Marijuana is a Schedule I Controlled Substance which has a high potential for abuse and serves no legitimate medical purpose in the United States.

Marijuana is the mind-altering substance produced from a plant with the scientific name, Cannabis Sativa.

The drug is used because its primary active chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may induce relaxation and heighten the senses.

Data reported in the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicates that 37% of U.S. residents aged 12 and older used marijuana at least once in their lifetime. Also 20% of individuals aged 12 to 17 and 50% of individuals aged 18 to 25 used the drug at least once. Nearly half of high school seniors in the United States used the drug at least once in their lifetime.

Even at lower doses, marijuana impairs attention and coordination and affects the way the mind processes information. High doses of the drug may result in image distortion, loss of personal identity and hallucinations.

The abuse of marijuana also can cause serious physical and mental problems including frequent respiratory infections, impaired memory, learning ability, increased heart rate, anxiety, chronic bronchitis, and frequent chest colds. In addition, because marijuana contains toxins and carcinogens, marijuana smokers increase their risk of cancer of the head, neck, lungs and respiratory tract.

The most common street names for marijuana are: grass, weed, pot, Mary Jane, Locoweed and Skunk. Different names are recognized in various parts of the country.