Cannabis Sativa or marijuana normally refers to the dried leaves, stems, flowers or seeds of the hemp plant whose scientific name is cannabis sativa. Marijuana consists of a mind altering component also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This however is not the only component of the plant there are other related compounds. Marijuana extracts that contain high THC amounts can be obtained from the marijuana plant.
Weed is one of the most commonly consumed illicit drugs in the US; this is according to a report released by SAMHSA in 2014. Marijuana use is more widespread with the young people. In an annual study carried out for young middle and high school students the consumption rate is said to have steadily gone up in the last few years and especially following the same increase over the last couple of years. The same results also showed that the percentage of young people who thought that cannabis use pauses a risk to their health is also on the decline.
The debate surrounding marijuana legalization especially for medicinal use or its legalization for recreational consumption has also been on the increase and has probably led to the increase in the use among the young.
Contrary to this increasing belief, marijuana like any other drug can be quite addictive. There are studies that show that in every 11 users, one person will become addicted to marijuana. This differs from those who start consuming marijuana in their teenage years. The figure goes up to one in every six users becomes addicted which translates to 17 percent. Among those who consume marijuana on a daily basis it is likely that between 25 to 50 per cent of them will get addicted to the drug. Marijuana consumption has been connected to mental illnesses like depression and psychosis.
