Cannabis (drug)

Increasingly, many jurisdictions also permit cannabis use for medicinal purposes. Madonna on Letterman - info on one of Letterman's most talked about shows; the 1994 interview in which the singer said the word "fuck" fourteen times. By effectively removing the user from the criminal justice system, decriminalization focuses more on those who traffic and sell the drug on the black market. In March, 2005, local police in Choteau, Montana foiled an alleged scheme to kidnap Letterman's son. Letterman owns a home outside of Choteau. Many jurisdictions have also decriminalized possession of small quantities of cannabis, so that it is punished by confiscation and/or a fine, rather than imprisonment. His son Harry Joseph Letterman, named after David's late father, was born on November 3, 2003. Since the twentieth century, most legal jurisdictions of the world have laws against the cultivation, use, possession, or transfer of cannabis (and these laws impact adversely of course on the herb's cultivation for non-drug purposes) but there are many regions where certain circumstances of cannabis handling are legal or licensed and others where laws against its use, possession, or sale are not enforced. On September 12, 2003, Letterman announced that his long-time girlfriend and ex-colleague Regina Lasko was six-months pregnant with his child.

Main article: Legal issues of cannabis. The three visited Iraq around Christmas in 2003 and 2004. In addition, users note an improved ability to distinguish subtle characteristics of flavor and aroma, in absence of lighter gas fumes or burnt matter. Letterman, along with bandleader Paul Shaffer and Late Show stage manager, Biff Henderson, celebrated Christmas 2002 in Afghanistan with United States and international military forces stationed there. As a result, some users claim to experience subtly different effects when using cannabis in this way. He used Earl Hofert as his name in the end credits. By contrast, vaporization may preserve some of these cannabinoids, although the concentrations of the various cannabinoids may be disparate to those in smoked cannabis. Also in 1996, Letterman provided the voice of the Mötley Crüe Roadie #1 in the animated motion picture Beavis and Butt-Head Do America.

It is worth noting that the effects of combustion break down many of the cannabinoids present in cannabis to varying degrees when smoked. Normally a private person away from the studio, like his mentor, Johnny Carson, Letterman uncharacteristically gave many interviews following the race. With this method, the user does not inhale as many toxic chemicals that are byproducts of combustion and so may be less harmful. This was an exciting win indeed for Indianapolis native Letterman, who has attended the race regularly since he was a young child. Usually with a vaporizer, cannabis can be heated to a temperature at which the active ingredients are released into gaseous form with little or no burning of the plant material. The team changed its name to Rahal Letterman Racing in May 2004, and later that same month, team driver Buddy Rice won the Indianapolis 500. See Cooking with cannabis external links below. In 1996, Letterman became co-owner of the open-wheel racing team known as Team Rahal, with former Indianapolis 500 champion Bobby Rahal.

They contain little THC. On October 7, 1998, Ray was struck and killed by a train in an apparent suicide in Colorado. The seeds of the plant, high in protein and fatty acids, can also be roasted and eaten. Ray spent nearly ten months in prison and 14 months in a state mental institution for her numerous trespassing convictions. The tea is, however, reputed to be a tasty and relaxing drink. In one instance, police found her sleeping on Letterman's private tennis court at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. Contrary to popular belief, Cannabis Tea does not contain significant amounts of THC, because THC, along with the other cannabinoids, is highly insoluble in water, but readily dissolves into the fats and alcohol. Ray went on to be arrested repeatedly in subsequent years on trespassing and other counts.

Preparing cannabis for oral consumption must be done with fats or alcohol. Ray claimed to be Letterman's wife. Still, it usually takes more than an hour for the effects to set in, as opposed to smoking, where it takes but a few minutes. In 1988, Margaret Mary Ray was arrested while driving Letterman's Porsche near the Lincoln Tunnel in New York City. As with other drugs that are taken orally, it is sometimes customary to fast before taking the drug to increase the effect (possibly because an empty stomach will absorb the drug faster so it 'hits' you more strongly). Letterman continues to regularly donate to Ball State and other organizations through his American Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming. Infusion in drinks containing milk and flavoring herbs is also possible, and more common in India. In 1985, Letterman established the Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship at his alma mater, to provide financial assistance to Department of Telecommunications students, based solely on his or her creativity, and not high academic grades — so much so that the student must have a C or below average.

