Abstract
The paper discusses how the possible link between cannabis use and the onset of psychosis has been scrutinized by numerous psychologists and researchers over recent years. The paper looks at how Degenhardt & Hall (2006) analyzed a number of longitudinal studies of adolescents and young adults in an attempt to determine whether cannabis use leads to psychosis in predisposed persons. The paper relates that the collected data suggested that cannabis may be a trigger for schizophrenia in those who are predisposed, whether it be personally or genetically.

From the Paper
"The possible link between cannabis use and the onset of psychosis has been scrutinized by numerous psychologists and researchers over recent years. Degenhardt & Hall (2006) analyzed a number of longitudinal studies of adolescents and young adults in an attempt to determine whether cannabis use leads to psychosis in predisposed persons. The collected data suggested that cannabis may be a trigger for schizophrenia in those who are predisposed, whether it be personally or genetically."

Tags:cannabis, relationship, psychosis

Abstract
Cannabis has long been classified as a soft drug. Moreover its medicinal uses have prompted governmental licensing for cultivation. However, the notion that cannabis induces psychosis is not a positive development. This paper therefore studies this issue in the light of literature available and prior research that has been conducted to reach a definite conclusion.

Abstract
The paper considers the impact on society of lighter laws concerning cannabis and whether it is a safe substance appropriate to our society. The paper has particular reference to the social climate of the United Kingdom.

From the Paper
"When David Blunket announced he wanted the UK's laws covering cannabis to be eased, I had images of London taking over Amsterdam as the central drugs spot in Europe. I saw Jamaican themed 'coffee shops' lining the streets of Soho, bakers selling hash-cakes, teachers and students alike enjoying a joint to go with their lunch-time snack. A society where cannabis is fully accepted may not be so farfetched. Under the Home Secretary's scheme, the drug would remain illegal, but the punishments, with its reclassification as a class 'C' drug, would be lessened - maximum sentences of 2 years for possession and 5 years for supply would apply. But rather than arresting people caught with cannabis, police will be more likely to issue a warning, a caution or a court summons, increasing their attention on harder drugs such as coke and heroin."

Tags:blunkett, coke, drug, england, grass, green, heroin, skunk, weed

Abstract
The paper discusses L. Degenhardt and W. Hall's research and examines their conclusion that cannabis use probably increases the risk of schizophrenia, particularly when it comes to genetically vulnerable individuals. The paper is of the opinion that Degenhardt and Hall's paper should be used only as a summary of general research since the work is limited and perhaps biased. The writer of this paper reveals that he himself remains unconvinced that marijuana usage can cause psychosis in a statistically significant number of individuals.

Outline:
Abstract
Evidence of Research
Method
Identification of Consumers
Interpretation of Findings
Concluding Statements
Utility and Limitations
Personal Reflections

From the Paper
"Degenhardt & Hall cite growing interest in a possible relationship between schizophrenia and marijuana as a motivator for research. Research is based primarily on exploring two established hypotheses: 1), that heavy cannabis use causes psychosis in those that would otherwise be free of such mental instability; and 2), that cannabis may exacerbate or precipitate schizophrenia in those already predisposed to the condition (2006, pp. 556-567). Evidence must therefore be based on the ability to prove that a link between cannabis and psychosis exists by eliminating other variables. Prior research has determined that cannabis may be linked to schizophrenia and related disorders based on the following various findings: that schizophrenia often follows a history of heavy cannabis consumption; that affected individuals show signs of amnesia and confusion; that some psychotic cannabis users display no personal or family history of the disorder; and evidence that psychosis fades after discontinued use of marijuana and reappears after marijuana use resumes (ibid, p. 557)."

Tags:mental, instability, variables, bias

Abstract
This paper explores the issue of marijuana legalization, while advocating in favor of the change. The paper explains that marijuana, like all drugs, does not come without risk, but the risks are minimal. The author opines that risk-taking is among the decisions people have the right to make for themselves in a free society. Among the many benefits mentioned in the paper are the cancer-preventative properties of marijuana, which have been illustrated in research studies. The paper asserts that the illegal status of marijuana, while cigarettes and alcohol are allowed, is both ridiculous and insensible; further, something that helps prevent even minor types of cancer and helps the economy should obviously be legal. The paper concludes that legalizing marijuana would be beneficial for society overall.

From the Paper
"It is also a common misconception that marijuana increases motor vehicle accident risks. While it does have some effects, they do not even approach the severity of the effects of alcohol. Drivers under the influence of marijuana are usually known to decrease their speed and take a little longer to react to emergency situations. The researchers at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 15 percent of the trauma patients who were injured while driving a car or motorcycle had been smoking marijuana. While there may be a certain percent of THC in said patient's body, it doesn't mean that their accident was caused by said marijuana. "A marijuana mention does not mean that marijuana caused the hospital visit or that it was a factor leading to the ER episode, only that the patient said that he or she had used marijuana previously" (Armentano)."

Tags:positive, negative, weed, hemp, cannabis

Abstract
The paper explains that since drugs with psychoactive properties are banned, marijuana has become a victim of stringent laws despite the fact that it has many medical uses. The paper examines two articles that emphasize the effective medical properties of marijuana. The paper shows how, while it will remain a controversial drug, many people have found marijuana to be highly effective with minor medical disorders.

From the Paper
"Cannabis or Marijuana is one of the most misunderstood drugs of all time. Since all drugs with certain psychoactive properties are banned or considered illegal, marijuana has also become a victim of stringent laws despite the fact that it has many medical uses. The public understands that this drug has the highest potential of misuse and abuse but at the same time, the public has supported compassionate use of marijuana. In 1996, 56 percent of voters in California felt that marijuana should be allowed for medical treatment. Since then the number of supporters and magnitude of support have grown steadily making cannabis one of the most controversial drugs."

