Recreational Marijuana: Facts and Benefits

Marijuana is a substance that has been used recreationally for centuries. Now, because of its many benefits, it's legal in some states and countries to purchase marijuana products from a cannabis store known as a dispensary. There are many reasons why people decide to use marijuana recreationally. Do you want to know more about the facts and benefits?

History of Marijuana in the United States

The use of marijuana for recreational purposes was first recorded in the United States on March 20, 1619. The Virginia Assembly passed a law that criminalized cannabis sativa plants and made possession punishable by death.

Marijuana's Illegal Status in the US

In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act required anyone who wanted to grow or sell marijuana to have a license . After the Marijuana Tax Act, marijuana became illegal to possess in most states and was classified as a Schedule I drug.

Marijuana's Legal Status Today

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 began regulating cannabis on a national level. The act created five schedules that classify drugs according to their potential for abuse and medical usage. Cannabis is currently listed as a Schedule I drug.

Medical Marijuana Legalized in California

In 1996, marijuana became legal for medical purposes under the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and was reclassified as a Schedule II substance. It is now legal to use marijuana in any state that has legalized its usage for medicinal purposes.

Marijuana's Legal Status Today

Recreational cannabis now enjoys the benefits of legality in many states. As a recreational drug, marijuana has potent psychoactive effects and offers relief from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD or other conditions that cause discomfort.

In 2014 the United States saw the first state legalize recreational cannabis use with Colorado passing Amendment 64 on November 08th of 2012. Since then, marijuana has been legal for recreational use in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and the District of Columbia, to name just a few states which have legalized its usage in one form or another.

In addition to this, a majority of American voters are now in favor of marijuana legalization. A national poll conducted by Quinnipiac University found that 55% of those surveyed supported legalizing pot while only 41% were opposed.

Ways to Use or Consume Marijuana

Marijuana can be consumed in a plethora of ways, with some methods being more effective than others. Smoking marijuana is incredibly efficient and provides the quickest relief for those who are in pain or experiencing anxiety/depression due to chronic illness.

For people looking for less intense effects from their pot use, ingesting it by eating brownies or drinking may be preferred. You can also make marijuana infused oils that are made by heating it up in a pan with melted butter, oil or coconut oil and then mix it with any food you want to give an extra kick of flavor without getting high.

Vape pens are a very popular way to consume marijuana, as they allow those who are looking for an alternative to smoking a joint the chance of staying healthy.

Some people do what are called "dabs," and this is a way of consuming marijuana by heating up the concentrate on a metal surface.

The main difference between smoking weed and vaping it, for example, is that when you smoke pot your lungs absorb all the plant particles. When you vape marijuana, those same particles are not inhaled which makes it easier to avoid any health effects caused by inhaling weed.

This is just one example of how people have found clever ways to consume marijuana recreationally while still being healthy.

Benefits of Marijuana Use as an Adjunct to Western Medicine

The use of marijuana can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including:

-Relief from chronic pain

-Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms

-Lessening side effects in those who take prescription medication to combat mental illness or epilepsy.

As for health benefits, marijuana is reportedly used to relieve pain and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and other illnesses.

Many cancer patients find that marijuana helps them with their treatment-related nausea.

Smoking marijuana can help reduce the number of seizures associated with epilepsy, and it also brings relief to those suffering from muscle spasms or chronic pain.

The drug is used by people looking for an appetite stimulant as well as a safe alternative to dangerous drugs like heroin or cocaine addiction treatments.

Side Effects Of Marijuana Usage?

One concern with the recreational use of marijuana is the risk of addiction.

Some studies show that around nine percent of recreational marijuana users become addicted to the drug, and it's been suggested that one in six people who use cannabis daily or near-daily will go on to develop an abusive relationship with the substance. Cannabis also increases heart rate by up to 20 beats per minute, which some users may find worrying, and it has been shown to interfere with brain development in adolescents in some studies.

As a result of these side effects, marijuana use can be very dangerous for people who are driving or operating machinery. While the drug may not have the same negative impact on cognition as alcohol does, it has been found that being under the influence of cannabis impairs motor skills and attention levels.

There are many benefits to recreational marijuana use, but it's important for people who are considering using the drug not only to weigh these potential risks and benefits of cannabis consumption carefully, but also take into consideration any preexisting medical conditions or substance abuse history that may predispose them to increased risk when under the influence of cannabinoids.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?

Many marijuana users feel that the benefits of usage far outweigh the risks, especially now that they can legally visit a recreational dispensary in their own town. What do you think?