It’s strange that a herb that grows naturally caused such a stir in human civilization.

Despite the fact that cannabis has been legalized in a number of countries and that many more are expected to follow, the plant is still the subject of numerous strange myths. In legalized countries, obtaining a medical marijuana card is still necessary for consuming cannabis for medicinal purposes. Even though the majority of these contradict science, opponents continue to use them to support harsh legislation. 

Conversely, myths that are overly optimistic portray cannabis as a wonder drug with virtually no drawbacks, which is ultimately detrimental to the plant’s reputation.

Dispelling These Ten Myths About Cannabis

We examine the top ten marijuana-related myths below. However, we must take into account the bias on both sides. Excessive enthusiasm on the part of parties has led to the creation of some myths, just as many anti-cannabis organizations attempt to distort the truth. In an attempt to shed more light on the plant, we’ll dispel the most common weed myths using an objective approach.

• Cannabis Use Increases Criminal Activity

The illegality of cannabis by default makes it illegal to use, grow, or sell the plant. This status inevitably contributes to the plant’s availability on the illicit market alongside more potent substances like heroin and cocaine. Although there is a lot of violence associated with gangs in this area, cannabis use is not the main cause of crime; rather, its illegal status is.

However, when a legal cannabis market is established, the black market retailers lose out on the cannabis trade as licensed and regulated dispensaries gain control over the industry.

Furthermore, there is no evidence that cannabis smoking increases one’s likelihood of committing crimes. While it is true that a higher number of criminals use cannabis than other drugs overall, this does not imply causation.

Contrary to popular belief, there hasn’t been any statistical increase in violent crime since cannabis legalization. It’s interesting to note, though, that despite alcohol’s legal status, many opponents of marijuana neglect to draw attention to the staggeringly high rate of violent crime linked to alcohol use.

• Cannabis Is a Gateway Drug

That was a lecture we all had in school. The one where anti-drug organizations successfully spread the phrase “it only takes one toke” in front of hundreds of kids. These organizations generally group all drugs together and convey the impression that after trying one, you’ll go down a dark path and try them all, even though their intentions may be good.

It’s just not true.

Around the world, millions of people regularly consume cannabis without ever considering using stronger drugs. Furthermore, a lot of people begin using stronger drugs before ever consuming cannabis.

• Cannabis Is An Addictive and Dangerous Substance

The idea that cannabis, like hard drugs, can trap users in an addiction cycle is frequently the basis for the claim that cannabis is a gateway drug. The plant’s addictive properties, however, are very different from those of drugs like heroin and cocaine. Cannabis typically doesn’t result in severe addiction or withdrawal symptoms, in contrast to these other drugs.

• Cannabis Is Not at All Addictive

Although many cannabis users smoke the drug without becoming addicted, this is not always the case. It’s complicated to define exactly what constitutes an addiction (physical vs. psychological dependence, for example), and to what extent, but it is possible. Science says that cannabis isn’t a perfect, harmless substance, despite the efforts of some proponents to refute this.

Cannabis use disorder exists, despite the fact that marijuana can benefit users in a variety of ways. Cannabis can affect the brain’s reward system and start an addictive cycle by raising dopamine levels and eventually blunting the dopamine system with repeated use.

This characteristic isn’t specific to cannabis, though. Trauma is the root cause of all addictions, according to medical professional and addiction specialist Gabor Mate. Addictions can take many different forms, such as cannabis use, materialism, and obsession with various outside elements. As a result, supporters would find it difficult to support the continued prohibition of cannabis with this argument.

• Cannabis Overdose Is Possible

Drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and others claim a great number of lives each year. Still, very few people pass away from cannabis use alone. Why? because the plant’s active ingredients, cannabinoids, do not interact with the part of the brain involved in breathing.

When it comes to opioids, overdose happens when the brain’s breathing centers’ receptors are overloaded. They have a depressing effect that can make breathing difficult and even fatal. Since cannabis cannot have the same effect, using it by itself has not been linked to any recorded fatalities.

• Cannabis Users Are Lazy
  Cannabis users have to deal with a variety of stereotypes. Of all the adjectives used to describe addicts and junkies, the accusation of laziness is probably used the most. It’s true that occasionally smoking marijuana makes people prefer to crash on the couch to going for a run.

On the other hand, a lot of prosperous, active, and athletic people use cannabis. When high, Joe Rogan created an empire around podcasting. When he hit the bong in the swimming pool, Michael Phelps destroyed the competition. In the same way that some people come home after work and open a bottle of wine, thousands of successful people throughout the world love to indulge in cannabis during their free time.

• The Indica & Sativa Effects Dichotomy

Although the cannabis community spends a great deal of time dispelling outside myths, misinformation still affects those who work in the field. Anyone with even a passing interest in cannabis over the past few decades has been able to distinguish between invigorating “sativa” strains and stone-inducing “indica” strains.

Since then, cannabis science has refuted this theory; neurologist and cannabis expert Dr. Ethan Russo called it “nonsense.” While this classification may aid cannabis retailers in marketing their products, it simply cannot withstand close examination.

Certain sativa strains stone the body and mind, while some indica strains have terpenes that energize the body. Furthermore, when grown in different conditions, plants of the exact same strain can even have different effects.

To really understand a plant’s effects and chemical diversity, research suggests replacing the term “strain” with “chemovar” (chemical variety) rather than relying on these imprecise methods of cannabis compartmentalization.

• Weed Hangovers Don’t Exist

The argument between cannabis and alcohol users is still ongoing. People who regularly use the herb claim to wake up in the morning feeling energized and prepared for action. While this is true, there is a hangover associated with smoking half an ounce the night before.

Alcohol-induced hangovers are devastating, but cannabis hangovers are nothing like that. They may still, however, have an effect on your mood the following day, causing headaches, tiredness, and red eyes. However, when consumed in moderation, one can easily wake up and be prepared to go about their everyday business.

Water and food will help you get back on track, just like when you’re hungover from alcohol. It should take much less time to feel like yourself again than it does with alcohol.