Tags:physicians, prescriptions, legalization, medicine, abuse

Abstract
The paper explains that the first article, which discusses the effects of nicotine on immunity, states that, despite the many negative effects, nicotine has some benefits such as increasing short-term attention, cognition and memory, suppressing inflammation in colic ulcers and reducing involuntary tics in Tourettes's syndrome. The author points out that the article suggests that the ongoing investigation into the effect of nicotine on immune response is important in guiding the medical community to use nicotine for treatment of tobacco dependence or specific neurological diseases while minimizing its harmful effects. The paper reports that the second article, which attempts to compare and analyze the hazard functions for alcohol and cannabis effects by summarizing the results from the studies available, in order to determine equipotency of the two drugs for a variety of variables.

Table of Contents
Article 1: Effects of Nicotine on Immunity
Summary
Response
Article 2: Behavioral Effects of Alcohol and Cannabis
Summary
Response

From the Paper
"It affects the immune system since the type of receptors on which nicotine acts are present on immune cells as well. Experiments show that nicotine acts on specific immune cells but no link has so far been established between the long-term effects of nicotine on immune response. Nicotine also has a role in promoting cardio-vascular disease. It is known to constrict blood vessels resulting in increased blood pressure. Its stimulation of certain hormones such as norepinephrine from the adrenal glands could lead to thrombosis (blood clots) and hardening of arteries. It is also known to cause increase in circulating fatty acids, total cholesterol and triglycerides-al of which contribute to heart disease. Interference of nicotine with the immune system further aggravates the chances of cardio-vascular disease."

Tags:benefits, cells, experiments, cardiovascular, equipotency

Abstract
The essay begins with a concise definition of drugs. It then proceeds to detail the emotional and behavioral effects of both cannabis and cocaine, charting the physiological, behavioral, and cognitive effects in reference to research in the area. The essay also examines the social consequences of the drugs, the addiction process, and resulting psychological damage.

From the Paper
"A drug is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as "any chemical entity or mixture of entities other than those required for the maintenance of normal health (like food), the administration of which alters biological function and possibly structure" (1981, p227, cited in Maisto, Galizio, and Connors, 1999). The definition provided therefore covers drugs such as caffeine and alcohol as well as medicinal drugs such as antidepressants and ant psychotics. This essay, however will focus on the behavioral effects of recreational drugs, particularly that of cannabis and cocaine."

Tags:addiction, cognitive, come, consequences, depressant, down, intoxication, recreational, social, stimulant, tolerance, withdrawal

Abstract
This paper is an in-depth look at why marijuana's use for medical application is a purpose important enough to legalize the substance with pharmaceutical control by the government. The author examines scientific and historical background of marijuana, and the lack of public information on marijuana.

Outline
Medical marijuana use.
Ancient use of marijuana
Marijuana used for religion and other things.
Facts about marijuana.
Research on marijuana's potential abuse.
Lack of public information on marijuana
"Legal" drugs abuse
Media hype of marijuana
Ethnic tendency towards abuse
Marijuana and cancer chemotherapy
Marijuana and AIDS
Other medical uses of marijuana
Enough medical research.
Cannabis research
AIDS patients and marijuana.
Medical marijuana activists
Voters in favor of legalizing marijuana in many states.
Positive medical applications of cannabis.
Many countries have legalized medicinal marijuana.

From the Paper
"Marijuana has been known for centuries and played a significant role in human history, being used for religious ceremonies, rope, medicine and recreation, among other registered uses. An enormous amount of hypothesis has been developed concerning other uses, or consequences of using dope. Mythologies from many countries speak of numberless gods and deids. It is possible many of these gods were imagined or seen by shaman or oracles that were under the influences of drugs. Cannabis use was mentioned in the fours Vedas (from India), one of the oldest religious manuscripts (Harrison, 70). Such Reginald Campbell and R Everett offer a general overview of marijuana in Substance Abuse in Workplace: " The most common form of marijuana found in the U.S. is Cannabis Sativa... There are about 421 known chemicals in the plant... but the active chemical is believed to be the tetrahydro-cannabinols (THC), oils possessing physiological activity... Some symptoms of marijuana intoxication include confusion, euphoria, hallucinations, hunger, red eyes, ego-inflation, dry mouth, excessive laughing and coma" (42-43). Marijuana intoxication is said to last two to three hours, but the ingredient delta-9-tetrahydro -cannabinol can accumulate in brain and testes tissues (Hubbard, Franco, Onaivi, 1999). Marijuana, pot or weed, among other names, has a variety of practical uses. Hemp is used to built cords and even clothing. There are a number of websites on the Internet that offer a variety of products made out of hemp. Sadly, it is to blame that such a helpful herb be considered illegal due to the bad nature and unconsciousness of humans."

Tags:cancer, effects, legalization, marijuana, medical, hemp, aids, chemotherpay, fda, ms, cannabis, medicine, drug, smoke

Abstract
An in-depth look at the history and usage of medical Marijuana. The author looks at marijuana usage in different cultures for different medical conditions.

From the paper:

"Marijuana is the common name for a drug comprised of the leaves and flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant, cannabis sativa, which can be smoked or eaten for unique feelings. The active ingredient of marijuana, known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is concentrated in the flowering tops of the Indian hemp plant. In the USA, the legality of marijuana, found to be medically useful by some, has been a controversial topic for decades (Nahas 1)."

Tags:cannabis, marijuana, medical, pot, tetrahydrocannabinol, thc, weed