Spliff  seeds Bubble Gum is from the Gold seed collection is a feminised 55% indica marijuana variety with a an unforgettable fruity odour and bubble gum flavours. Originally from the US, it was futher improved and stabilized in Holland.

10) MARIJUANA USE HAS NO EFFECT ON MORTALITY:
A massive study of California HMO members funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found marijuana use caused no significant increase in mortality. Tobacco use was associated with increased risk of death. Sidney, S et al. Marijuana Use and Mortality. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 87 No. 4, April 1997. p. 585-590. Sept. 2002.

9) HEAVY MARIJUANA USE AS A YOUNG ADULT WON’T RUIN YOUR LIFE:
Veterans Affairs scientists looked at whether heavy marijuana use as a young adult caused long-term problems later, studying identical twins in which one twin had been a heavy marijuana user for a year or longer but had stopped at least one month before the study, while the second twin had used marijuana no more than five times ever. Marijuana use had no significant impact on physical or mental health care utilization, health-related quality of life, or current socio-demographic characteristics. Eisen SE et al. Does Marijuana Use Have Residual Adverse Effects on Self-Reported Health Measures, Socio-Demographics or Quality of Life? A Monozygotic Co-Twin Control Study in Men. Addiction. Vol. 97 No. 9. p.1083-1086. Sept.
1997

THE “GATEWAY EFFECT” MAY BE A MIRAGE:
Marijuana is often called a “gateway drug” by supporters of prohibition, who point to statistical “associations” indicating that persons who use marijuana are more likely to eventually try hard drugs than those who never use marijuana – implying that marijuana use somehow causes hard drug use. But a model developed by RAND Corp. researcher Andrew Morral demonstrates that these associations can be explained “without requiring a gateway effect.” More likely, this federally funded study suggests, some people simply have an underlying propensity to try drugs, and start with what’s most readily available. Morral AR, McCaffrey D and Paddock S. Reassessing the Marijuana Gateway Effect. Addiction. December 2002. p. 1493-1504.

7) PROHIBITION DOESN’T WORK (PART I):
The White House had the National Research Council examine the data being gathered about drug use and the effects of U.S. drug policies. NRC concluded, “the nation possesses little information about the effectiveness of current drug policy, especially of drug law enforcement.” And what data exist show “little apparent relationship between severity of sanctions prescribed for drug use and prevalence or frequency of use.” In other words, there is no proof that prohibition – the cornerstone of U.S. drug policy for a century – reduces drug use. National Research Council. Informing America’s Policy on Illegal Drugs: What We Don’t Know Keeps Hurting Us. National Academy Press, 2001. p. 193.

6) PROHIBITION DOESN’T WORK (PART II):
DOES PROHIBITION CAUSE THE “GATEWAY EFFECT”?): U.S. and Dutch researchers, supported in part by NIDA, compared marijuana users in San Francisco, where non-medical use remains illegal, to Amsterdam, where adults may possess and purchase small amounts of marijuana from regulated businesses. Looking at such parameters as frequency and quantity of use and age at onset of use, they found no differences except one: Lifetime use of hard drugs was significantly lower in Amsterdam, with its “tolerant” marijuana policies. For example, lifetime crack cocaine use was 4.5 times higher in San Francisco than Amsterdam. Reinarman, C, Cohen, PDA, and Kaal, HL. The Limited Relevance of Drug Policy: Cannabis in Amsterdam and San Francisco. American Journal of Public Health. Vol. 94, No. 5. May 2004. p. 836-842.

5) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART I):
Federal researchers implanted several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung cancers, in mice, then treated them with cannabinoids (unique, active components found in marijuana). THC and other cannabinoids shrank tumors and increased the mice’s lifespans. Munson, AE et al. Antineoplastic Activity of Cannabinoids. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Sept. 1975. p. 597-602.

4) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER, (PART II):
In a 1994 study the government tried to suppress, federal researchers gave mice and rats massive doses of THC, looking for cancers or other signs of toxicity. The rodents given THC lived longer and had fewer cancers, “in a dose-dependent manner” (i.e. the more THC they got, the fewer tumors). NTP Technical Report On The Toxicology And Carcinogenesis Studies Of 1-Trans- Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, CAS No. 1972-08-3, In F344/N Rats And B6C3F Mice, Gavage Studies. See also, “Medical Marijuana: Unpublished Federal Study Found THC-Treated Rats Lived Longer, Had Less Cancer,” AIDS Treatment News no. 263, Jan. 17, 1997.

3) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART III):
Researchers at the Kaiser-Permanente HMO, funded by NIDA, followed 65,000 patients for nearly a decade, comparing cancer rates among non-smokers, tobacco smokers, and marijuana smokers. Tobacco smokers had massively higher rates of lung cancer and other cancers. Marijuana smokers who didn’t also use tobacco had no increase in risk of tobacco-related cancers or of cancer risk overall. In fact their rates of lung and most other cancers were slightly lower than non-smokers, though the difference did not reach statistical significance. Sidney, S. et al. Marijuana Use and Cancer Incidence (California, United States). Cancer Causes and Control. Vol. 8. Sept. 1997, p. 722-728.

2) OOPS, MARIJUANA MAY PREVENT CANCER (PART IV):
Donald Tashkin, a UCLA researcher whose work is funded by NIDA, did a case-control study comparing 1,200 patients with lung, head and neck cancers to a matched group with no cancer. Even the heaviest marijuana smokers had no increased risk of cancer, and had somewhat lower cancer risk than non-smokers (tobacco smokers had a 20-fold increased lung cancer risk). Tashkin D. Marijuana Use and Lung Cancer: Results of a Case-Control Study. American Thoracic Society International Conference. May 23, 2006.

1) MARIJUANA DOES HAVE MEDICAL VALUE:
In response to passage of California’s medical marijuana law, the White House had the Institute of Medicine (IOM) review the data on marijuana’s medical benefits and risks. The IOM concluded, “Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana.” While noting potential risks of smoking, the report added, “we acknowledge that there is no clear alternative for people suffering from chronic conditions that might be relieved by smoking marijuana, such as pain or AIDS wasting.” The government’s refusal to acknowledge this finding caused co-author John A. Benson to tell the New York Times that the government “loves to ignore our report … they would rather it never happened.” Joy, JE, Watson, SJ, and Benson, JA. Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. National Academy Press. 1999. p. 159. See also, Harris, G. FDA Dismisses Medical Benefit From Marijuana. New York Times. Apr.
21, 2006

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (Marketwire – Sept 15, 2010 – Medical Marijuana Inc (OTC: MJNA) is proud to announce that The Hemp Network, which is a new multi-level marketing division, (www.thehempnetwork.com)  reports an excellent response to The Hemp Network at two cannabis and hemp industry events this previous weekend. The two events were Mega Production’s “HempCon” at the Los Angeles Convention Center and The Hemp and Cannabis Foundation’s “Hempstalk 2010″ in Portland, Oregon.  Medical Marijuana Inc is now in full momentum as they prepare for their own upcoming medical cannabis trade show in October at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, which is being hailed as the largest event of this kind ever to take place east of the Mississippi (www.harmonyharvestfest.com).

A team of ten Hemp Network’s “International Hemp Consultants” in Los Angeles, California and a team of eight “IHC’s” in Portland, Oregon recorded 328 new signups to The Hemp Network.  The Hemp Network now hasover 2,800 distributors and growing rapidly every day making it the largest sales force in the medical marijuana, cannabis and hemp industries.

CEO Bruce Perlowin said “It was exciting and gratifying to feel the energy and note the reaction and interaction of the attendees with the IHC’s. Everyone was aware and involved with the need to revive the hemp plant and its many uses and benefits. That’s why so many people were willing to take the time not only to listen, but to enroll in the Hemp Network (www.thehempnetwork.com) and to learn from the leaders”.

Perlowin was the featured speaker at HempCon, where he spoke both Friday and Saturday night, elaborating on the “Marijuana Business Outlook for the Next Five Years”. The Hemp Network and Medical Marijuana Inc will be showcased in each of the six or more HempCon medical marijuana trade shows scheduled for the coming year in different cities around the US.

