Top 7 Myths About Cannabis

Cannabis has recreational and medical uses, and it is also approved by different cultures. Yet, there are a lot of myths surrounding cannabis. It is often stigmatised due to the conventional belief and lack of awareness regarding it. Hence, there are misunderstandings concerning its usage as a recreational substance and thereby unproven myths which create confusion among the users. Have you recently been introduced to cannabis? In this blog, we are going to debunk the top 7 myths about weed and its consumption.

The growing use of cannabis in medicine, recreation, and lifestyle is observed because of its effectiveness. Despite research and legalisation in countries like Canada, the USA, Germany, Mexico, Thailand, etc., some misconceptions and myths are still circulated among users. Myths about cannabis range from its medical benefits to its psychotic effects, some of which have shaped human concern.

Here are the top 7 weed myths and facts and its usage:

Myth 1: Cannabis Has No Medical Benefits

This is a myth that has been outdated by continuous research and scientific proof. This myth disregards the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and promotes misconceptions among new users. Plus, there is also a notion that medical marijuana is unlawful. However, reality is different.

Reality

Cannabis has proven therapeutic use in pain management, epilepsy, nausea, and chronic pain reduction. Active ingredients like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol) that are present in Cannabis can help in modulating different symptoms in patients. Across Canada and the USA, the self-reported medical use of marijuana is around 27.1%. This shows that marijuana is used for different medical reasons, and they are effective.

Let’s look at the medical conditions that can be treated through cannabis:

• Chronic Pain: Clinical records and scientifically backed studies show that cannabis can be equally effective in managing chronic pain as opioids. Plus, medical marijuana can also be used in treating neuropathic pain.
• Depression or PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Although it is in an early stage, the research highlighting the efficacy of medical cannabis as a remedy for psychotic disorders seems promising.
• Epilepsy: In June 2018, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the USA approved the usage of a medication that contains CBD to treat two rare and specific types of epilepsy, which are Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The name of this drug is Epidiolex, which is a CBD-induced remedy option.

Myth 2: Cannabis Is a Drug and Can Cause Intoxication

This point discusses one of the biggest weed facts and myths! There is a stigma surrounding cannabis that it can be intoxicating. The notion is that high THC content means the cannabis will make the user more intoxicated. Now, let’s find out the reality behind this.

Reality

Not every type of cannabis contains a high level of THC, which is responsible for the intoxicating effect. While THC is the most popular cannabinoid in cannabis, there are other cannabis plants, like hemp, that have a very insignificant level of THC and a high level of CBD, which has medical and therapeutic benefits.

Although both can be found in cannabis, several features distinguish THC and CBD. Here are the key differences between them:

Table 1: Difference Between CBD vs THC

Myth 3: Smoking Is the Only Way to Consume Cannabis

Many people think that smoking is the only way to consume cannabis. This is a myth about weed, as apart from smoking, there are different methods of consuming cannabis. Smoking cannabis takes less time to make an effect. Furthermore, different methods of Marijuana consumption determine the amount of THC in the bloodstream.

Reality

Aside from smoking, cannabis is also recommended for oral consumption due to its gentler effect, controlled dosage, and lack of respiratory risks. However, the choice of consumption is dependent on the individual’s preference and health considerations.

There are different types of methods of consumption of cannabis, which include vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals, pills, and sublingual strips. However, the availability of different cannabis consumption methods is a subjective factor and depends on the regulations of the area.

Myth 4: Cannabis Is a Gateway Drug

This point discusses one of the most common weed myths and facts! While there can be some connection between the cannabis usage of earlier days and subsequent usage, it does not mean that cannabis is a gateway drug. Research has proved that cannabis users do not progress to harder drugs in most cases.

The concept of gateway drug says that once an individual starts to use some kind of substance or drugs, they are going to get a hold of harder drugs. Sometimes, they become curious because others are actively doing it, and they do not want to miss it.

Reality

A 2023 study conducted on 4000 twins from the USA to test the gateway effect of cannabis showed that despite concerns, there were no changes in the drug usage, and cannabis was not concluded as a gateway drug. Depending on this study, it can be stated that there is no substantial evidence of cannabis being a gateway drug.

Social factors like peer pressure, social acceptance, and observational learning have driven many individuals to use cannabis for medical purposes and recreational support. Cannabis does not develop in gateway effect in most cases. Some individuals follow a different path for their substance use, as some give cannabis a shot, while others try different elements. But that does not necessarily mean that cannabis is primarily responsible for the getaway.

Myth 5: Cannabis Usage Can Lead to Lower Motivation

The stereotype associated with cannabis has been dispelled by much research. The stigma that cannabis consumers can be lazy has been rebuked, considering no substantial scientific proof exists to prove it. In reality, the effect of cannabis depends on the age of the individual and how many times cannabis is used.

Reality

As per a study by Cambridge University, there is no change or shift in motivation or brain response among cannabis users after frequent and even daily consumption of cannabis. When it comes to apathy, cannabis shows no sign of it. This outcome is different from the stigmatised portrayal of cannabis users in different TV shows. It also does not substantiate that cannabis users do not want to go through physical efforts.

Myth 6: Prenatal Cannabis Use Is Associated with Symptoms of ADHD in Children

Here’s to bursting another weed fact and myth! There is a misconception that cannabis consumption by pregnant women can result in ADHD in the children. This claim does not have any kind of substantial proof that can affirm it. Rather, there is an evidence-based cohort study that there is no visible link between overall exposure to cannabis and ADHD in newborns.

Reality

In a study evaluating 2408 children, there has not been any substantial proof that can establish a connection between prenatal cannabis consumption and children being born with ADHD. Those people who have ADHD have been self-treating with cannabis; they have claimed that it has helped them to control some of their severe symptoms, like agitation, lack of control, and irritability.

Myth 7: Cannabis Consumption Can Cause Long-term Memory Loss

Again, there is no strong link or scientific study that can back this claim up. There are research and cohort studies that have established a link between sleep quality and the consumption of cannabis.

Reality

There are multiple allegations against cannabis because of its denoted image. While in reality, the impact of cannabis on memory is not as severe as it is speculated, and it does not inflict as much damage as can lead to long-term memory loss. For adults, there is no significant proof that is strong enough to back this claim up.

Wrapping Up

The myths surrounding cannabis arise from stigma and blurry knowledge about it. Furthermore, lack of awareness and scientific proof also encourages in spread of misinformation and shapes human conception around it. Evidence shows that cannabis can be safe and has versatile uses when it is utilised responsibly. In this blog, we have debunked some of the key myths that can help you make crucial decisions and make you aware of the common myths surrounding cannabis.

Consume Cannabis Responsibly without Thinking of Myths!

New to the world of cannabis? Consume cannabis only after expert advice, and do not entertain unscientific stigmas that can hamper your experience. And always make sure to purchase from reliable suppliers.