10 Most Common Myths About Cannabis and Their Explanations
There are many rumors surrounding cannabis that are based solely on assumptions and incorrect foundations. We are here today to set the record straight and explain why these myths emerge. Let's get started!
Why Do Cannabis Myths Emerge?
Like many situations, cannabis is often the center of false information. This is quite common because cannabis usage and its effects impact each individual differently. This leads to many varied conclusions. On the other hand, people who do not support cannabis or do not believe it could have positive medical effects will always spread myths and misleading information.
10 Most Common Cannabis Myths
1.) Cannabis is a Gateway Drug
Everyone remembers various safety lectures from school. The point was always the same - that cannabis is a gateway drug, and it only takes once to eventually succumb to harder drugs. Although the intent of these lectures was well-meaning, this statement is simply not true. Whether a person becomes addicted depends on many factors, and millions of people worldwide use cannabis regularly without turning to hard drugs.
2.) Cannabis is Dangerous and Highly Addictive
This closely relates to the previous point. There are several distinctions in this claim. First, cannabis does not have the same mechanism as other hard drugs (heroin or cocaine). Second, cannabis itself does not cause severe addiction.
3.) Cannabis Use Leads to High Crime Levels
Research and studies have not yet proven a significant correlation between cannabis users and a stronger desire to commit a crime. Cannabis simply does not control human thinking in this direction. On the contrary, it has been proven that cannabis legalization in various countries did not lead to increased criminality. Once cannabis became legal, it lost its appeal for criminals. Lastly, it's important to note that cannabis criminality is not driven by cannabis use, but by its illegal status, which unfortunately still exists in many parts of the world.
4.) One Can Overdose on Cannabis
Daily news reports how many people died from substance use. Most often, this involves hard drugs and alcohol. However, a person cannot overdose on cannabis to the point of death. Why? Because cannabinoids in cannabis are active ingredients and are not in direct contact with the brain area responsible for breathing. All other drugs interact with respiratory receptors, which when blocked, can cause collapse. Also, in cases where someone died with marijuana traces in their blood, another drug was always present.
5.) Cannabis is Not Addictive at All
Of course, every coin has two sides. This applies to cannabis as well. If a person cannot use it correctly and harness its potential, harm can occur. Scientists claim it's possible for cannabis to become addictive for our organism. This is referred to as a usage disorder. However, the addictive property is not natural to cannabis and often shows as a result of psychological and physical weakness.
6.) You Cannot Get a Hangover from Cannabis
Have you noticed you can get "intoxicated" from every substance? Intoxication characterizes a state where perception is distorted, causing sluggishness or increased energy, and in any case, organism overload. This works with cannabis too. It manifests as "brain fog", headache, red and swollen eyes, or lethargy. More fluids and lighter foods are recommended, along with rest.
7.) Cannabis Does Not Produce Withdrawal Symptoms
If we acknowledge that cannabis can cause addiction in some marginal cases, it must also be true that its absence produces withdrawal symptoms. Unlike other drugs, cannabis withdrawal symptoms are milder and characterized by irritability, headaches, disrupted sleep, sluggishness, and feelings of sadness that can escalate into anxiety. When first noticing abstinence, it's recommended to occupy the brain with another activity, preferably physical.
8.) People Who Use Cannabis Are Lazy
Among many "accusations" about active cannabis users is that they are lazy, preferring to smoke rather than actively sports. This is nonsense because several successful athletes have admitted to using cannabis, especially to achieve better sports performance. Such athletes include Michael Phelps.
9.) Uniformity of Cannabis Effects
Everyone who is not deeply interested in cannabis has encountered the opinion that cannabis indica has sedative effects, while cannabis sativa can provide energy to the human organism. Dr. Russo, a cannabis expert, refuted this myth, stating that effects cannot be precisely categorized, depending on the plant's origin.
10.) Holding Cannabis Vapor Increases Its Effects
This myth is especially prevalent among young cannabis users. The final effect depends not on how long you hold vapor in your mouth, but on how much cannabis you smoke. This can involve not just THC cannabis, but also CBD cannabis. So this claim can also be marked as incorrect.
We've mentioned the most common myths about cannabis. Stay alert, next time we might discuss more new uncertainties.