Marijuana or Mary is the mixture of all parts of the plant called Cannabis. Its active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol. Hashish, also known as joint or spliff, arises from the distillation of resin obtained from flowers and presents a much higher concentration of marijuana THC. (40% versus 10% in the leaves). This is used as a drug by smoking in cigarettes or a pipe, while hashish typically has to burn a little to undo his usual pills that are brownish. Then mixed with snuff to smoke.
Cannabis derivatives are the most widely used worldwide.
There are many varieties. Among them we have:
- Chastri: variety used in Egypt and resulting from the combination of hashish with fermented rice, sugar and herbs.
- Madjoum: variety of Far East formed by mixing hashish with opium.
HISTORY
There are historical references of cannabis use in China almost 3000 years. C. where it was used as a medicinal plant mainly to combat rheumatoid diseases and malaria. Almost all ancient cultures used it, but their dissemination and greater use is due to the Arabs. It was studied for the first time from a scientific point of view in the late eighteenth century in France, where it spread within the cultural world of Bohemia.
In the first half of the twentieth century was used between intellectual society and in the 60s and 70s, marijuana consumption, he competed with that of LSD in what was the “hippie” movement. From then on consumption in the West it has declined, being replaced by hashish that has spread in circles of different social background and their use has become very extensive. (It is estimated about 300 million consumers of hashish worldwide)
The main producers are: Morocco, Lebanon and Pakistan. However, there are also major productions in Eastern Europe (parallel 3 and 6), Lebanon, Himalaya, Colombia, Jamaica, the Netherlands and Afghanistan.
EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA AND HASH
Marijuana and hashish are considered soft drugs. Unlike opiates (morphine, heroin, etc.) and other drugs (LSD, cocaine, etc.) do not produce withdrawal symptoms or physical need to consume, even if that “hooked” psychologically. Unlike most other drugs that lead to social isolation consumer have a socializing effect causing the consumer to open contact with the outside world. Anyone, no matter who is accustomed to consumption, can quit, but for a week will present symptoms of insomnia, loss of appetite and irritability.
Among the positive effects of consumption are increasing imagination, euphoria, stimulation and pleasure sensations, sense of well-being and hallucinations. It should also mention the therapeutic uses of marijuana.
As for the negative effects of marijuana and hashish, it has been mentioned in some studies some changes in the psyche, especially the lack of interest and motivation especially in adolescents as well as some psychotic disorders. From a physical point of view the problems of arrhythmia and early coronary insufficiencies are mentioned. These studies are advised not to use this herb, even for therapeutic purposes, in patients with schizophrenia and in people with heart problems.
Consumed in excess, also it has a number of negative effects: memory loss, anxiety, loss of control, dry mouth, tachycardia and hypertension.
Other negative consequences of those mentioned for the human organism as would be weak nails and hair, lost by widespread tooth decay. It has been unsuccessfully attempted to show that the use of these drugs is a bridge to the use of other hard drugs.
MARIJUANA
Formed by leaf, flowers, fruits, buds and soft stems of hemp. Once dry, it itches. It noted for its low percentage of THC, between 1 and 3%. Adopts different names, Marijuana in Mexico, Kifi in Morocco, Grifa, or Grang in India.
- It is consumed alone or mixed with snuff (reefer).
- The ganja, whose use is virtually unknown in Spain, forms of female flowers pressed without stems or leaves. It is between 3 and 4% THC other alcohol.