Marijuana was first discovered in China in 4000 BC and was used to make rope. It was grown for hemp and the hemp fiber was twisted to make rope. In 3000 BC marijuana was the first to be smoked. Then it began to be used as a medicine in China for the treatment of malaria, beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pain and distraction. Furthermore, in ancient India, they used it to relieve headaches, whooping cough, prolong life, improve judgment, reduce fever, induce sleep, cure dysentery, and control dandruff (Think quest, n.d.) . Marijuana also known as weed, weed, and ganja is reported by the Office of National Drugs Control Policy as the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. Although people consider the drug harmless, marijuana use has negative health, safety, social, academic, economic, and behavioral consequences. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (formerly called the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse), 95 million Americans ages 12 and older have tried marijuana at least once (The office of the Drugs Control Policy, n.d.). According to the New York City Department of Health, marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug by nearly 730,000 New Yorkers (12%) each year. Usage is highest among young people aged between 18 and 25 (30%). Since 2004, the rate of emergency room visits due to marijuana use has more than doubled to 173 marijuana-related visits per 100,000 New Yorkers in 2007 (New York City Department of Health and Sanitation 2010). Marijuana is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, which are dried and ground. The scientific name of marijuana is cannabis. This plant can grow in almost any environment. The average growth rate is one to two…… half of the paper……health and hygiene (2010). Illicit drugs in New York City. Retrieved from: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/survey/survey-2009drugod.pdf New York State DOH (2012). The New York State Health Commissioner warns of the dangers of synthetic marijuana. Retrieved from: http://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2012/2012-03-23_dangers_of_synthetic_marijiana.htmRandom Facts (2012). Marijuana. Retrieved from http://facts.randomhistory.com/2009/02/27_marijuana.htmlScott, E. M. (2010). Decriminalization of marijuana. Retrieved from: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2010/rpt/2010-R-0204.htmThe Office of the Drugs Control Policy (n.d.). Marijuana. Retrieved from: https://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/marijuana_myths_facts.pdfThinkquest Education Foundation (n.d.). The history of marijuana. Retrieved from: http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01474/history.htm