The quality of marijuana varies in two ways: (1) the composition with regard to plant parts and (2) the concentration of the primary active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The best quality marijuana, referred to in Asia as ganja, includes only the tops of the plant, the flowers and young leaves. Poor quality marijuana, known in Asian as bhang, is made up of lower leaves, stems, and seeds. The concentration of THC in the leaves and buds of a Cannabis

Not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted. Those who do, usually find themselves using the drug more and more often. It becomes difficult to quit and becomes a big part of their daily life. This effect is known as tolerance. (Somdahl, 41)

The small amount of THC remaining in the bloodstream has a half-life of about 19 hours. This long half-life is the result of an equilibrium between levels of THC in the plasma and those in the fatty storage tissues in the liver and elsewhere. The disposition of THC and its metabolites into fat lengthens the time necessary for the clearance of THC from the body. This is because THC and its metabolites are released slowly into the bloodstream from the fat, as levels of these compounds in the bloodstream drop.

Marijuana is the most frequently used illicit drug in the United States. Getting hooked on marijuana can happen to anyone at anytime. Researchers also suggest that marijuana smokers stand a greater risk of trying even more dangerous drugs. This risk has earned marijuana its reputation as a "gateway drug". Along with alcohol and tobacco, it has been blamed as one of the first drugs most people use before moving on the more dangerous ones. Marijuana brings up a very controversial issue. The effects of this drug can be beneficial and yet harmful. There is a lot of information we have yet to learn about this drug, but until then it is hard to make a decision on the drug's whereabouts or come to a conclusion about marijuana.

There are many psychological effects that go along with smoking marijuana, some users describe the acute psychological effects of mild THC intoxication as similar to a state of daydreaming, or the way one feels just before falling asleep. The user develops feelings of carefree relaxation, sleepiness (sedation), and mild euphoria. These feelings are accompanied by enhanced taste, touch, smell, visual, and auditory perceptions. There are also changes in thought formation and an alteration in the perception of time. Cravings for food, especially sweets, sometimes occur. (Pinger et al, 314)

The inhaled smoke from marijuana brings THC into contact with the blood in the alveoli of the lungs, where is it then quickly absorbed because of its high lipid solubility. Experienced users develop the habit of inhaling the smoke deeply and then holding the smoke in the lungs for several moments to permit a more complete absorption of the THC. (Pinger et al, 310)

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