Common preparations involve blending with butter that is used in preparing brownies, fudge or cookies. Markoe moved to California soon after to pursue a writing career. It takes some experience for one to regulate the dose. For a time, Letterman was engaged to Late Night head writer, Merrill Markoe, but the relationship eventually fell apart. It is thought that the active component of cannabis, delta- 9 THC, is converted to the more psychoactive delta-11 THC in the liver. The couple divorced in 1977. The effects of the drug take longer to begin, but last longer and may be more physical rather than mental. In 1969, Letterman married his college sweetheart, Michelle Cook.

With this method, some claim that more cannabis must be used. According to the Late Show Newsletter, the following comedians have appeared most frequently on Letterman's two late-night talk shows as of April 2004:. Cannabis may be orally consumed by blending it with alcohol or fats. On Letterman's first show following Carson's passing, all of the jokes in the opening monologue were reportedly written by the late Carson. The most common method of cannabis consumption is by smoking a hit through one of several classes of devices:. Letterman then used these jokes in the monologue of his show, which, according to CBS senior vice president Peter Lassally (a onetime producer for both men), "[Johnny] gets a big kick out of." Lassally also claimed that Carson had always believed Letterman, not Leno, to be his "rightful successor." [1] (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6841123/) Letterman also frequently employs some of Carson's trademark bits on his show, including "Carnac the Magnificent" (with Paul Shaffer as Carnac) and "Stump the Band". They differ in their appearance and the highs they produce. In early 2005, it was revealed that retired King of Late Night Johnny Carson still kept up with current events and late-night TV right up to his death that year, and that he occasionally sent jokes to Letterman.

These include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, the latter containing somewhat less THC. As a result, and for the first time since his bypass surgery, Letterman handed the reins of the show to several guest hosts including actor Bruce Willis, former professional tennis player John McEnroe, actor Luke Wilson, bandleader Paul Shaffer, comedian Bonnie Hunt, morning talk host Regis Philbin, rock musician Elvis Costello, Brad Garrett from Everybody Loves Raymond, comedians Tom Arnold, Bill Cosby, and Tom Green, as well as other prominent Hollywood performers. There are also three different species of Cannabis. In late February 2003, Letterman was diagnosed with a severe case of shingles. Cannabis is prepared for human consumption in several forms:. This caused a minor flap that ended when Letterman re-signed with CBS and offered public apologies to Koppel. Many individuals also consider their use of cannabis to be spiritual regardless of organized religion. In March 2002, as Letterman's contract with CBS was expiring, ABC expressed the intention to offer Letterman the time slot for long-running news program Nightline with Ted Koppel, citing more desirable viewer demographics.

This claim is founded on the Hebrew reference to "kanehbosm" (aromatic hemp), which has however been translated variously by other sources as meaning calamus or even cinnamon. The etymological significance aside, calamus and cinnamon are not known to produce the kinds of spiritual experiences associated with anointment. In his opening monologue, an uncharacteristically serious and very emotional Letterman struggled with the reality of the attacks and the role of comedy in a post-9/11 world, saying, "We're told that they were zealots fueled by religious fervor...religious fervor...and if you live to be a thousand years old will that make any sense to you? Will that make any goddamn sense?". Some have contended that the Old Testament book of Exodus at 30:23 included cannabis as one of the ingredients in the holy anointing oil which was to be used by Jewish priests. On September 17, 2001, David Letterman was the first major American comedy performer to return to the television airwaves after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In this way Rastafarians believe that cannabis brings the user closer to Jah. The episode earned an Emmy nomination. Thus the Rastafarians come together to smoke marijuana in order to discuss the truth with each other, reasoning it all out little by little through many sessions. In an unusual show of emotion, Letterman was nearly in tears as he thanked the doctors.

