Realize, educate, cure, legalize, regulate. What do you really know about the "pot"? Marijuana is a mood-altering drug. It releases a chemical called tetrahydrocannibinol (also known as THC) that “mimics” a natural chemical in the brain to release effects on the mind and body. But society doesn't know that there are a wide variety of positive uses for the chemical THC and marijuana itself, both medically and environmentally. With this natural plant legalized (with regulations of course), people's lives could be cleaner, healthier and happier. Have you ever wondered how America could "go green?" Well, surprisingly, the cannabis plant can help us do this. One of the major disposal problems in today's ecology is polystyrene. Styrofoam is a non-biodegradable material that ends up in landfills and releases toxic pollutants and poisonous effects when burned, usually ending up in the oceans creating enormous dangers for marine life. Hemp is the largest producer of cellulose on earth and can create a 100% biodegradable material that can also be used as a replacement for Styrofoam. Hemp can also be compressed into composite door panels, trucks, roof coverings etc. In general, hemp products are lighter, safer in case of accidents, recyclable, cheaper and more durable (momsformarijuana.org) Medically, marijuana is actually considered essential. Cannabis Sativa seeds contain all the essential amino acids and fatty acids needed to maintain a healthy human life (momsformarijuana.org). For example, these seeds lower blood cholesterol levels, improve cardiovascular circulation, and improve function and immunity levels. In experiments conducted in Spain, researchers found that the chemicals THC and CBD are both “cancer killers”(chicagono...... middle of paper ......and zero caused by marijuana. They keep coming studies and testimonies about this often misunderstood plant Don't you find it strange how substances that are processed full of chemicals and toxins like cigarettes are legal, and something that comes straight from mother earth itself is illegal Especially if this herb could help prevent the cancer and relieve patients of pain, and also be beneficial to the economy. Grow hemp, heal the planet. Works cited http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/42432-5-reasons-why-legalizing-. marijuana-stinks http://www.momsformarijuana.org/blogs/blog1.php/food http://patientsformedicalmarijuana.wordpress.com/time-to-legalize-marijuana-judge-jim-gray http://science.howstuffworks .com/marijuana3.htm http:/ /www.s-packagintg.com-plastic-styrofoam-oceans/http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/16798-top-ten-reasons-to-legalize- marijuana-now