It’s Four-Twenty! What’s the Meaning Behind This Term? – Lanai Jarrico reporting…

Let me enlighten you with a little bit of  random history on this term. The Cannabis subculture refers to this time and date as a code number referring to the consumption of Marijuana. It’s earliest reference began by a group of California teenagers that called themselves the Waldos, in the early 1970’s.  These teenagers would meet up outside of the San Rafael High School, near a statue of Louis Pastuer where they made plans to search for an abandoned cannabis crop they had heard about. They never found the crops but the 420 term stuck and continues today for pot smokers as a countercultural holiday in North America.  Many have observed this day throughout the years by meeting up in public places like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the University of Colorado’s campus and even crossed over into Canada where it has been observed at Vancouver Art Gallery and Parliament Hill. Events have also taken place in New Zealand at the University of Otago. It is an ongoing debate for states where Marijuana is illegal. In recent years legalization of Marijuana across the U.S has been a hot topic. Some are fighting for their right to smoke, while others see bigger reasons to legalize.

So why have people continued to celebrate marijuana if it is illegal in most states?

In the past few years, more people are fighting for the legalization of this drug for medical purposes.  Some states have recently passed laws to allow use with a prescription.

What are the health benefits?

According to HerbalMissions.org, Marijuana treats migraines, slows down tumor growth, relieves chronic diseases, prevents Alzheimer's  treats Glaucoma, prevents seizures, helps patients with ADD and ADHD, relieves PMS and provides relieve for people suffering from tourette's and OCD. It is widely used today by cancer and Aids/HIV patients for its helpful benefits in combating pain and nausea.

 It is unfortunate that that many of these patients will have to use it illegally for relief in states that do not support medicinal use.

What’s so bad about Marijuana use?

Some research suggests that Marijuana abuse has the potential to cause problems in a person’s daily life or make someone’s problems worse. It is known as the gateway drug that has the potential to lead to other drug use.

 If Marijuana is used in excess, it is reported to lower life’s satisfaction and poor mental and physical health. It is said to increase the chances of dropping out of school and for those with jobs, it can cause increased tardiness and absences from work. Chronic users can also shows signs of learning and memory issues. For prolonged users, it is said to create an impact on the function and structure of their brains. Other effect of Marijuana use causes a higher heart rate after smoking it, increasing the risk of heart attack. For older users, the risk is higher.

How many of our government leaders had a heart attack form marijuana use?

Is Marijuana addictive?

Many users would argue that it is not addicting, but researchers says that it is. Approximately 9% of users will become addicted, the number increases among those that start smoking it at a younger age. Those that smoke Marijuana on a daily basis may be addicted.

Side Effect:

It calms the nerves, causes giggle fits makes you hungry for the munchies and even puts you to sleep.

Is Marijuana Dangerous?

If you purchase Marijuana from a drug dealer on the street, chances are you are getting more than a broken up plant in a little baggie. There is no way of knowing what exactly has been added to it. Some street drugs are treated with chemical that heighten the potency, make it look greener and even moister.  You never know what those hidden chemicals can do and growing you own in a state where it is illegal can get you in a lot of trouble, not worth a police record or jail time with Bubba.

The best way to purchase Marijuana is with a prescription, where it is legal and handled by a license medicinal marijuana distributor.

Last but not least for all you pot smokers out there

If you smoke pot, don’t let your marijuana use interfere with your relationships with family and friends. Do not drive while using pot or operate heavy machinery where a clumsy mistake can cause you harm. Stay home and out of potential trouble and celebrate 420 responsibly.

 Below is a helpful map to help you determine where it is legal to celebrate.

Fun facts about Marijuana

• Marijuana is the most common illegal drug used in the United States.
• Approximately 100 million Americans have tried marijuana at least once
• After alcohol, marijuana is the most popular recreational or mood-altering drug used worldwide
• it would take 800 joints to kill a person—but the cause of death would be carbon monoxide poisoning
• The name marijuana comes from a Mexican slang term for cannabis and is believed to have derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the names Mary and Jane
• The first law in the American colonies regarding marijuana was a 1619 law that actually required farmers to grow the hemp plant
• The first two drafts of the United States Declaration of Independence were written on paper made from hemp

·     Retrieved from http://facts.randomhistory.com/2009/02/27_marijuana.html

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