They see cannabis as having the capacity to allow the user to penetrate the truth of how things are much more clearly, as if the wool had been pulled from the eyes of the former non-user. Aronne, who makes frequent appearances on the show. The use of cannabis, and particularly of large pipes called "chalices", is an integral part of what Rastafarians call Reasoning sessions. Wayne Isom and physician Louis J. Rastafarians claim to know that cannabis is the Tree of Life mentioned in the Bible. Bob Marley, amongst many others, said, "the herb [ganja] is the healing of the nations". O. It is not known when or why the Rastafarians made cannabis into something sacred, though it is clear that by the late 1940s Rastafari was associated with cannabis smoking at the Pinnacle community of Leonard Howell. Upon his return to the show on February 21, 2000, Letterman brought onstage all of the doctors that had performed the operation, including Dr.

The most famous religious group to use cannabis in a spiritual context are the Rastafari movement, though they are by no means the only group. During his recovery, friends of Letterman hosted reruns of the Late Show, including Drew Barrymore, Ray Romano, Robin Williams, Bill Murray, Kathie Lee Gifford, Regis Philbin, Charles Grodin, Julia Roberts, Bill Cosby, Bruce Willis, Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Short, Danny DeVito, Steve Martin and Sarah Jessica Parker. Cannabis has a long history of spiritual use, especially in India, where it has been used by wandering spiritual sadhus for centuries. In January of 2000, Letterman underwent quintuple heart bypass surgery. See section History for information on historic and other medical use. Letterman started his own production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated, which produces his show and several others, including Everybody Loves Raymond, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and several critically acclaimed, but short-lived television series for Bonnie Hunt. THC has also been found to reduce arterial blockages.[2] (http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050404/full/050404-7.html) A sublingual spray derived from an extract of cannabis has also been approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis in Canada as the prescription drug Sativex. Yet Letterman has consistently ranked higher than Leno in the annual Harris Poll of Nation's Favorite TV Personality; as of 2003 Letterman ranked third in that poll, behind Oprah Winfrey and Ray Romano, while Leno ranked ninth.

A synthetic version of the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, is readily available in the form of a pill as the prescription drug Marinol. Leno consistently beats Letterman in the ratings, a lead that's grown over the years to two million viewers (5.8 vs. 3.8 million) as of 2003. The medical use of cannabis is politically controversial, but it is sometimes recommended informally by physicians. Letterman has garnered the critical and industry praise; his show has received 67 Emmy Award nominations, winning twelve times in his first twenty years in late night television. It is also used to relieve glaucoma and certain neurological illnesses such as epilepsy ,migraine and bipolar disorder. The Late Show competes in the same time slot as Leno's The Tonight Show. Medically, cannabis is most often used as an appetite stimulant and pain reliever for certain terminal illnesses such as cancer and AIDS. In 1996, HBO produced a made-for-television movie called The Late Shift, based on a book by Bill Carter, chronicling the battle between Letterman and Leno for the coveted Tonight Show hosting spot.

Main article: Medical marijuana. In 1993, after receiving advice from Carson, Letterman moved to CBS to host a new show, The Late Show with David Letterman. While some studies have demonstrated a correlation between cannabis use and lung cancer, this might primarily indicate only that cannabis use may correlate with tobacco use, and more objective scientific attention is needed to separate these and other factors in order to better understand the potential long-term physiological effects of cannabis use itself. Letterman, a protégé of Carson's and who had frequently credited Carson with boosting his career, was reportedly bitterly disappointed and angry at not having been given the Tonight Show job which he claimed to have been promised many years earlier. [1] (http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2000/108-10/correspondence.html#thc) Furthermore, the concentration of toxic and carcinogenic additives such as nicotine, arsenic, and radium-226, is substantially greater in tobacco cigarettes than in cannabis. Eventually, executives at NBC announced Carson's frequent guest-host Jay Leno as Carson's replacement. However, the average cannabis user smokes less frequently, and there is evidence that cannabinoids present in cannabis may actually serve to protect against cancer. When Johnny Carson announced that he would retire in May 1992, a protracted, multi-lateral battle erupted over who would replace the long-time Tonight host.

