Cannabis is still illegal in many parts of the world, including on college campuses. Here’s a look at why that is and whether it’s likely to change anytime soon.
Checkout this video:
The Dangers of Cannabis
Cannabis is a substance that is commonly associated with college students. It is often used as a party drug and can lead to serious consequences. Cannabis can impair your judgment and decision-making abilities, which can lead to accidents and injuries. It can also exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
The Short-Term Effects of Cannabis
Short-term effects of cannabis can include:
– impaired ability to remember and concentrate
– distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch)
– problems with coordination
– increased anxiety or panic attacks
– short-term psychotic symptoms (such as paranoia) in vulnerable people
– increased heart rate
The Long-Term Effects of Cannabis
Cannabis use can have a variety of long-term mental and physical effects. These effects are often dependent on how often an individual uses, the age at which they start using, and how long they use for. Some of the common long-term effects of cannabis are listed below.
Physical effects:
-Reduced blood pressure
-Increased heart rate
-Dry mouth
-Bloodshot eyes
-Slower reaction time
-Increased appetite
Mental effects:
-Anxiety
-Paranoia
-Depression
-Reduced motivation
The History of Cannabis
The use of cannabis dates back to the third millennium BC. It was first used in China and India for a variety of purposes including medical and spiritual. In the United States, cannabis was widely used during the early 1900s. However, it was made illegal in 1937.
The Origins of Cannabis
While the origin of cannabis is unknown, it is thought to have originated in Central Asia. The earliest recorded use of cannabis was in China in 2727 B.C.E., when Emperor Shen Neng prescribed cannabis for the treatment of a number of ailments, including gout, rheumatism, malaria, and poor memory.
Cannabis was first introduced to the western world in the early 19th century by French physicians who were studying in Egypt. They observed that the Egyptian people used cannabis to treat a number of conditions, including eye diseases, inflammation, and pain relief. In 1839, French physician Jacques-Joseph Moreau published a book entitled On Hashish and Mental Illness, which detailed his observations about the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
Cannabis continued to be used for medicinal purposes throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1851, U.S. Dispensatory listed cannabis as an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including pain relief, nausea, and appetite stimulation. In 1856, The Lancet published an article entitled On the Preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah which detailed the medical uses of cannabis.
In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in the United States which required that all drugs be labeled with their potential side effects. Cannabis was included on this list and its use began to decline in popularity. In 1923, Canada passed the Narcotics Drug Act which prohibited the possession or sale of cannabis; this law effectively ended both medical and recreational use of cannabis in Canada.
In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act was passed in the United States which placed a tax on the sale of cannabis; this made it very difficult for doctors to prescribe it and for pharmacists to fill those prescriptions. As a result of these laws ,the medical use of cannabis came to a virtual halt in both countries by the mid-20th century.
The criminalization of Cannabis
Cannabis was first criminalized in the United States with the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. This act placed restrictions and taxes on the sale, possession, and cultivation of Cannabis. Prior to this, Cannabis had been used for centuries in the United States for a variety of purposes, including as a medicinal herb. However, with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act, Cannabis became increasingly associated with crime and violence.
In 1970, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act was passed, which classified Cannabis as a Schedule I drug. This classification meant that Cannabis was considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. This classification has remained in place despite changing attitudes towards Cannabis and its potential medical uses.
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize Cannabis for medical use. Since then, a number of other states have followed suit. However, because Cannabis is still federally classified as a Schedule I drug, it is not legal to possess or use it on college campuses. This has led to a number of students being disciplined or even expelled from college for possessing or using Cannabis.
The Current Situation
While a majority of states in the U.S. have legalized cannabis in some form, it is still illegal on the federal level. This means that college campuses that receive federal funding are not allowed to permit the use of cannabis on their grounds. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but the majority of campuses still do not allow cannabis.
The States that Have legalized Cannabis
The following states have legalized the use of cannabis for recreational purposes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. The District of Columbia also allows recreational use. Thirty-three states have legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Currently, there is a patchwork of state laws concerning the legal status of cannabis. Some states have legalized both the medical and recreational use of cannabis while others have only legalized medical use. In states where cannabis is legal for medicinal purposes, patients are typically required to register with the state in order to obtain a medical cannabis card.
The Federal Government’s stance on Cannabis
The main reason cannabis is not allowed on college campuses is because of the Federal government’s stance on the drug. Cannabis is still considered a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means that it has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” This classification puts it in the same category as other drugs like heroin and LSD.
While some states have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, it is still illegal under federal law. This means that college campuses that receive federal funding (which most do) are not allowed to allow the use of cannabis on their premises.
There has been some movement by the Trump administration to loosen restrictions on cannabis, but so far these changes have been limited in scope and have not had a significant impact on college campuses. It is possible that further changes could be made in the future, but for now, the federal government’s stance on cannabis remains unchanged.
The Future of Cannabis
The cannabis plant has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It wasn’t until recently that people have started to realize the potential of cannabis. College campuses have become a hotbed for the debate on whether or not cannabis should be allowed. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of cannabis on college campuses .
The Possibility of Federal Legalization
With more and more states legalizing cannabis for medicinal and recreational use, it’s only a matter of time until the federal government follows suit. Some colleges and universities have already started making changes to their policies in anticipation of this, but many are still holding out.
The main reason why campuses are hesitant to allow cannabis is because it is still federally illegal. This means that they could potentially lose their funding or accreditation if they were to allow it on their premises.
However, there is a growing movement of people who believe that cannabis should be treated like alcohol or tobacco, and that it should be allowed on college campuses. After all, if students are old enough to drink or smoke cigarettes, then they should be able to use cannabis as well.
Only time will tell what the future of cannabis on college campuses will be, but it seems like change is inevitable. With more and more states legalizing the use of cannabis, it’s only a matter of time until the federal government follows suit. This would open up a whole new world of possibilities for college students across the country.
The impact of Federal Legalization
The long-awaited federal legalization of cannabis is finally set to take effect in Canada on October 17, 2018. For those who have been fighting for this momentous occasion, it will mark the end of nearly a century of cannabis prohibition. But while this is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, there is still much work to be done in terms of education and advocacy, especially when it comes to college campuses.
Currently, most college and university campuses in Canada have strict policies in place that prohibit the use of cannabis, even for medical purposes. This is despite the fact that many students use cannabis for various reasons, including managing anxiety, pain relief and improving focus. With the new laws set to come into effect, there is an opportunity for campuses to revisit their policies and explore more sensible (and inclusive) approaches to cannabis use.
There are a number of potential benefits to allowing cannabis on college campuses. For one, it would create a more inclusive environment for students who rely on cannabis for medical purposes. It would also allow students to explore the responsible use of cannabis without having to worry about being disciplined or punished by their school. Finally, it would help normalize cannabis use among young people – something that is sorely needed given the current stigma surrounding the plant.
Of course, there are also potential risks that need to be considered before any changes are made to campus policies. These include the potential for increased abuse and misuse of cannabis among students, as well as the possibility of more on-campus accidents and injuries. However, these risks can be mitigated through thoughtful regulation and education.
Overall, the legalization of cannabis presents both opportunities and challenges for colleges and universities across Canada. It is up to each individual institution to decide how they want to approach this issue moving forward. But whatever decisions are made, it is important that they are based on facts, compassion and a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
