Cannabis is a plant that has been used for many purposes over centuries of cultivation. Cannabis grows wild in many parts of the world, such as India and even parts of the United States, where it is called "ditch weed." Cannabis seed oils can be used as a nutritional supplement or as a component of soaps and detergents. Hemp fibers can be used in the construction of textile ropes. The most famous and infamous use of cannabis is for the psychoactive substance THC, which can produce an altered state of consciousness, mild hallucinations, and other neurological and behavioral effects. These effects are revered by some members of the community and hated by others, who perceive them as a dangerous and unhealthy state of being. Consumption or possession of cannabis is illegal in most countries around the world. Public attitude towards the perceived threat that consumption of this substance can cause has been significantly reduced, but its consumption remains taboo and feared as a dangerous and illegal activity. This relaxed attitude toward the subject creates fertile ground for open debate among members of the academic and policy communities about the potential harms or benefits of legalizing cannabis as a plant that can be grown, possessed, bought and sold freely. Supporters of cannabis legalization cite reduced law enforcement spending on investigating, arresting and incarcerating non-violent marijuana offenders. Supporters of legalization also cite that unrestricted use of marijuana as medicine could reduce the need for expensive treatments and medications with unhealthy and addictive effects. Proponents of cannabis legalization cite that the cultivation and sale of marijuana...... middle of article...... diligence and temperance toward a substance that can have potentially harmful effects. References: References Al-Khayat, DH (1993). Health, an Islamic perspective. Retrieved from http://www.islamset.com/hip/health3/intoxic.htmlCNBC.com, April 2010, Marijuana & Money, Why We Should Legalize MarijuanaHofstede, GH (2001). The Consequences of Culture: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Marijuana smoke has high levels. (2011). Retrieved from http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana/index.html Stand out against the legalization of drugs. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/dea/demand/speakout/index.htmlTime Magazine, April 2009; Why legalizing marijuana makes sense