Mary Jane: The Devil Weed

Mary Jane: The Devil Weed


ABSTRACT:  This paper, entitled "Mary Jane:  The Devil Weed?" attempts to

examine what we know about marijuana and what problems are associated with its

use.  The paper examines briefly the history of marijuana legislation,

marijuana's known effects, and conclusions about its danger.


     Early in this century, the government waged a war of terrorism on marijuana,

or cannabis sativa.  "By 1937, forty-six states had laws against the use of

marijuana, and its use had already been made a criminal offense under federal

law" (Jaffe, 659).  Andrews pointed out that "not until some time in the early

1930s did the Louisianna legislature pass a state regulation making use of the

drug illegal" (5).  Jaffe noted that "since the early 1900s, marifuana has been

considered the one drug that might introduce the susceptible to hard drugs."

Jaffe pointed out that "since about 1950.... smoking of marijuana has been

linked statistically to the use of other illicit drugs....Most observers have

concluded that the link is sociological rather than biological and...marijuana

is a marker for individuals who are more prone to seek new experiences even when

these violate social norms and local laws."

    Andrews related that "sensational newspaper stories relating...to crime is

generally held to be accountable for the sudden enactment of a law prohibiting

its use."  He went on to note that "users were often subject to heavy penalties-

-up to life imprisonment in Texas."  "After caffeine, nicotine and alcohol,

marijuana is the fourth most popular abused substance" (O'Brien, Cohen, Evans,

and Fine, 175).


does marijuana deserve this reputation?  We must first consider what it is

and what effects it has.  The active ingredient is tetrahydocannabinol, or THC

(Andrews).  THC, found only in the female plant, produces a mild euphoric effect.

Marijuana is considered a hallucinogen, a Schedule 1 drup, under the Controlled

Substances Act of 1970 (O'Brien, Cohen, Evans, and Fine, 177).  A Schedule 1

drug means there is no known medical use.  Recently "a new drug application was

approved for THC (Marinol) to be used therapeutically for control of nausea and

vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy" (Jaffe, 663).  This moved THC from

Schedule 1 to 2 (medical use despite potential for abuse).

     How dangerous is marijuana?  Jaffe notes that "any performance test shows

impairment....although no distinctive biochemical changes have been found in

humans."  Andrews writes, "Physical effects of marijuana use is probably the

major question....The answer?  None."  O'Brien, Cohen, Evans, and Fine, reported

that the National Institute on 
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