ABOUT HEMPCON

HempCon is an elite medical marijuana industry trade show produced by Mega Productions, with a calendar of venues throughout California, Colorado and other states. Prominent attorneys, horticulturists, and industry insiders bring education and products to an eager audience interested in understanding the driving forces behind this emerging multi-billion dollar industry. Vendors offer products and services and entertainment is ongoing through the day, making it a good value as emphasized by the large crowds of people of varied age, gender and origin. Mega Production’s multi city “HempCon” events are quickly becoming the most well known and recognized medical cannabis trade shows in the western United States. www.hempcon.com.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA INC’S SILVERDOME EVENT

Online ticket sales have begun for the largest trade show of its kind in the mid west, The International Holistic Health Cannabis Convention Halloween Harmony and Harvest Fest at the legendary Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan for October 29, 30, and 31^st as more sponsors and vendors enroll for this long awaited and highly promoted and publicized event (See: www.harmonyharvestfest.com) .

Ed Kresty, of the Holistic Health & Educational Center, who is MJNA’s joint venture partner in this trade show said, “With the grand launch of The Hemp Network taking place at our event in the Silverdome and links to our website on thousands of The Hemp Network marketers websites we feel that this exposure coupled with thousands of marketers promoting the event that the attendance will far surpass all our expectations”. 

This spectacular 3 day event will include renowned speakers from various aspects of the health, wellness, cannabis, hemp, harmony and green industries, celebrity speakers and entertainers, a wide assortment of workshops, various documentaries and movies shown throughout the event, a hemp fashion show, a Halloween costume contest on Halloween night, concerts every evening featuring nationally recognized as well as local musical talent, and more.

How do you write an introduction for Jack Herer? Simply put, YOU CAN’T! The second Jack Herer would walk in a room, everyone would take immediate notice. All forms of communication would instantaneously focus on Jack’s trials and tribulations along with his great successes. His disciples’ without delay would start to reflect upon his life and what he has done for us all. From serving in a war, to taking his first toke at the age of 30, then later running for President of the United States; in short, Jack was a man who lived and loved life. His existence would set forth an example of what each and every one of us should be doing to help end prohibition. As you read this article I am certain you will see how this immense man rightfully deserves to be considered one of the founding forefathers’ of the Cannabis movement.

Jack Herer has and will always change lives. Born June 18, 1939 in the city of New York, later passing away April 15, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon; Jack embodied what it is to be an American. A patriot who spent 30 years of his life not ever knowing what “Marijuana” felt or even tasted like. A headstrong Jack put his education on hold, in order to serve his country in Korea. Soon after his service in the Korean War, Herer ended up waging war against his own country in order to decriminalize Cannabis and educate the American people.

How the West Was Won

Jack eventually became a sign painter immediately following his tour in Korea. As time went on he felt it was necessary to head west. At that point, Jack made the decision to pack up, grab the family and move on. The Herer family made a substantial move to Los Angeles, California. Before long Jack and his then, wife went their separate ways. Jack had been told about Marijuana, but showed little to no interest until the age of 30. After deciding it was time to try marijuana out, he not only stimulated his first high, he inadvertently set in motion a campaign to decriminalize Cannabis in every aspect. This campaign would not only be a fight, but it would be an educational course that would involve the whole nation as a class.

With a whole new outlook on life, Jack spent the first half of the 70’s opening up two head-shops, and accomplishing his first writing success the cult classic G.R.A.S.S: Great Revolutionary American Standard System: The official guide for assessing the quality of Marijuana on the 1 to 10 scale. With this success, Herer met a partner that fought along side by side with him, in a battle that would take a lifetime. Jack met Captain Ed Adair; the two made a historic pledge, one that involved a lifetime of work. This pledge has set the standard for Cannabis activists around the globe to this day. Bluntly put, the two of them would work toward the decriminalization, and complete legalization of Cannabis. The commitment would include the release of each and every prisoner that had ever been wrongfully imprisoned and persecuted for the use of Cannabis, or until the two turned 84.

