9781422276952

Introduction In the past decade, public opinion regarding marijuana legalization has begun to change around the world. A growing number of countries have legalized the medical use of cannabis to treat pain and nausea, as well as seizure disorders, Crohn’s disease, and other diseases and medical conditions. Countries that have legalized medical cannabis in recent years include the United States (in a majority of states), Canada, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Jamaica, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Swit-

zerland, Romania, Germany, India, Israel, Macedonia, South Africa, and Uruguay. A small, but growing, number of coun- tries have also legalized or decrimi- nalized the use of recreational cannabis by adults. Recreational use of cannabis has been decriminalized in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Germany, and other countries, although it is still technically illegal. In the United States, eight states have legalized recreational cannabis for adult use: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Although the use of marijuana by adults has been legalized or decriminalized in many countries, it’s important to note that the use of marijuana—just like alcohol, cigarettes, or even fatty foods— can cause various side effects and health issues. In this book, we will look at how marijuana affects the growing body and

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