by Angela Vetter

Created on: February 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

One of today's most mislabeled plants, Marijuana's uses can be traced to it's native beginnings in northern India and Iran, all the way back more than 2,000 years to the times of ancient China, where it's properties of easing one into sleep, and pain relieving qualities, were used commonly. Born of the Hemp family of plants, this multi-use wonder can also be traced back to pre-renaissance Europe, where the root was used for gout, and for treatment for burns. It can be found growing wild in North America (if your lucky), though it is still illegal to grow in most states.

The Marijuana plant can be either male or female in gender, and can grow up to ten feet tall in prime conditions. The female plant is much more bushy with large dark green toothed leaves which spread like tiny palms, whereas the male of the species has smaller and much more sporadic leafage, although with many more seeds. The flowers can be found in bunches off of the stem, and are seen early summer throughout late fall. There are over 250 known varieties in common medical use today.
Uses for the actual fibers of the plant are many, including being make into rope, fabric, and string. The seeds are used commercially in some bird food mixtures.
Medicinal uses for dulling pain, alleviating nausea, treating asthma and glaucoma, and for help with sleeplessness have all been scientifically proven, as well as it's ability to increase appetite, which is why it is prescribed to those afflicted with cancer, diabetes, and other serious health issues. Marijuana's antispasmodic qualities also have been shown to help those with epileptic seizures.
Some of the magical uses of the plant come from the same source as the medical uses. The TCH (or tetrahdrocannabinols) the plant contains have been used to incite visions, altered states of reality, spiritual journeys, and the such. Burning the herb mixed along with another herb, Mugwort, in front of the mirror is said to open up the psychic eye. Even the seeds are said to have powers, for example, dropping seeds as you walk around a church at midnight nine times is said to bring you a vision of your future lover. Though in this day and age, it would probable just bring the church visions of trouble trying to explain who put it there.
Marijuana is a valuable plant that is very much overlooked in it's medicinal properties today. It's magical healing qualities will be useful for years to come.

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