Pot. Weed. Mary Jane. Grass. Cannabis. 420. Ganja. Aunt Mary. Reefer. Herb. And even, in the case of a famous TV show, sandwiches. They’re all names for the same thing: marijuana. Alongside these various slang nicknames comes a great misconception: marijuana is bad for you. And like every other stigmatized substance out there, the myths and rumors surrounding weed are plenty and most often, wrong.
What is Marijuana?
Let’s start first by understanding this curious plant. Marijuana is a “psychoactive dried resinous flower buds and leaves of the female hemp or cannabis plant”. It’s basically consumed for recreational & medicinal purposes. Marijuana has over 500 medical compounds that make up its entire structure. The two that are most important are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Both stimulate brain receptors and trigger chemical reactions. THC is responsible for the so often sought high effect, as well as for negative side effects like paranoia and anxiety. But CBD is the calmer sibling, which doesn’t have an active psychological effect and can even help reduce anxiety and depression.
Its recent legalization has led to a never before seen industry growth, generating thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in income.
Arkady Kats, Editor in Chief and Founder of Cannabis Sensei, agrees:
“Online and retail store sales have reached $908 million, and that was at the end of October 2019, by now it passed a billion. The governments earned close to $200 million from taxes directly related to cannabis.”
It’s a booming business that will only get higher (get it?)
However, marijuana legalization hasn’t destigmatized this singularly unique plant. Myths, rumors and superstitions regarding marijuana and its use are still running rampant today, mainly due to THC and its psychoactive effects. We’re here to debunk these marijuana myths, once and for all.
Here are 8 marijuana myths that you need to stop believing:
Myth 1: Marijuana can cause cancer
Marijuana smoke, just like tobacco smoke, does contain carcinogens. However, cannabis smokers usually consume fewer blunts than tobacco smokers consume cigarettes, which probably isn’t enough to cause cancer. A study from UCLA concluded that “smoking marijuana, even regularly and heavily, does not lead to lung cancer.” Also, keep in mind that smoking isn’t the only way to consume marijuana (think edibles & extracts), so we can effectively debunk this marijuana myth and its association with lung cancer.
Myth 2: Marijuana is a gateway drug
“While it’s true that people who use marijuana are more likely try other substances, it’s misleading. There are millions of people who use marijuana daily that don’t habitually use hard drugs. This statement suggests that anyone who uses marijuana is going down a path that leaves to inevitable addiction, pain and suffering, which is simply not true. […] In fact, there’s a significantly greater number people that have reported using marijuana as a substitute to wean off of hard drugs, especially highly addictive and dangerous opioid derived pain medications.”
Zachary Parker, partner at Core Extractions
Myth 3: There’s no such thing as munchies
Sorry, but they’re real. Marijuana causes hunger by triggering the hypothalamus (the part of your brain in charge of libido, sleep, hunger, etc.). When you’re under the influence of cannabis, your hypothalamus works harder, resulting in raving hunger.
Myth 4: Marijuana isn’t as strong as it used to be
Wrong. The concentration of THC in cannabis today is much higher than it used to be. The science behind cannabis breeding and cultivation has resulted in plants with a higher amount of THC. But this doesn’t mean the dose is over the top, it mainly means that cannabis consumers today need less to achieve the same high. Cool, right?
Myth 5: Synthetic marijuana is the same as the natural kind
“The most important myth that we debunk in that synthetic marijuana is safe, wrong wrong wrong […]Synthetic marijuana, which can also be known as spice, K2, and fake weed – can, and I don’t want to understate this – be up to 100 times stronger than natural marijuana. There are some insane side effects such as – hallucinations, stroke, vomiting, stroke, and in some case even death.”
John White, CEO of CNBS.org
As you can see, synthetic marijuana is simply not safe and not meant for human consumption. So if you plan on smoking or ingesting, keep it natural.
Myth 6: You can lethally overdose on weed
Overdosing is consuming more than the recommended amount. So while you can overdose on weed, you can’t do so lethally. A cannabis overdose has symptoms like anxiety, dizziness paranoia, and loss of coordination. But in order for the overdose to be lethal, a person would have to consume 15,000 pounds of marijuana in less than 15 minutes. Try as you might, this just isn’t possible. Which is why you basically can’t lethally overdose on weed… although you can have a very bad trip if you take more than you should.
Myth 7: Smoking pot will turn you into a criminal
We’ve all seen the stereotype countless times in movies and TV shows. But taking a hit of that blunt or chowing down that gummy bear won’t send you spiraling into a life of delinquency. The only time it could be viewed as criminal activity is if you’re in possession of cannabis in a state that deems it illegal. Other than that, smoking pot won’t make you immediately want to become the city’s new crime lord.
However, it may be that criminals are more likely to consume drugs. But this doesn’t mean the drugs turned them into felons. Also, since pot generally doesn’t release aggression (other than aggressive food cravings), it’s harder to link it to violent crimes, unlike alcohol.
This is one of the major marijuana myths to cover. And one that definitely needed debunking, especially due to its speculative nature.
Myth 8: Marijuana isn’t addictive
“Of course it’s addictive.. People can be addicted to ANYTHING. I’ve seen thousands of marijuana addicts that justify it with a praise of “stoner culture”. [However] there are worse things to be addicted to.”
Josiah Chissoe, Professional Cannabis Consultant
The short answer: yes, marijuana can be addictive, like any other substance in the world. Repeated use could lead to addiction, especially if a user is looking to recreate the high. It’s a matter of balance and self-awareness for every person that decides to use it.
“Cannabis, like all other fun things, is good in moderation. It’s a preferred way of many to relax after a long day and unwind. […] Balance is the key to everything in life, and you’ll enjoy it a lot more when it’s done sparingly and at the right moments.“
Zachary Parker, partner at Core Extractions
How can I learn more about marijuana and its uses?
With us! At Cleveland School of Cannabis, we care about fortifying cannabis education, culture, and understanding. This is why we have created different courses and certifications to provide the appropriate information to the public interested in learning more about cannabis. Our Medical Cannabis Comprehensive course, which focuses on a wide range of cannabis subjects and will benefit anyone who wants to participate in this budding industry. Our Certificate Programs are focused on career-building and employment inside the cannabis industry, including horticulture, dispensary and medical applications of cannabis. We want to equip future cannabis industry leaders with all the necessary tools to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-changing environment that is marijuana.
Conclusion
In the end, the only “real” cure for cannabis misinformation and marijuana myths is simple: education. We have to rely on scientific studies, industry experts and ongoing research to discover new uses for this amazing plant. And as time moves forward, we’re also finding new ways to make the most out of this industry, generating new (amazing) jobs and increasing the country’s economy. It’s more than just 420.
If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge about cannabis, you know where to enroll. We’re waiting for you with open arms.