Having started several pro-Cannabis organizations including H.E.M.P (Help End Marijuana Prohibition), Jack and Captain Ed eventually started The Reefer Raiders of Los Angeles. The two spent the next 12 Years preserving & defending any and all information pertaining to the benefits of Cannabis, and its immeasurable amount of uses. They were on a mission to educate not only every American, but every person on this planet about the vast uses of Cannabis. Their research involved uses such as rendering the Hemp plant into an alternative renewable fuel source, medication for the sick and food for the countless starving counties.

$5.00 to 600,000 Copies

Tom Rutherford was the state senator of New Mexico, and as fate would have it,
Jack would be given the opportunity to talk to him about his position on Cannabis. Surprisingly, it was received with an open mind; so much so that the senator told Jack if the facts that he spoke of were true, then Jack should “put it in a book and that’s when pot would be legalized.”

With the optimism and open mindedness Jack received by the great senator, in conjunction with a brief stay in 1983 at a federal prison for not paying a $5.00 fee for registered voters. Herer’s forthrightness would bring out these great words “The 14 days I was in prison I wrote the outline for the Emperor, so f**k them!” Jack had no sympathy for the opposing party. With lies and the reefer madness mentality already in position, the uphill battle was nothing short of motivation for the majestic author.

Prove Me Wrong

Having taken the sound advice of the senator, Herer’s self published “The Emperor Wear No Clothes” skyrocketed into success. This did not come without a cost. Jack had vigorously toured across the US, continuing on the forefront of the Cannabis movement. He was not only speaking at assemblies and rallies; Herer continued and was constantly pushing the preverbal envelope on a daily basis by telling anyone who would listen about his studies and findings. The more Jack felt the crowd embrace not only his presence, but awareness, the more he would continue to fight the fight we all have come to know too well. With the writing of his book, Jack included a challenge to anyone, and everyone to prove the findings in his book incorrect. Jack’s challenge simply put; prove the findings wrong and get one-hundred thousand dollars. Despite the book being published in over 12 languages and selling over 600,000 copies worldwide. No one to this day, with all our new technology and scientific studies has yet to collect the prize.

A Political Party

In 1988 Jack took the biggest step yet, he ran for United States President as a Grassroots candidate. Herer getting 1,949 votes then again in 1992 where he doubled his support with 3,875 votes; Herer was motivated more than ever. With this colossal milestone reached, a great loss was felt. It wasn’t the loss of the presidency; it was the loss of Jack’s partner Captain Ed Adair in 1991. With Herer leading the charge into battle, he persisted to make Cannabis awareness a disease that would infect each and everyone of us. So much so that the Wall Street Journal featured “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” on the front page with a review that launched Jack and the Cannabis movement into an attractiveness that would help strengthen its hold of supporters and readers.

All this notoriety brought the Cannabis movement to an all time high in 1996. This was the year proposition 215 was set into effect in the state of California. This win would lead a stampede of 14 other states in 14 years to legalize the medical use of Marijuana. Even with this win at his back and the movement gaining momentum. 1999 brought out a documentary, by Anita Roddick, about the life of Jack Herer. The film would go on to be labeled as one of the Pot Documentaries in History. The documentary would be Jack worthy by revealing the reasons behind the outlaw of industrial Hemp and Cannabis.

Jack still strived even after having suffered from a mild heart attack and major stroke in 2000, while on stage at the World Hemp Festival. The stroke would bring on 3 years of rehab, and setback with his speech. However Herer would overcome the postponement of his activism. Jack would give the credit of his recovery to earthly medicines. Herer’s fight for decriminalization still continued. On September 12, 2009 Jack was speaking of how great he felt at the Hemp Stalk Festival, then all of a sudden another major heart attack that would force him to be given CPR for 20 minutes till an ambulance could arrive. After several months in critical condition our king the great Jack Herer passed away.

The Greatest Loss in History

Jack Herer passed on, leaving behind him nothing short of a mythical legacy that is worthy of being told for lifetimes. Jack memories are instilled with the wonderful life of having 6 children: Barry, Mark, Dan, Chanci, River Walker and BJ Herer, a wife who would sit by his side as he passed, Jeannie Herer his grandchildren and a brother and sister. Jack and Captain Ed Adair left a legacy that you, I and all the millions if not billions of followers must carry on. Carry on the policy of telling anyone who will listen to us about the truths of Cannabis, and how it’s been shamed, and written off as a drug that will be the end of us all. So take the same pledge, follow in the late great Jack Herer fight till 84, or till it’s legal. Preferably the latter part, but hey an 84 year old can still hold a picket sign, sign a ballot, and even plant a seed.

