ce tax on marijuana, coupledwith fines of $2,000 for drug possession and jail sentences for evasion of thetax. For this reason marijuana use in the United States appears to have goneinto decline in the late 30's (Grolier Wellness Encyclopedia, pg 54). Thenmarijuana was outlawed in 1937 as a repressive measure against Mexican workerswho crossed the border seekingjobs during the Depression. The specific reasongiven for the outlawing of the hemp plant was it's supposed violent"effect on the degenerate races" (Schaffer, pg. 86). Beginning in the60's marijuana use saw a resurgence, which may be attributed to many causes.One of the main causes was the rebellion of youth against the Vietnam War. Theyused marijuana as an escape from war to peace. It was easy at this time todepict marijuana as a beneficial and completely harmless substance whoseeffects were far less harmful than those of legal drugs such as alcohol andnicotine because there was not enough scientific research done during the 60's(Grolier Wellness Encyclopedia, pg 54). Another cause may have been thediscovery of the psychoactive component of marijuana- tetrahydrocannabinol,commonly known as THC. Users found the relation between the doses and theeffects (Grolier Electronic Publishing, 1995). The current atmosphere providesfor doctors to suggest synthetic marijuana (THC) in a pure and standardizedform by prescription (called Marinol) for the treatment of nausea associatedwith cancer chemotherapy. Also, although there is no scientific evidence thatshows marijuana is beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma, it may prevent theprogression of visual loss. Marijuana, along with alcohol and a host of othersubstances, can actually lower interlobular eye pressure. The medicationhowever, must be carefully tailored to the individual to prevent further eyedamage. The evidence has clearly shown that marijuana has been around for agreat deal of time and has served multiple purposes thro...
