Let’s briefly go over some fundamental facts about marijuana. Then, we’ll get into the Top 10 Myths associated with this drug.
- Marijuana is the most frequently used illicit drug in the world.
- The term "marijuana" refers to the leaves and flowering buds of cannabis sativa, the hemp plant. The plant contains cannabinoids, and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid believed to be responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
- Marijuana varies significantly in its potency depending on the plant type and location of the crop.
- In the early 1980s, the average amount of THC in seized samples was around 4%. According to more recent seized samples, THC levels hover around 10%. In other words, marijuana has become more potent over time. In certain regions, THC content has been found to be as high at 40%.
- Marijuana is usually smoked (e.g. joints, pipes, bongs, blunts), but is sometimes mixed in foods or brewed in tea to induce its effects.
- The effects of marijuana can be felt within a few minutes and generally last 3 to 4 hours.
- Cannabis seized in the United States either grown domestically or smuggled into the country – generally through Mexico or Canada.
Next, we’ll look at marijuana myths 1 – 3.