So to this; Jack Herer, you will forever be missed, but never forgotten. You set in motion a movement that will forever hail and recognize you as one of the founding forefathers of the Hemp movement. Your life did not go without repercussions, not to us, but to those who opposed you. We will forever fight your fight and remind each and every person we come in contact with about the many uses and benefits of Cannabis. Thank you Jack Herer and Rest in Peace.

(On a side note: Jack Herer was honored with a hybrid of strains being crossed namely: Skunk #1 x Northern Lights #5 x Haze. This strain was named after him and has gone on to win several prestigious awards. The hybrid known as Jack Herer has been regarded as one of the most sought out strains available. The noble Jack Herer was also inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame in recognition for his career as an author and as a leader & activist in the decriminalization of Cannabis. )

Written By 420 Staff Writer The Butcher

If you would like to help cover Jack’s growing medical and funeral expenses, please make a donation to the Herer family at the official Herer family website. http://jackherermedicalandmemorialfund.org

Cannabis is still illegal in most countries but there are special cases where it is legal to buy and use. Many countries have decriminalized cannabis possessions and use or downgraded marijuana laws but it’s still illegal in most cases. Here are some exceptions.

Most people think cannabis is a totally illegal substance but this is not always the case. While most countries have laws controlling the possessions and use of cannabis for recreational use, certain forms of the plant are legal as are certain uses. Essentially, in some countries, people are allowed to own and use cannabis for medical reasons, and to own seeds as long as they’re not germinated. Here’s your legal lowdown on marijuana possession and use.

Cannabis is a drug which was demonized in the last century. But the cannabis plant (also known as hemp or marijuana) was one of the world’s most important crops for millennia. It was used as to make clothes and paper, taken by mystics to gain transcendental experiences, and was widely used as a medicine to treat a wide range of conditions. Due its narcotic effects, cannabis was criminalized in most countries of the world during the 20th century. For example, in the United States, hemp became illegal in 1937.

However in recent decades there has been a softening of the law in certain countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark. These countries have decriminalized possession of small amounts for personal use while maintaining harsh laws against trafficking and dealing.

Cannabis has also been made legal for medical use in some places. Recognizing the properties of the drug to treat certain serious medical conditions, governments have made it available to sufferers under controlled conditions.

Cannabis shows considerable promise as a medicine. It has long been used as an analgesic for pain relief, an anti-emetic to relieve nausea, and as an appetite stimulant. These properties make it perfect for use with modern diseases such as HIV/AIDS in which patients frequently suffer from all of the above conditions. Cancer is another condition against which marijuana has been shown to be effective, particularly in the control of the severe nausea caused by chemotherapy. It as also been shown as being effective against Multiple Sclerosis and epilepsy.

Clearly any substance that can help people suffering from such serious conditions needs to be taken advantage of. And in many countries, this is happening. At the time of writing, medicinal marijuana is legal in Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain and in some parts of the United States. Marijuana use and possession is illegal under U.S. federal law. In the United States the control of medical marijuana is carried out on a state by state basis. For example, the states of Arizona and New Mexico require medical marijuana distributors to acquire licenses from the state. California and Maine are two states that distribute marijuana legally through dispensaries. In California, individuals can apply for a government-issued card for medicinal marijuana.

The UK downgraded the classification of cannabis from Class B to Class C in 2004 which meant that it now ranks alongside bodybuilding steroids and some anti-depressants.  Possession of cannabis is not now an arrest able offence in most cases.

However the medical use of marijuana is still prohibited in the UK though judges have frequently acquitted offenders who have been able to demonstrate a medical need. On the other hand, others have been prosecuted. It seems to depend on which part of the country the offender lives in. Essentially in the UK, a drug can only be supplied, possessed or administered under a special license issued by the Home Office.

Another factor to consider is that some authorities make a distinction as to which part of the plant is involved when determining legality. For example, the way things stand today, in the United States, it is legal to possess the roots, stalk, and stems of the cannabis plant. After all, who is going to arrest you for wearing a hemp shirt?

