Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in America. It is a drug that crosses race, religion, age, and gender barriers. Also called weed, pot, and cannabis, among others, this drug is used by men and women ranging from 14 to 80. In 1989 some 20 million Americans used marijuana more or less regularly. (Kleiman) Reports say that the major period for onset of cannabis use occurs before age 20 years, with

defiant disorder and conduct disorder, in:

There may be several neurological effects associated with marijuana use. In a study of 16-19 year-olds, it was reported that those with marijuana dependency were about three times more likely to report a history of major depressive disorder than those that don't use the drug. In a latter study, participants reported that the depression often preceded the substance use, raising the question of the nature of the relationship between weed use and mental health problems; in other words, "what leads to what?"

Though there is a huge debate and controversy over the legalization of marijuana, there are still scientist out there proving different things everyday about weed and it's functions and legislative policies. Pot is the most socially accepted drug,, in an age defying unity, giving people a common thread. Like office workers on a cigarette break, it creates a circle or a club of users.

2) If the addicted individual is deprived of his drug, he experiences severe and highly unpleasant physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. (Grinspoon)

The feeling of elation and lack of complex thought seems to drive the people to keep using weed. People crave the feeling of being able to think of nothing or atleast nothing important, so they can relax. When a significant period of time with out the drug has passed, a feeling of stress or overwhelming workload will induce a time to get "high" and "chill out". So with the need to escape from reality, weed allows the user to simmer down and step into their own world with out completely leaving reality. People that are under the influence of pot show usually have small if any noticeable changes in a person's appearance. Dilated pupils and dry mouth are common effects of becoming "high" .

Drug Abuse In America: Problem in Perspective

Disruptive Behavior Disorders, New York, PlenumPress

It's not the addictive drug in it, it's the addictive way of wanting to feel good and happy all the time. Dependant people often times don't need the drug to live, but do to feel happy and calm down. When users feel they need to calm down or stop their boredom, they don't turn to conventional ways of relaxing or ridding themselves of boredom, like going for a walk or playing a game. Rather, users turn to marijuana to feel comfort and happy, since weed creates a lack of comprehension of time, it also seems to stop boredom. Almost always done with a friend, smoking pot is the most common way to take the drug. This also ties I into using weed as a relationship and friendship builder, and a way to become more social.

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