Marijuana and the history of its Cultivation by Humans

Marijuana is one of the oldest plants which man cultivated. Marijuana plants have been found near human settlements even among early men. For purposes which vary from recreational to the medicinal, this wonderful herb has been with the man since long. The long term effects of marijuana consumption are less harmful than consumption of any hard drug created in a laboratory. It also is easy to store and is long lasting when stored properly.

Marijuana has been targeted by the law since long as a drug hence reducing its potency as a possible source of medicine. Harsh sentences for possession and smoking of marijuana have been the judgement of the day and it has been often misused in the criminal history. The very fact that the laws treat marijuana possession and consumption as a strict crime has never acted as a deterrent to its recreational use among all age groups throughout the world. On the other hand, it has prompted the growth of the marijuana as an illegal drug resulting in its widespread smuggling and its association with drug cartels and crime syndicates. As a result, the chances of a marijuana user to be seen as a member of society associated with the criminal element increases manifold placing him in the precarious position of being someone who promotes illegal activities in the society.

Doing away with the harsh penalties of the law due to its consumption and possession will not only reduce the amount of smuggling and trafficking associated with marijuana, but will also reduce the amount of black money and money laundering associated with marijuana production and sales. Money laundering and promotion of black money happens on a wide scale along with any criminal operation such as narcotic production and distribution. Since marijuana consumption and possession is treated as a criminal endeavour in the eyes of the law, it also happens to be touched by such elements of the trade.

Few countries in the world have legalised marijuana consumption under strict laws and regulations and enforce such strictness with regularity and careful scrutiny. As a result not only they benefit from the trade of this wonderful recreational drug among the responsible members of the society in a controlled environment, they also do away with the criminalisation of this drug. It has also helped those countries to grow and improve strains of marijuana after careful scientific research.