However the flowers, buds and leaves of the plant are illegal and its possession and possession and use can lead to severe penalties. As for the seeds, they’re legal as long as they’re sterilized.

In the UK, it’s legal to possess, trade or buy cannabis seeds and a number of online vendors now offer a wide range of strains for purchase over the Internet. These seeds are sold as fish bait and as genetic preservation souvenirs for the day when their germination will be legal. You can browse the site and find such specialties as homegrown fantaseeds and sensi seeds available for purchase. If you’re over the age of 21, you can just place your order and your seeds will be delivered by post.

Marijuana may be illegal in many places but the fact is that like most herbs, it offers a lot of beneficial healing properties. Marijuana is not just a recreational drug, it’s also a herbal powerhouse which can alleviate many symptoms such as nausea and lack of appetite. This way it can improve the quality of life for many people suffering from serious medical conditions.

The Medical Uses of Marijuana

Marijuana is an emotive topic. Some people consider it a harmless pleasure; others associate the word with pot heads and dope fiends. Or perhaps, like Bill Clinton, they experimented with it in their youth but now respect its illegal status. But controversy aside, the fact is that marijuana is a herb and like most such plants offers many medicinal benefits. Here’s a look at the properties of this drug and the many medical uses of marijuana.

Firstly, let’s look at what marijuana is, exactly.

Marijuana refers to the flowers, leaves and stalks of the cannabis plant. Other names include ganja or hemp. When compiled into a resin, it’s known as hashish or hash. Marijuana is mainly known as a psychoactive, recreational drug.

The main active component of marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When inhaled or ingested, THC attaches to certain parts of the brain known as cannabinoid receptors. The result is the euphoria experienced by users of the drug.

As a herb it also possesses a number of medicinal properties. In fact, marijuana contains over 300 compounds, 60 of which are cannabinoids which are responsible for the plant’s medicinal properties. The main properties of cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes are analgesic (pain relieving), anti-emetic (nausea and vomiting relieving), and as an appetite stimulant.

In fact, before marijuana was branded an illegal drug, it had a long tradition of medical use. It first appears in print in a 2nd century Chinese medical tome and was used in the United States in the 18th century to treat insomnia, labour pains and as an appetite booster. And today, marijuana is still used therapeutically today in the Middle East and parts of Asia.

In countries such as the United States, it has been used in the treatment of chronic pain in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and the emergence of HIV/AIDS led to an increase in its therapeutic use. HIV sufferers can control the progress of the disease with anti viral drugs but tend to experience an array of unpleasant symptoms which marijuana is well equipped to alleviate. These symptoms include nausea and reduced appetite both from the disease itself as well as side effects of powerful anti-virals. People with HIV could use marijuana to stimulate appetite and to reduce nausea which can halt the progress to AIDS wasting, a serious stage in which the body tissue wastes away.

Marijuana can also relieve pain caused by peripheral neuropathy which causes burning and numbness in the hands and feet. And it may be useful to manage the anxiety and depression that accompanies a serious medical condition such as HIV/AIDS.

But all this doesn’t mean that marijuana is a safe substance. For all its medical benefits, marijuana does have its downside. It’s dangerous for pregnant or nursing mothers and those suffering from hepatitis C or with histories of heart disease or stroke. Marijuana has also been though to precipitate psychotic symptoms in people with a family history of mental problems.

Anyone considering the use of marijuana for medical purposes has to consider both legal and medical factors. The fact remains that in most countries it remains a controlled substance with harsh penalties for possession and use with certain exceptions. For example, in the UK, it’s legal to buy greenhouse seeds as souvenirs. It’s legal to buy seeds but not to germinate them. These green house seeds can be bought online and delivered by post. And of course certain liberal countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark do allow possession and consumption in limited amounts in a controlled environment.

Cannabis for recreational use is illegal in most parts of the world. However its use as a medicine is now legal in certain territories including the UK Canada, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Israel, Italy, Finland, and Portugal, and parts of the United States. Such use is strictly controlled however. For example, in those American states where it’s legal, users need to get a Medical Marijuana Card.