Some cannabis smokers inhale the smoke more deeply and hold it in their lungs for a longer period of time. Letterman remained with NBC for eleven years. Studies have pointed out that cannabis produces more tar and burns at a higher temperature than tobacco. (Lawler and Kaufman's friend Bob Zmuda later revealed that the event was staged.) Letterman also made use of the Manhattan location of his NBC studio, often staging comedy bits on the streets and businesses surrounding the theater. These effects are particularly apparent with repeated and prolonged use. Other memorable moments included Letterman using a bullhorn to interrupt The Today Show TV program, which was on the air conducting a live interview at the time, announcing that he was not wearing any pants; interrupting the local news by walking into their studio; and the outrageous appearances by comedian Andy Kaufman and comic book writer, Harvey Pekar. In one highly publicized appearance, Kaufman appeared to be slapped and knocked to the ground by professional wrestler Jerry Lawler. Any time you inhale smoke, the respiratory system is adversely affected. The show often included quirky, genre-mocking regular features, such as "Stupid Pet Tricks", the Top 10 List, and a facetious letter-answering segment on Fridays.

In some ways, the effects of smoking cannabis are similar to the effects of smoking any substance. Letterman's reputation as a testy interviewer was born out of moments like his verbal sparring matches with Cher, Madonna, and Shirley MacLaine. In Jamaica, cannabis is often called wisdom weed, and in India, it has long been seen in this way. The show was markedly different than the soft-sell talk-show competition, and Letterman the interviewer could be sarcastic and antagonistic, to the point that a number of celebrities have even stated that they were afraid of appearing on the show. It can be used to increase mental performance and concentration, and give insights into the nature of how things are. Letterman's show, which ran late on weeknights immediately following The Tonight Show, quickly established a reputation as being edgy and unpredictable, and soon developed a cult following. Some claim that extended use of cannabis may help a human reach a higher level of mental consciousness and clarity, expanding the mind and helping individuals become more aware, insightful and intelligent. However, NBC kept Letterman under contract, and in 1982, his Late Night with David Letterman debuted on the network.

Though cannabis has been used for thousands of years, and has been increasingly popular in the west since the sixties it is only since the nineties that the link between cannabis and psychosis has been identified. The show was a critical success, winning two Emmy Awards and receiving five nominations, but ended up being a ratings disappointment, and was cancelled after a brief run during the summer of 1980. On the other hand, many people with pronounced psychological disorders, especially schizophrenia and depression, often self-medicate their illness with cannabis in place of potent main-stream drugs like antipsychotics, due to cannabis's relatively low side effects and calming physiological effects that alleviate symptoms. Letterman was given his own morning comedy show on NBC, The David Letterman Show. Rather, cannabis may trigger latent conditions or be part of a complex coordination of causes, referred to as the diathesis-stress model in psychology. His dry, sarcastic humor caught the attention of talent scouts for Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show, and starting in 1978, Letterman became a regular guest host for the show. There is an increasing correlation in some people between cannabis use and psychosis, schizophrenia, and clinical depression, but there is no evidence that cannabis use causes these illnesses. Letterman had a stint as a cast member on Mary Tyler Moore's variety show Mary, a guest appearance on Mork & Mindy, and appearances on game shows such as The $20,000 Pyramid.

However, subtle impairment of complex cognitive function may persist even after long periods of abstinence in some of the users who suffered from decreased cognitive performance in the first place. He also began performing stand-up comedy at The Comedy Store, a famed Los Angeles comedy club and proving ground for young comics. In some people, cannabis use appears to cause significant medium-term decreases in cognitive performance, but performance on general intelligence and cognitive tests returns to "normal" in those people affected in this way within weeks of abstinence depending on the level of use. In 1975, Letterman moved to California with hopes of becoming a comedy writer and started writing material for sitcoms, such as Good Times. In particular, because THC has a very long half-life, working its way out of the body slowly over many days, it thereby obviates severe withdrawal effects seen in other substances. He received recognition for his unpredictable on-air behavior, which included erasing state borders from the weather map and predicting hail stones "the size of canned hams." One night he reportedly upset his bosses when he congratulated a tropical storm on being upgraded to a hurricane. However, because cannabis is a peculiar psychedelic that is unlike typical depressant or stimulant drugs, these persistent effects are unlike those normally associated with physical dependence. Letterman began work as a radio talk show host and on television as an anchor and weatherman for what became WTHR in Indianapolis.

