Cannabis
Cannabis is the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States. Interestingly, cannabis abuse is more rampant in states where it is unlawful than in states where it is legal. Cannabis, also called pot or Marijuana, is associated with some of the most famous people like Bob Marley. Bob Marley was buried with his Bible, a guitar and a bud of Marijuana. However, the addiction rates of cannabis are lower than those of other recreational drugs like cocaine and heroin. Marijuana is associated with addiction. About nine per cent of people who smoke cannabis become addicted. Heavy smokers of cannabis are at high risk of some conditions same as cigarette smokers like bronchitis and to some extent lung cancer. However, studies have shown that cannabis has the potential of stopping or slowing down the growth of some tumours. There is a synthetic version of cannabis called DHMP, which was developed by the United States military soldiers about sixty years ago. Its effect can last several days.
I chose to discuss cannabis because its use has recently become a global problem, primarily due to its association with modern hip hop music. According to reports by the United Nations, close to three per cent of the world’s population abuse cannabis. Also, studies have shown that the number of teenagers who try cannabis for the first time each day is quite overwhelming.
Other groups found out that the active component is a chemical called delta-nine tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the chemical that produces the mood-altering effect of cannabis. They also found out that cannabis was first used as a medical drug by the Chinese people. I think cannabis usage should be regulated owing to its addictive tendency and potential health risk.