Laws governing the possession and use of marijuana are in a state of flux and meanwhile medical research continues. One exciting recent research has shown that marijuana may be effective against tumours such as lung cancer. The fact is that marijuana can improve the quality of life for sick people and so the authorities need to maintain an equitable balance between controlling the recreational use of this drug while maintaining research and use for medicinal purposes.

Marijuana is not just a soft drug for recreational use, it has a rich history dating back thousands of years and for a long time it was an important medicine and industrial material. Marijuana use didn’t begin the hippies and Rastafarians; by the time they took it up, it had already been used around the world for millennia.

Marijuana – The Long and Storied History of Cannabis

Marijuana has the mystique that comes from a long and storied history laced with a edge of risk and excitement. It evokes images of smoky dens where figures sprawl dreaming of worlds beyond, of reggae blasting Rastafarians with hideous dreadlocks and of Amsterdam cafes where users can legally take a toke or two. This is the common picture of marijuana but the real story is far richer and more complex. So what is marijuana and what’s so special about it?

Essentially, marijuana (also known as cannabis or hemp) is an aromatic plant. Its notoriety comes from the fact that the dried leaves of the female plant can be used as a psychoactive drug. Smoked, chewed or made into cakes, this drug is the most commonly used illicit drug today. The leaves can also be compiled into a resin known as hashish or hash which is a more potent smoking mixture. Marijuana is a plant indigenous to Central and South Asia and is easily cultivated in temperate climates such as the UK.

Less well known is the fact that hemp has many other uses such being made into oil and into clothing, textiles, paper and cosmetics, and has played an important role in history.

In fact, archaeologists agree that cannabis was one of the first crops cultivated by human beings between 6000 and 12,000 years ago. The oldest known records indicate that hemp farming dates back to China 5000 years ago, though many think that it dates back even further to ancient Egypt. Originally grown for use as food and for fibres, marijuana’s medical properties were recognized early on as was its psychoactive properties.

The first report of the medical use of marijuana is in China in 2727 B.C. and until the 19th century, marijuana and hashish extracts were the most widely-used medicines in the world. For example, marijuana was the painkiller of choice for Americans until the discovery of aspirin around 1900. Indeed, from 1850 until 1937 marijuana was used as medicine throughout United States and was readily available in pharmacies and general stores.

Marijuana’s psychoactive properties also led to use in religious rituals, especially in the Middle East and the India subcontinent where it was, and still is, used by shamans, saddus and other holy men.

Following centuries of use, most countries enacted laws against cannabis recreational use and possession during the 20th century. For example, it has been effectively prohibited in the United States since the 1950s. However, in recent decades, many countries have legalized or licensed its use under certain conditions and lessened the penalties for possession of small amounts for personal use.

There have been backlashes against certain practices in countries with liberal cannabis laws such as the Netherlands and Denmark. These have taken the form of closing smoking shops near schools for example.

The reasons for ban on marijuana use are that its ingestion leads to intoxication. It impairs such psychomotor functions such as depth perception, attention span and concentration. It also slows reaction time, and lowers muscle strength and hand steadiness.

Other than its recreational use, marijuana’s use as medicine to treat certain serious health conditions is once more being recognized. One of the most important is its ability to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients. It’s also an anti emetic which can help patients with chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS by reducing nausea and stimulating appetite.

Reports have also indicated that marijuana can prevent seizures in epileptics when used in conjunction with standard medicines. In some countries including the USA and UK, governments have responded by making marijuana available for patients under strictly controlled conditions.

One interesting trend in marijuana is the buying of marijuana seeds for souvenirs. It’s legal to buy and sell marijuana seeds but no to germinate them. This has led to the appearance of a number of online vendors of cannabis seeds offering a wide array of strains of marijuana including lowryder and pukka seeds. One vendor offers a massive range of fresh cannabis seeds with over 900 strains from 40 worldwide famous cannabis seed banks.

Cannabis seeds are sold as souvenirs, fishing bait, botanical specimens or incense only. So if you want to pick up cannabis seeds as souvenirs, check the many varieties available here on www.seedmadness.com. Your seeds will then be delivered through the post.