The Science and Psychology of Marijuana

(2 Credits)

Weed. Pot. Bud. Grass. Ganja. Reefer. Mary Jane. Skunk. Herb. Cannabis. It’s all marijuana – the most commonly used, in many states still illicit, drug in the United States. Calming for some, anxiety provoking for others, medicinal and yet also controversial, marijuana causes wonder and confusion among physicians, parents, teachers, adolescents, and lawmakers. After 50+ years of debate, marijuana remains one of our most visible modern-day conundrums – is it “okay?” Is marijuana safe and therapeutic, or is it dangerous and a gateway to more harmful drugs? Through lecture, discussion, and a thorough analysis of the current research literature in neuroscience and human development, we seek to answer these questions and identify marijuana’s role in psychology, medicine, culture, and government policy.