Top 5 cannabis myths debunked

As cannabis legalization spreads in the US, more and more people are slowly opening their curiosity to cannabis culture. With more research and data on the benefits, cannabis has become the new frontier for the wellness industry. However, there are still myths and stigmata that make cannabis use illegal and false. We’re going to break down the top five myths about cannabis and debunk them for you now.

Here are the five cannabis myths debunked:

Myth 1: Cannabis is a gateway drug

You may have heard this mainly in school or parenting counseling. This popular myth was created by a wide variety of media, films, and popular culture. And after years of research, we can finally dispel this myth. A research study by the National Academic of Science Engineering Medicine found that “there is no conclusive evidence that the effects of cannabis are linked to subsequent abuse of other drugs”. A person’s mental health and environment have a greater impact on whether or not they experience drugs other than cannabis. On the other hand, cannabis is currently recommended by a doctor to help patients overcome addiction to dangerous drugs such as opiates.

Myth 2: All cannabis produced produces the same high

If you are new to the cannabis world you may hear this myth that says that all cannabis is bad cannabis. The reality is that there are different tribes for different purposes to support different needs. There are sativas, indicas, hybrids, and CBD. If you want to stay awake and get some work done, try a sativa. If you want to sleep well, indica is the way to go. Although pharmacies and companies sell these well-known strains, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to show that each strain in consumer products is best for a person’s specific needs. But as the research continues to be excellent, data in support of these strains should come in every day.

Myth 3: You can’t overdose on weed

The truth is you can overdose on weed, but luckily the result isn’t death. “Of course cannabis won’t kill you,” said Andrea Chapman, marketing manager for Nature and Bloom, an online cannabis resource. “But cannabis, like any other drug, still has to be consumed in moderation.” Instead of an overdose of cannabis, it can lead to several side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, loss of coordination or even hallucinations. Always make sure to buy your cannabis from a verified source.

Myth 4: Cannabis affects men and women alike

Some people don’t think of the effects of cannabis between men and women. In some ways it seems unimportant, but in reality it’s something that needs to be addressed. “One reason men and women experience cannabis differently is because of different hormone levels,” says Dr. Rebecca Siegel, Psychotherapist and Licensed Prescribing Medical Marijuana in NYS. “Research has shown that cannabis topicals not only improve overall health, but can also increase sexual stimulation and arousal in women. Unfortunately, cannabis can have the opposite effect on men’s sexual experiences. For example, if high THC levels cause transient low testosterone levels, men will experience decreased libido, sexual performance, and fertility. ”Again, you should always consult your doctor or health care professional before experimenting with cannabis to ensure you are using the correct dosage for your body.

Myth 5: Weed is not addicting

Ultimately, cannabis is a drug and one can become addicted. Withdrawal symptoms, while not life threatening, are difficult to experience. These include restlessness, irritability, depression, and insomnia. In the end, make sure you do your research and have the information you need before getting your first cannabis experience.

What cannabis myths would you like to see debunked? Let us know in the comments.

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