(DEA, 2004) Yet, many animal and human studies conducted since the 1970s have revealed a cannabis withdrawal syndrome in some people after abstinence from heavy use which is usually characterized by several days of anxiousness, sleeplessness or more vivid, memorable dreams (REM rebound), irritability, and diminished appetite after cessation of use. A rare aircheck of Letterman on WAGO can be heard here (http://www.reelradio.com/tc/index.html#dlwago69). Although use may become habitual, the extent of physical dependence to cannabis is unknown. He also began his broadcasting career at Ball State's student run radio station, WAGO - AM 570 (Now known as WCRD "Cardinal Radio Dave", 91.3). When subjects who use only cannabis are combined in the same sample with subjects who use other drugs, an experiment could not conclude that its findings are indicative of an effect of the use of cannabis rather than an effect of the use of other drugs, or an effect of a complex combination of cannabis with other drugs. At Ball State he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. The most significant confounding factor in determining long-term effects is the use of other drugs by test subjects in studies of cannabis use. in telecommunications in 1969.

Many old studies which purported to demonstrate such effects were deeply flawed, with strong bias and poor methodology. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis and attended Ball State University, receiving a B.A. There is little conclusive scientific evidence about the long-term effects of human cannabis consumption. He has an older sister, Janice, and a younger sister, Gretchen. Also, some evidence suggests that toxic levels may be higher for humans than for rats. Letterman was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Letterman's father, Harry Joe Letterman, was a florist who passed away in 1974; his mother Dorothy, a Presbytarian church secretary, is a regular personality on his talk show. Only with intravenous administration, a method rarely used by humans, may such a level be possible. Letterman's ironic, often absurdist comedy is heavily influenced by comedians Steve Allen, Ernie Kovacs, and Johnny Carson.

It would be impossible for THC in blood plasma to reach such a level in human cannabis smokers. David Michael Letterman (born April 12, 1947) is an American talk show host, comedian, and television producer. As for oral consumption, the LD50 for rats was 1270 mg/kg and 730 mg/kg for males and females, respectively. Jerry Seinfeld (34). According to the Merck Index, 12th edition, the LD50, the lethal dose for 50% of tested rats, was 42 milligrams per kilogram of body weight with forced inhalation. Billy Crystal (35). No fatal overdose due to cannabis use has ever been recorded in humans. Jeff Altman (36).

Mild allergies to cannabis may be possible in some members of the population. Robert Klein (37). Cannabinoid receptors are also present in the human reproductive system, but there is insufficient scientific study to conclusively determine the effects of cannabis on reproduction. Jay Leno (40). THC has an effect on the modulation of the immune system which may have an effect on malignant cells, but there is insufficient scientific study to determine whether this might promote or limit cancer. Richard Lewis (52 appearances). Depending on the ratio, the quality of the "high" will vary. George Miller (55 appearances, plus four "From My Room" taped segments).

Different marijuana products have different ratios of these and other cannaboids. THC can degrade to CBL & CBN (other cannaboids), which can make one feel sleepy and disorientated. Of the approximately 400 different chemicals found in Cannabis, the main active ingredient is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Acute effects of cannabis consumption vary according to the dose, the variety of the plant, the method of use, the individual, and the environment, but for the general population usually include some of the following:.

Cannabis use was also a prominent part of 1960s counterculture. Louis Armstrong became one of its most prominent and life-long devotees. Although cannabis has been used recreationally throughout its history, it first became well known in the United States during the jazz music scene of the late 1920s and 30s. Several petitions for cannabis rescheduling in the United States have been filed, since the Act permits legalization of marijuana through the executive branch.

