Cannabis has become a popular substance for both recreational and medicinal purposes. But despite widespread research, there are several myths around cannabis usage, hindering decision-making and fostering stigma. If this sounds relatable, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s separate fact from myth, breaking down things people get wrong about cannabis usage:
Cannabis Has No Medical Benefit
This is perhaps the most dangerous myth preventing people from taking advantage of cannabis.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a plant that contains over 120 different chemical compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most well-known.
Several studies have explored the medical benefits of cannabis. CBD can offer relief from:
- Insomnia
- Spasticity
- Anxiety
- Pain
Look at it this way: THC can decrease the amount of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep a person experiences. This is crucial for cognitive functions like memory, dreaming, and processing emotions.
Medical marijuana has taken center stage in healthcare research. It can help with:
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It also acts as a muscle relaxant.
2018 marked a huge milestone for cannabis in the medical industry. The FDA approved Epidiolex, a cannabidiol useful for treating seizures linked to Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Moreover, two synthetic cannabinoid medicines, including dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) and nabilone (Cesamet), were also approved for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
If your doctor has recommended cannabis, buy it from a licensed San Diego dispensary to avoid complications.
Smoking Cannabis is the Only Effective Way of Consumption
Another common myth is that smoking is the only effective way to consume cannabis. In reality, there are numerous forms of cannabis products recommended by specialists.
This includes:
- Vaping (heating plant materials or concentrates)
- Edibles (gummies, baked goods, or candies)
- Topicals (creams, lotions, or balms)
- Tinctures (sublingual extracts)
- Beverages (teas and sodas)
These are all excellent ways to ensure controlled cannabis consumption while avoiding potential respiratory issues. Reputable dispensaries, such as Catalyst Cannabis, offer a range of products tailored to individual preferences.
People Can Overdose on Cannabis
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there has never been an adult death attributed to excessive cannabis usage alone.
That said, consuming large doses of THC and CBD can lead to discomfort and other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and anxiety.
People also believe that cannabis is a gateway drug and can promote the usage of hard drugs. This is another myth. Remember that marijuana addiction depends on individual vulnerabilities and social influences.
You Can Mix Cannabis With Other Substances
This is an extremely harmful myth. Mixing cannabis products with other intoxicating substances like alcohol can inhibit brain functioning.
Look at it this way: Both cannabis and alcohol are depressant drugs. Using them together can exacerbate the intoxication, leading to adverse effects. You might also experience symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
All Forms of Cannabis Have the Same Effect
In reality, cannabis has numerous compounds, each with varying effects.
For instance, CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it doesn’t cause the “high” that comes with other drugs. On the flip side, THC can cause psychoactive effects.
