When it comes to cannabis myths, there's still a lot of confusion and misinformation circulating. Althea Yap, who holds a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and has over five years of experience in the cannabis industry, is here to set the record straight by debunking some of the most common myths out there.
1. Cannabis is a Gateway Drug
Forget the old "gateway drug" scare tactic—it's been thoroughly debunked. The real factors leading to harder substance use are social and environmental influences, not cannabis itself. Historically, cannabis has been associated with the black market due to strict regulations and the inability to safely access it, which has skewed public perception.
Research suggests that alcohol and nicotine are more likely to be gateway substances than cannabis. More recently, researchers have also begun exploring the "reverse gateway hypothesis," which posits that cannabis could actually help people steer clear of more addictive substances like nicotine and alcohol.
With responsible consumption, cannabis can be a great alcohol replacement!
2. Cannabis Kills Brain Cells
Some studies suggest that while heavy, prolonged use may have negative effects on the brain, moderate use does not.
In fact, research indicates that certain compounds in cannabis, such as CBD, may even have neuroprotective properties.
3. Cannabis is Highly Addictive
While cannabis can be habit-forming, it is not considered highly addictive. Its addiction rate is relatively low compared to substances like nicotine, alcohol, and opioids. Dependence is more often the result of high doses and frequent use, especially when started at a young age.
4. You Can Overdose on Cannabis
Nope! It is virtually impossible to fatally overdose on natural cannabis. While consuming extremely high amounts can lead to unpleasant and severe reactions, they are not life-threatening.
5. Cannabis Use Leads to Laziness
The "lazy stoner" stereotype? Not true. While some strains of cannabis may induce relaxation, others can actually increase focus and productivity. The stereotype of the "lazy stoner" is not supported by scientific evidence. Many successful, active people use cannabis responsibly as part of their lifestyle. Factors like dosage, strain, and individual response all play a significant role in how cannabis affects you.
Need help finding your perfect dosage? Reach out to our team of experts for personalized advice!
References:
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. Cannabis Use and the Abuse of Other Substances. In: The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. National Academies Press (US); 2017. Accessed August 1, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425760/
