7 Common Cannabis Myths Debunked

Have you ever heard that cannabis makes you lazy? Or maybe you’ve been told repeatedly not to smoke cannabis because it’s just a gateway drug.

These are cannabis myths.

In this post, we’ll show you why they are and get into the nitty-gritty of other myths that need to be debunked.

Check out the actual cannabis facts below.

Cannabis Myths Debunked—Get The Cannabis Facts!

Cannabis Myth #1. Cannabis is a Gateway Drug

The idea that cannabis is a gateway drug started in the late 20th century as part of a more extensive program by the US government to curb drug use and addiction.

The term “gateway drug” refers to any substance that, when used, increases the chance you’ll try harder, more intense illegal drugs.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the War Against Drugs took off. Cannabis was placed under greater scrutiny, and some individuals suggested that using it could lead to cocaine and heroin drug use.

Despite research showing the contrary, the myth that cannabis is a gateway drug continues to prevail.

The CDC itself states, “Most people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, “harder” drugs.”

It is simply a myth that cannabis use automatically leads to other drug use.

Cannabis Myth #2. Cannabis is Highly Addictive

Some people believe that once you start smoking/using cannabis, you can never stop. This is a myth.

The reality is, for the majority of people, cannabis use does not lead to addiction. According to the government’s own research, approximately 10% of people who use cannabis end up addicted to it.

However, what does ‘addiction’ in the context of cannabis mean?

The government defines marijuana use disorder with the following signs/symptoms:

•       Continuing to use cannabis despite social or relationship issues.
•       Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like driving a vehicle
•       Continuing to use cannabis despite psychological or physical symptoms.
•       Trying but failing to quit using cannabis
•       Giving up important activities in favor of using cannabis.

Again, approximately 10% of people experience these symptoms.

That means 90% of cannabis users never will. Compare that with 25% of people who try Heroin for the first time.

Cannabis Myth #3. Cannabis Leads to Laziness

Do you think that cannabis makes you lazy? Think again.

According to Cambridge University, adult and even adolescent cannabis users are no more likely than non-users to lack motivation.

So no, you won’t turn into the “Dude” from The Big Lebowski if you start using cannabis.

Chances are, you’ll be just as motivated as you always were.

Rest easy. Your life likely won’t fall apart just because you start consuming cannabis.

Cannabis Myth #4. Cannabis Legalization Leads to Increase Crime

Some anti-cannabis legalization advocates claim that legalizing it leads to more crime.

The Marijuana Policy Project debunks this cannabis myth, showing that researchers from RAND revealed there is a negative and significant relationship between dispensary allowances and property crime rates.

There is no hard statistical evidence that links cannabis legalization to an increase in violent or even property crime.

Here again, we see another one of the many cannabis myths debunked.

Cannabis Myth #5. People Can Overdose on Cannabis

Have you ever heard that you could overdose on cannabis?

The answer is, technically, no, you cannot.

It is possible to take too much cannabis, leading to negative symptoms, but there has never been a death contributed directly to consuming too much cannabis.

Here’s what GoodRX has to say about THC overdoses:

“You can overdose on cannabis. But an overdose is rarely fatal.”

Now, what does an overdose of cannabis look like?

Here’s what the experts consider a cannabis overdose:

•       Anxiety
•       Panic Attacks
•       Paranoia
•       Rapid Heartbeat
•       Nausea and Vomiting
•       Feeling as if you aren’t yourself or that you might die

Distinguishing between a cannabis overdose and just adverse reactions is a bit of a gray area, of course. For this reason, we consider it a myth that you can overdose on cannabis.

Cannabis Myth #6. Long-Term Memory Loss is Linked to Cannabis 

Cannabis use being linked to memory loss is a myth that’s been debunked.

In fact, some research has revealed that certain types of cannabis can actually improve your long-term memory.

Short-term memory risks are more closely associated with skunk-type cannabis strains, but the effects are short-lived.

You can learn more about cannabis strain types in our resource library.

Cannabis Myth #7. All Cannabis Strains Are Created Equal 

Some people claim that all cannabis strains are created equal and have the same effect on your mental and physical state.

However, research does not support that claim.

One study analyzed a sample of 50 cannabis users and how they performed both at baseline levels and after consuming indica, hybrid, and Sativa strains.

The study revealed that there is a difference in how people perform depending on the strain.

This means that cannabis strains are different and do produce different effects in cannabis users.

Embrace Cannabis and Its Potential

As we conclude this exploration of the myths associated with cannabis, it’s clear that many people hold misconceptions about this widely used plant.

The idea that cannabis is a gateway drug that leads to long-term memory loss, or even that all cannabis strains are the same, simple are falsehoods.

Now it’s your turn to help debunk these cannabis myths.

Can you spread the word in your community about cannabis and how it isn’t what many people believe it to be?

Please help us by sharing this article or sharing our social media posts with your circle. Together, we can change the perception of cannabis!