Final answer:
Individuals may use marijuana for its psychoactive effects and potential medical benefits, reflecting a shift in social attitudes and legal status over time. Long-term usage can lead to health issues such as impaired brain development, respiratory problems, and risks to child development during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
People might choose to use marijuana for various reasons, including its psychoactive effects, which can change mood or consciousness. The substance has been historically associated with stereotypes and was often seen as a danger to society. However, the perception of marijuana has undergone significant shifts over time due to several factors. Among other reasons, there is now a more informed understanding of the drug's effects and societal impact, the recognition of its potential medical benefits, and changing public opinion.
In some regions, marijuana has been approved for medical use, to help with health problems, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the marijuana plant as a medicine. Additionally, marijuana legalization has moved forward in some states for recreational use, contributing to a shift in social attitudes toward the substance. Nevertheless, on the federal level, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule 1 drug, presenting a complex legal landscape for users and distributors.
Despite the changing legal and social environment, it's important to be aware of the potential health issues associated with long-term use, including problems with brain development for those who start using marijuana in their teenage years, respiratory issues from frequent smoking, and risks to child development during and after pregnancy if used by pregnant women.