In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act made possession of marijuana illegal again on a federal level, without the constitutional issues that scuttled the 1937 act. In a case brought by Timothy Leary, the Court held that the law's requirement that a would-be possessor of marijuana register with the local bureau of the IRS, thereby placing his name and address on a file available to local law enforcment, violated the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination, given the fact that at the time all 50 states had state laws on the books outlawing marijuana outright. The 1937 federal marijuana tax act was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1969. Anslinger also popularized the word marihuana for the plant, using a Mexican derived word (believed to be derived from a Brazilian Portuguese term for inebriation) in order to associate the plant with increasing numbers of Mexican immigrants, creating a negative stereotype which persists to this day.

During this period, Henry (Harry) Anslinger alleged that the drug could provoke criminal behavior in previously solid citizens. Furthermore, hemp would have been an easy target due to its intoxicating effect, while no rational justification could have been made for outlawing cotton, wool, or linen. Still, others could argue that hemp could never truly compete with the high strength and elasticity of synthetics, such as nylon. Others argue that Dupont wanted to eliminate cannabis because its high natural cellulose content made it a viable alternative to the company's developing innovation: modern plastic.

Many argue that this seems unlikely given DuPont's lack of concern with the legal status of cotton, wool, and linen; although it should be noted that hemp's textile potential had not yet been largely exploited, while textile factories already had made large investments in equipment to handle cotton, wool, and linen. Some analysts theorize DuPont wanted to boost declining post-war textile sales, and wished to eliminate hemp fiber as competition. Congress was based in part on testimony derived from articles in the newspapers owned by William Randolph Hearst, who was heavily interested in DuPont Inc. The decision of the U.S.

The expense, extremely high for that time, was such that people stopped buying and making it. The tax was $100 per pound of hemp, even for clothes or rope. Legal opinions of time held that the federal government could not outlaw it entirely. This was contrary to the advice of the American Medical Association at the time.

In that year, federal law made possession or transfer of marijuana (without the purchase of a by-then incriminating tax stamp) illegal throughout the United States. In some areas it could be openly purchased in bulk from grocers or in cigarette form at newsstands, though an increasing number of states had begun to outlaw it. Until 1937, consumption and sale of marijuana was legal in most American states. That marijuana is now well known in English as a name for drug material is due largely to the efforts of US drug prohibitionists during the 1920s and 30s.

The name marijuana is Mexican or Latin American in origin and associated almost exclusively with the herb’s drug potential. By the end of the 19th century its medicinal use began to fall as other drugs such as aspirin took over. It was famously used to treat Queen Victoria's menstrual pains, and was available from shops in the US. Under the name cannabis 19th century medical practitioners helped to introduce the herb's drug potential (usually as a tincture) to modern English-speaking consciousness.

In 1791, the cotton gin was invented and cotton began to replace hemp for clothing in the U.S. The plant was so important that Thomas Jefferson, as governor of Virginia, required every farmer in the state to plant hemp for the good of the economy and citizens' survival. American pioneers depended on hemp for clothes, canvas, rope, oil, food, and many other things. Large fields of hemp along the banks of the Rhine are featured in 19th century copper etchings.

Germans grew hemp for its fibers to make nautical ropes and material for clothes since ancient times. These etymological discussions run parallel to arguments drawn from history. Sara Benetowa of the Institute of Anthropological Sciences in Warsaw is quoted in the Book of Grass as saying: "The astonishing resemblance between the Semitic 'kanbos' and the Scythian 'cannabis' leads me to suppose that the Scythian word was of Semitic origin. In the Greek translations of the old testament "kan" was rendered as "reed", leading to English translations as "sweet calamus" (Exodus 30:23), sweet cane (Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20) and "calamus" (Ezekiel 27:19; Song of Songs 4:14).

Kaneh bosm (Hebrew kannabos or kannabus) "kan" in means "reed" or "hemp", while "bosm" means "aromatic". Possibly it has an earlier origin in Semitic languages like Hebrew, in Exodus 30:23 God commands Moses to make a holy anointing oil of myrrh, sweet cinnamon, kaneh bosm, and kassia. The name cannabis is thought to be of Scythian origin. The cult of Dionysus, which is believed to have been originated in Thrace, has also been linked to the effects of cannabis smoke.

