Why are there so many misconceptions surrounding cannabis? The tension between those who oppose it and support it is so thick, you can cut it with a knife! After Marijuana was introduced as a recreational drug by Mexican immigrants approximately 100 years ago, the hate for it has been a serious problem. Since the 1930’s the United States government has tried and failed to eradicate it. Up until recently, the war against weed was winning with the help of propaganda (which is a really nice way of saying “convincing lies aimed to manipulate the masses”). A number of deceptive ideas have been advertised to demonize the herb, and sadly, these thoughts are still believed to this day despite the evidence against them.
Well, it’s time to wipe the mud off and offer a more accurate picture of what cannabis really is.
Photo by Online Marketing on Unsplash
The Facts
The health benefits of marijuana have been known and used for thousands of years. Even up until recreational and medicinal use of cannabis was made illegal in the 1930s, doctors were prescribing it to their patients, especially as a pain reducer. As legal battles were pursued, science has produced thousands of studies, many supporting the growing list of medicinal effects that this potent herb can produce. Read more about marijuana’s contribution to medicine here.
Photo by Dima Pechurin on Unsplash
The Facts
Although many people use weed for the high, others prefer to take marijuana for the health benefits only. They need to work or drive and being stoned isn’t suitable for their lifestyle. The pleasant euphoria or sleepy feelings are now optional side effects as many breeders focus on strains with little to no psychoactive effect. These strains are high in CBD with only small traces of the psychoactive THC.
Photo by Michael Longmire on Unsplash
The Facts
There is no supporting evidence that cannabis leads to drug abuse. People who are prone to addiction in general will move onto potentially dangerous drugs because that is within their nature. Peer pressure, genetics, culture, and family life are all possible factors that can contribute to the use and addiction of illegal and damaging substance abuse.
Photo by Kenny Orr on Unsplash
The Facts
There is no way to fatally overdose on marijuana, although too much of anything is a bad idea. Cannabis has no toxicity, so it can’t kill you, but that doesn’t mean it won’t make you feel horrible. Just like those last few shots of tequila or pouring an unhealthy helping of ghost pepper sauce on your dinner to impress a date, smoking or nibbling on more marijuana than you should will make you regret the decision very quickly. This is why dosage is an important detail to consider when consuming a new product. Always use the minimum amount for the first time and increase your dosage in the future to receive the effect you are looking for. Remember that edibles don’t kick in for 30 minutes, and it can take up to an hour to feel the full potency of the dose.
Photo by Miguel Orós on Unsplash
The Facts
The CBD found in cannabis has no addictive potential. You have zero chance of becoming addicted to it. Products that contain cannabinoids are safe to consume within the recommended dosage and are often prescribed by physicians for a variety of medical conditions for symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Psychoactive THC found in cannabis has no addictive qualities for ten out of eleven people. Most experts agree that this addiction is more psychological than physiological. For the 9% who become addicted, withdrawal symptoms are not dangerous and include cravings, sleep disruption, and irritability.
[h2]
Quality information is a rare and wonderful thing. That’s why it’s important to choose sources with academic references. We at Medithrive believe in spreading the truth and giving you the best knowledge available. Are you new to the cannabis scene? Look no further for answers to all of your questions. Take a look at our Cannabis 101 blog for more details about recreational and medical marijuana, plus advice, tips, and tricks!
Bostwick JM. Blurred boundaries: the therapeutics and politics of medical marijuana. Mayo Clin Proc. 2012;87(2):172-186. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2011.10.003
Maule WJ. Medical uses of marijuana (Cannabis sativa): fact or fallacy?. Br J Biomed Sci. 2015;72(2):85-91. doi:10.1080/09674845.2015.11666802
Mechoulam R. Cannabis–a valuable drug that deserves better treatment. Mayo Clin Proc. 2012;87(2):107-109. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2011.12.002
Nutt D, King LA, Saulsbury W, Blakemore C. Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse. Lancet. 2007;369(9566):1047-1053. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60464-4
