Marijuana is very often underestimated as a problem. "I just smoke marijuana," is a constantly used vocalization of denial. The truth is that any drug used as an escape from reality or from dealing with life on life's terms is a problem. Often, marijuana is called a "gateway" drug because it leads to the use of other illegal substances. A person will try marijuana and when they discover it's effects are enjoyable and somewhat controllable, they often decide to experiment further with other illegal substances.
Marijuana is readily available and is often mixed with other drugs to enhance the effects. The euphoric feeling is combined with a camaraderie that users feel when they smoke together and leads to a psychological as well as a physical addiction. Many claim that this drug is non-addictive but they are wrong. Marijuana actually stays in a person's body (stored in fat cells) longer than most any other drug, up to 3 months. When released by exertion or exercise, the stored THC (marijuana) can trigger relapse.
