Life has its daily complications and we often need an escape. Some of us find relief in a nice glass of red wine and a piece of double chocolate cake. Others may find their arrival in paradise over an ice-cold beer. Many of us are turning to more common solutions like cigarettes or food. Then there are those who do not find pleasure in common solutions, they prefer to turn to drugs for peace. Drugs like marijuana (cannabis) are often frowned upon due to their effects on the brain and have been considered illegal. But alcohol also affects the brain and it's legal. The question might be: what is the difference between alcohol and marijuana that makes marijuana illegal? Or it could be; what is the sole purpose of making it illegal? Marijuana, or as it is sometimes called “the gateway drug,” is commonly used as an immediate solution and also has a tendency to be abused. So the question is why hasn't marijuana been legalized yet? Perhaps the problem is that marijuana happens to be one of the most abused recreational drugs. Defined by TheFreeDictionary.com Marijuana is a preparation made from dried flower clusters and leaves of hemp (cannabis saliva), usually smoked or consumed to induce euphoria (a feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being). This greenish-gray substance alters the mind thanks to the active ingredient it contains called THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). The strength of this plant increases significantly depending on the weather, harvest time, and several other elements. Marijuana can be vaporized, drunk as a tea, consumed orally, or cooked in food and produce the same effect, but more slowly. The origin of marijuana is unknown but is said to be the Spanish name for Maria and Juana (Mary Jane). Agreement...... middle of document ......May 3, 2011. American Council for Drug Education. AXA Foundation, Verizon Foundation. and Web. May 3, 2011. Medical Marijuana Hut.com. May 2010. the web. May 3, 2011. United States. Department of Health and Human Services. “Marijuana abuse.” nih.gov. October 2002. The web. May 3, 2011. Eisenman, Russell. Marijuana use: positive/negative experiences. and Web. May 3, 2011. Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. bien.com. National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1984. Web. May 3, 2011. “Marijuana.” thefreedictionary.com. FARLEX, nd Web. May 3, 2011Cancer and medical marijuana. Americans for Secure Access, 2002. Web. May 3, 2011. Anderson, George. Marijuana: a Wikifocus book. Wikifocus Book Intr., 2011. Print. Carter, Gregory T., Dale Gieringer and Ed Rosenthal. Medical Marijuana Handbook: A Practical Guide to the Therapeutic Uses of Marijuana. Ed. revised. California: Oakland, 2008. Print.