The Early Beginnings of Marijuana Use Marijuana users have implicitly declared patronage over the simple herb due to its uncharacteristic effect of altering their present state of mind into a new level of high. Marijuana or more scientifically known as Cannabis sativa , is a psychoactive drug that possesses intoxicating properties. Such effect is derived from its resin which produces the chemical component delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The timeline of marijuana use dates back 2737 B.C. in China where it is used for medical purposes. According to the Chinese emperor Shen Nung in his writings, cannabis held medical powers that alleviate signs and symptoms of gout, malaria and rheumatism. Although it was noted that intoxication was present, its medicinal impact towards its users are held more valuable. The popularity of the herb reached India, North Africa and eventually Europe during A.D. 500. Though the Chinese attributed marijuana use for medicinal purposes and tre...