Friday, 14 March 2014

Why Kush Remains Popular Despite Strong Criticism

By Jaclyn Hurley


Cannabis is and always has been a subject of considerable controversy. Millions of people feel that it is a medicinal herb that is neither dangerous nor addictive. Many studies have been done but there is no clear consensus regarding the value of the plant. In some places of the world Cannabis or Kush, as it is also known, is legal but in many other parts of the world it is illegal to grow, use or sell it.

Nobody denies the fact that Cannabis, which originates from Central and East Asia, has many uses other than that of recreational drug. It is this use of the plant that causes so much debate. However, the plant is also used to create a particularly strong fiber called hemp. It also has a very long history as a medicinal plant. It is said to cure or relieve many different diseases.

Marijuana is commonly used by patients undergoing chemotherapy. It seems that Cannabis is highly effective in combating the nausea and vomiting that typically attend this invasive therapy. Common prescription medicines cause unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, hallucinations and hypotension. Patients suffering with appetite problems, such as HIV / AIDS sufferers, also use Cannabis to stimulate their appetites. This is a common side effect of Cannabis.

Cannabis is also commonly used for relieving chronic pain, including pain resulting from rheumatism. It is also interesting to note that Marijuana has been approved in ten countries for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Patients report fast and significant relief from spasticity. A number of studies have found that the use of Cannabis for these patients will not lead to problems with tolerance or addiction.

Cannabis is not only used for medicinal purposes. Evidence has been found that it has been used in religious ceremonies as far as 2700 years ago. The Jushi culture used it as an aid to divination. There is also ample evidence that it has been used extensively as part of religious ceremonies in the east. Nowadays, the Rastafarian movement claims that Cannabis is an essential part of their religion.

Marijuana can be consumed in many different ways, although the most common method seems to be smoking or vaporizing. When smoking it, a variety of implements such as bongs or pipes are employed. Some people prefer to role a cigarette, called a joint and others even smoke it by using homemade pipes made from apples or other fruits. Vaporizing the plant and then simply inhaling the fumes have also proved to be popular.

Smoking is not the only way in which to consume Cannabis. It can also be taken orally and in many parts of the world foodstuffs such as muffins and cookies are prepared with Cannabis as an ingredient. The desired effect will not occur as fast as it does when smoking it, but the results will be longer lasting. Many people also prepare an infusion of Marijuana, drinking it as one would drink tea.

While critics remain convinced that Cannabis is a drug that should be banned for all purposes, users and some academics argue that it has many useful applications. Comparative studies are not conclusive and the jury is still out on the question of whether it should be legalized or not. Only time will tell.




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