Original Blog Entry: Today April 20th is National Weed Day

truesee — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:54:25 GMT

National Weed Day

Originator: Steve Wald Term first used in 1971 Is not used by police as a code for marijuana in California Used symbolically to denote a marijuana friendly environment April 20th is known as the pot smokers' holiday First promoted as a stoner holiday by Grateful Dead fans (deadheads) Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais is a popular 420 destination California Senate Bill 420 (2004) does regulate the use of medical marijuana Hitler was born on April 20th The Columbine school massacre took place on April 20th National Weed Day is an informal sub-culture holiday that takes place on April 20th annually, in honor of the marijuana buzz term 420. Also known as 'National Smoke Day', this holiday gained popularity following the publication in the 1970s of a background story surrounding the term '420'. While it is not clear how many countries have individuals that participate in celebrating this date, it is believed to number in the tens of thousands in the United States alone.

Marijuana Facts

Slang words for marijuana include Mary Jane, reefer, weed, grass and pot Hemp plants look similar to marijuana plants but hemp plants contain very little THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana Hemp can be made into fabric, rope and food Contains at least 60 chemicals called cannabinoid Marijuana as Medicine Marijuana smoke is often inhaled deeper and held longer than tobacco smoke which increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogens Marinol is a pharmaceutical product with similar properties and medical benefits as marijuana Some marijuana users show signs of dependence Has been illegal in the United States since the early TGI Friday's in New York City's Wall street district closed down for selling cocaine and marijuana

Potential Medical Uses

Nausea: Research has indicated that Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), a component of marijuana, may help treat nausea and vomiting associated with a variety of medical conditions and therapies Pain: Studies have found analgesic effects Multiple sclerosis: Studies have had mixed results on the effectiveness in the treatment of the tremors, muscle spasms and pain Glaucoma: Smoking marijuana decreases pressure in the eye, which is a primary symptom of glaucoma

Potential Health Risks

May increase the risk of contracting testicular Impaired thinking, problem-solving skills Reduced balance and coordination Increased risk of heart attack Heightened risk of chronic cough and respiratory Potential for hallucinations and withdrawal Marijuana smoke contains 50%-70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and has the potential to cause cancer of the lungs and respiratory

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