It’s 420! Do you Know the History and why it is associated with Pot Smoking?- Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

420 is a code for smoking marijuana and is also known as Weed Day to the cannabis culture. Some people believe 420 comes from a police code for smoking in progress but its true origin begins with a group of teenagers who called themselves the Waldos in San Rafael , California. They designated the Louis Pasteur Statue at San Rafael High School as their meeting place and 4:20pm was the time they would get together. 

 Today, April 20^th is observed as a celebration of cannabis for all who like  recreational marijuana use. Today marijuana use is more accepted for recreational and medicinal purposes.

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Legalization of Marijuana in some form is now in twenty-three states and the District of Columbia. Out of those 23 states, Colorado, Alaska, Oregon and Washington allow it for recreational use, while California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine limit it to medicinal use. There are now 100’s of dispensaries and some states have also removed legal penalty for procession of small amount of marijuana.

Top Reasons Why people smoke marijuana?
·         Medicinal qualities for pain, nausea
·         Stress relief/relaxation
·         Appetite
·         Peer pressure/role model influence
·         Social
·         Heightened sensory awareness
·         Euphoria

Short Term Effects

• ·         Short term memory impairment
• ·         Feelings of anxiety  and paranoia
• ·         Appetite-“Munchies”
• ·         Impairment operating machinery and vehicles

Long term use can lead to cardiac problems for people with heart disease and high blood pressure, memory and learning difficulty and increased susceptibility to infections. Fertility problems can occur for both men and women due to the suppression of hormones that regulate the reproductive system but will not lead to complete infertility.

The common question about Marijuana being addictive is still in debate.  Studies are finding that marijuana does have addictive properties. However, it is not as addictive as alcohol and cocaine but it can become a habit due to routine use.

Here are some warning signs to recognize if you or someone you know has a weed problem:

• ·         Frequent use
• ·         Needing more to feel the effects
• ·         Spending beyond your budge to obtain it
• ·         Procrastinating on important things in life
• ·         Neglecting friends who do not use marijuana
• ·         Feeling that you cannot function without it

Education about marijuana is important if you are part of the Cannabis culture. If  you are going to observe 420, have fun but smoke responsibly.

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**Map Image retrieved from http://www.cannalawblog.com/update-united-states-map-of-marijuana-legalization/