Реферат: Mary Jane The Devil Weed Essay Research

approved for THC (Marinol) to be used therapeutically for control of nausea and

vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy” (Jaffe, 663). This moved THC from

Schedule 1 to 2 (medical use despite potential for abuse).

How dangerous is marijuana? Jaffe notes that “any performance test shows

impairment….although no distinctive biochemical changes have been found in

humans.” Andrews writes, “Physical effects of marijuana use is probably the

major question….The answer? None.” O’Brien, Cohen, Evans, and Fine, reported

that the National Institute on Drug Abuse found, “Marijunan now available is

five to 10 times more potent than it was a half dozen years ago” (178). While

these statements may not sound conclusive, the Institute of Medicine, according

to O’Brien, Cohen, Evans, and Fine, found, “What little we know now about the

effects of marijuana on human health–and all we have reasons to suspect–

justifies serious national concern.” They noted, “More research has

demonstrated marked disturbances in depth perception, time judgment, and

coordination during cannabis use. Coupled with surveys that that indicate that

many traffic accidents occur to people using cannabis derivatives, these facts

raise a significant public health concern.”

Is marijuana “devil weed”? Though marijuana “does not produce physical

dependence,” it does produce “psychological dependence and the euphoric and

sedative effects can result” (O’Brien, Cohen, Evans, and Fine, 179). They noted

also, “Abstinence may result in feelings of irritability, nervousness, or

insomnia.” Jaffe observed that cannabis “may directly produce an acute panic

reaction, a toxic delirium,and accute paranoid state, or acute mania… [It may}

lead to sociopathy or even to the so-called AMOTIVATIONAL SYNDROME... [and]

aggravate schizophrenia” (661).

Again we ask, Is marijuana “devil weed”? In conclusion we must say that

marijuana might be, but the evidence is far from conclusive and far from

complete. That marijuana is a public health problem is clear. Marijuana is a

dangerous substance for individuals to use and operate a motor vehicle of any