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Hooked, Illegal Drugs And How They Got That Way

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The History of Illegal Drugs The use of what are now considered illegal drugs date back as far as 300 BC in many different places of the world. Historically, it has not only been criminals that used illegal drugs. Drugs were used for many things including medicinal purposes, spiritual enlightenment, rituals, as well as for recreation. They were also used by many different cultures, age groups, and social classes. There was a time when the only thing around to alleviate physical pain either from illness, injury, or even during the process of dying were some of these drugs. There were no illegal drugs in the United States until the mid-nineteenth century. This is an essay on 12 of these illegal drugs individually as reported on in the History Channels documentary “Hooked, Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way”.
Marijuana …show more content…

It is documented that in 430 B.C. a civilization known as the Scythians used marijuana for rituals as well as recreationally. They would gather around a bonfire and throw marijuana on top of it, they would then put a tent over the fire and inhale the smoke. Ancient Chinese herbalists used marijuana to treat menstrual cramps, stomach pain, and malaria.
The active ingredient in marijuana is “tetrahydrocannabinaol” or THC. Smoking marijuana draws the THC from the lungs to the brain where it suppresses neurons causing distortions of time and perception. It also causes lack of coordination, feelings of euphoria, heightened sensitivity, paranoia, and sometimes uncontrolled hilarity. Within seconds of smoking marijuana muscles relax, eyes redden and pulse rate increases. Marijuana is a plant that can grow and thrive just about

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