bhang and sawi (dried mature leaves); charas (resinous material); ganga (flowering tops); hashish and esrar (resinous material with flowering tops); and marijuana or marihuana (leaves and flowering tops). Names vary with local customs.

Botany: More than 100 species of cannabis grow wild throughout most temperate climates, although several species have adapted to harsher climactic conditions. Cannabis is a leafy annual, some species of which attain heights of more than 10 feet.

History: The use of cannabis dates back more than 4,000 years. It has been used for the treatment of catarrh, leprosy, fever, dandruff, hemorrhoids, obesity, asthma, urinary tract infections, loss of appetite, inflammatory conditions and cough. It has been used as a source of fiber for ropes and clothing. The plant's sedative effects were recognized by the ancient Chinese, but the wide­spread use of the plant for its psychoactive effects most likely began only in the past century.

Uses of Marijuana

Marijuana appears to be medicinally useful as an antiemetic, but its potential for abuse has so far outweighed proposals for its use as a therapeutic agent.

Side Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana can be harmful to the heart, lungs, brain, endocrine system and eyes. It also has a strong potential for abuse and is classified as a schedule I drug.

Summary: Marijuana has been used in traditional medicine for more than 4,000 years. Today it is most widely known as a psychoactive drug. Marijuana's many effects include cardiovascular, pulmonary, neoplastic, CNS, endocrine, ocular and antiemetic. Although more than 400 compounds have been identified in the plant, none of these have been found to have sufficient therapeutic efficacy to warrant a major role in modern therapy. Continued controversy on this point may change its status in the future.