Cannabis was well known to the Scythians, as well as by the Thracians/Dacians, whose shamans (the kapnobatai - "those who walk on smoke/clouds") used to burn cannabis flowers in order to induce trances. In India particularly, some sects of Hinduism associated cannabis with Shiva. It was used as medicine throughout Asia and the Middle East to treat a variety of conditions. The first known mention of cannabis is in the Shen nung pen Ts'ao king, a Chinese medical text supposedly of 2737 BC, but probably considerably younger in reality.

Neolithic archaeological sites in China include cannabis seeds and plants. The use of cannabis, for food, fibers, and medicine, is thought to go back at least five millennia. The most common strains used for psychoactive effect are actually members of a subspecies also known as Cannabis indica. For the physiology and science of the plant see Cannabis sativa.

The use of cannabis as a recreational (or entheogenic) substance became illegal in most parts of the world during the early twentieth century, and remains that way today. Cannabis has been used for medical and psychoactive effects for thousands of years but became much more popular during the twentieth century. The Manual of Crime (incomplete, but contains information on cultivation). Wiktionary Appendix of Cannabis Slang.

War on Drugs. Street names. Stoner. Shotgun (cannabis).

Soap bar. Victor Robinson. Marijuana Parties. Medical marijuana.

Magic Brownie. Fitz Hugh Ludlow ("The Hasheesh Eater"). Cannabis: Legal issues. Jack Herer.

Cannabis: Health issues. Head shop. Hash oil. Grow-op.

Emerald Triangle. Dugout (smoking). Drug policy of the Netherlands. coffee shop.

Cannabis cultivation. Amsterdam. 420 (drug culture). This method is often used when no other materials for smoking are at hand, and is also thought to be more efficient, as there is no idle burning between inhalations.

A small amount of resin, or marijuana (oil or bud), known as a spot is then pressed between the knives and the resulting smoke inhaled through a funnel, often made from a bottomless soft-drink bottle. A further method, commonly referred to as spotting or hot knives, is when two knives are heated (usually on a stove-top element) until red-hot. The term gravity bong has different meaning in different cultures but usually refers to either of these two latter devices. Other designs include the waterfall bong and bucket bong.

While it is a common belief that bongs make smoking safer a NORML-MAPS study found that the water filters out more THC than tar. Despite this, bong use is common and enables smoking techniques that are not possible with a simple smoking pipe. In a water-pipe, or bong, by which the smoke is filtered through water into a large chamber. Some users prefer a vertically held ceramic or glass pipe, known as a chillum, coming from India. Tobacco pipes, pipes home-made by the user, and others, are also sometimes used.

Such pipes usually have a rush or carb hole which is covered by a finger for suction when beginning smoking, which is released to finish inhalation without advancing the burning any further. Blown-glass pipes are usually intricately and colorfully designed, with colors becoming more vivid after repeated use. By using a smoking pipe, often called a bowl, usually made of blown glass, wood, or sometimes metal. In such preparation, tobacco or other smokable material are sometimes combined into a single roll.

By rolling it up, either manually or with a rolling machine, into a cigarette, often called a spliff or joint, with thin rolling papers, or into a cigar, often called a blunt, with wrapper obtained by removing the tobacco from the inside of a standard cigar. Minimally potent leaves and detritus, called shake, bush or leaf. Hash oil, resulting from extraction or distillation of THC-rich parts of the plant. Bhang, prepared by the wet grinding of the leaves of the plant and used as a drink.

Often thin dark rectangular pieces. Charas, produced by hand-rubbing the resin from the resin gland-rich parts of the plant. Hashish, a concentrated resin made from pressing kif into blocks. It is produced by sifting marijuana and leaves.

kief or kif, a powder containing the resin glands (glandular trichomes, often incorrectly called "crystals" or "pollen"). Sinsemilla or sensemillia, flowering tops which are free of seeds as a result of being grown in a pollen-free environment. Marijuana or buds, the resin gland-rich flowering tops of female plants.