First, I will provide evidence/science for my arguments below. Second, the following is why I do not support Marijuana.  ________________ Marijuana is a mind altering drug, that has been engineered and concentrated through years of government research.  It has become the most heavily abused substance known to man.  The only substance it is current outpaced by is Cigarettes, which are equal in harm to the body. If you are a mature female, age 21 or older, or a male 24 years or older. My argument is not with you. My argument is for usage those whose brain has yet to finish developing.  The consumption of Marijuana  in the early teens is detrimental to frontal lobe development. When actively consumed the frontal lobe in children is retarded. This leads to a brain that never finishes developing. This leaves a huge gap in reasoning, time management, emotional control and logic driven thought.  I don't care what your Herbal book says. These are quantifiable facts about Marijuana, not big pharma. Now, the issue is not cannabis oil. The issue is Carcinogens and THC, which clogs receptors, causing the flooding of dopamine into the brain. Not the release, the flooding. It is never good for to much of any hormone to flood the system, this is considered a diseased state within the body.  Now the use of Cannabis oil I am perfectly ok with, it has healing properties and helps many people. The pills are even great for pain relief. Now I know that the pills have THC. I am not contradicting myself. It is the level of concentration in marijuana that is so bad, especially at a young age. Now if you have to smoke, fine, but I only support the use for medical reasons. Also, no smoking for children.  [b]I am and always and forever will be against the recreational use of Marijuana and any mind altering substances. [/b] [b]What is marijuana.[/b] Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant. Marijuana has a chemical in it called tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. All forms of marijuana are mind-altering (psychoactive). In other words, they change how the brain works. A lot of other chemicals are found in marijuana, too about 400 of them, some of which are carcinogenic.46 Marijuana is addictive with more teens in treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined. [b]What is a Carcinogen[/b] A substance or agent that causes cancer. Related terms include the adjective carcinogenic and the nouns carcinogenesis and "carcinogenicity Risks Impaired judgment and motor coordination Shortened attention span and distractibility Anxiety and panic attacks Increased heart rate Increased risk of heart attack Increased risk for schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals Impaired judgment Problems with memory and learning Lowered motivation Decreased alertness and coordination Addiction Gateway Drug Withdrawal symptoms range from stopping drug use (in a chronic user): irritability, sleeplessness, anxiety, impaired appetite, and aggression. [b]Interview given to me by a Professor( Doctor of Micro-biology):[/b] "Because of the serious physical and psychological effects associated with its use, Despite the fact that it is widely available, and even accepted in some families and communities, marijuana remains A legally restricted restricted harmful drug. It's main ingredient THC or Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, a mind altering chemical. Marijauna produced today has a level of THC that is up yo 25 times higher than the types sold in the 1960s. And depending on how it is cut, it can contain hundreds of other harmful chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. Biologically, marijuana affects the brain, heart, lungs, Sex organs, and depresses the immune system. The effects on the brain include distortion of the senses, confused judgment, and decreased motor skills. Operating machinery and motor vehicles becomes dangerous. Effects on the heart include rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. Respiratory problems include pharyngitis, laryngitis, and bronchitis. Marijuana has been associated with lung, head, and neck cancers. It reduces the T-cells in the immune system that are needed to fight off infections. In pre-teens, marijuana use can retard physical growth and slow down development. High dose marijuana use can cause decreased fertility, breast enlargement in males, and breast milk production. Usually marijuana is inhaled by smoking a "joint" for it's psychological effects. Within the first few minutes, it produces a sense of heightened well being and relaxation. Now that sounds good. But with continued use, the mental effects include short-term memory loss, shortened attention span, impaired learning, social withdrawal, and decreased motivation. Anxiety attacks, panic reactions, delirium, and hallucinations can occur. So pediatricians are very concerned about the harmful effects of marijuana and they do not support its use or legalization." [b]Below is a 3D interactive program put together by Utah University. It explains the effects of different drugs on the brain in easy to understand language. [/b] http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/ Other sources: http://adai.uw.edu/marijuana/factsheets/respiratoryeffects.htm https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuana-effects https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jean_Lud_Cadet/publication/11039020_Dose-Related_Neurocognitive_Effects_of_Marijuana_Abuse/links/559964c808ae793d138050d7.pdf http://www.leafscience.com/2016/04/19/side-effects-marijuana/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_cannabis