7 Funny Cannabis Myths You Should Stop Believing Now

Cannabis is a popular herb that has its fair share of myths and misconceptions. It has various nicknames worldwide, including ganja, grass, Mary Jane, weed, and pot. However, the term marijuana is most often used to describe the drug.

The legality question varies between states and countries with specialized laws and regulations. However, their legality constituted years of widespread misinformation and misunderstandings. As a result, much information on marijuana is still shrouded with confusion. Let’s look at the top seven cannabis myths that most people still believe to date.

1. That It Is a Gateway Drug.

Many people believe that if someone smokes marijuana, then they are more likely to try other hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. It is a big misconception as millions of marijuana users do not partake in hard drugs. According to the CDC, recent reports have stated there is little to no evidence to suggest that marijuana is a gateway drug.

Moreover, the same reports have stated that an individual’s chances to use other substances depend on their livelihood, environment, social isolation, and mental illness. In fact, they have provided proof that cannabis can help treat addiction to other substances, including highly addictive and dangerous opioids. Some reports also suggest that legalizing cannabis can help prevent them from turning to other hard drugs.

2. That It Destroys Brain Cells.

 

The effect of cannabis on the brain has produced some mixed results in recent reports. According to the NIDA, studies have shown that it can affect adolescents who use it for recreational purposes. It caused a decrease in some cognitive abilities due to the growth of some regions of the brain. However, other studies showed no significant changes.

Eventually, some reports suggested that the use of cannabis and its effect on the brain varied according to the age of the user. Moreover, significant changes in the brain only occur if you smoke cannabis every day without fail as opposed to using it occasionally.

3. That It Gives the Munchies.

 

This is also one of the most believed cannabis myths.

Funnily enough, cannabis does give you the munchies! Smoking or consuming them can trigger the part of the brain responsible for sleep, hunger, and libido. In summary, it heightens your sense of taste and smell, which leads to you craving more food.

There have been many reports that have proved it by examining various groups. They have shown that cannabis can enhance eating pleasure and food palatability and increase your appetite. Moreover, they are encouraged among malnourished cancer patients to help increase their food intake.

4. That It Makes You Lazy.

 

Unfortunately, you cannot blame cannabis for being lazy and unmotivated. Many people who consume marijuana are highly active in their daily lives. Additionally, some people report being hyperactive as it gets them to focus on the task effectively.

According to the National Library of Medicine, various studies stated no significant changes in motivation between those who do and do not use cannabis. Some users also reported high levels of motivation after cannabis use as it offered relaxation while containing the willpower to perform the tasks.

5. That It Turns You Into a Criminal.

 

There have been countless stereotypes portraying marijuana users as criminals in movies and TV shows. The reports making the connection between criminals and marijuana seem to be done with the wrong approach. The general case is that most criminals are already likely to be on drugs.

On the other hand, casual users of marijuana do not tend to commit crimes for the sake of it. They do not cause aggression, unlike alcohol, and better reports need to be conducted with an excellent demographic user base.

Additionally, most marijuana users face criminal sentences for simply possessing it in areas where they are illegal. Therefore, the statistics will vary significantly if it were to be made legal everywhere.

6. That It Is Addictive.

 

The short answer is that cannabis is indeed addictive. However, it is only as addictive as any other thing people could get addicted to. Most people cannot start a day without a cup of coffee or impulsively buy random things during a specific mood. It is the same principle.

Hence, it is a matter of self-awareness and balance. Like all things, you can also enjoy cannabis but in moderation. Recent reports have also presented a low percentage of users who get addicted to cannabis due to regular usage and trying to recreate the feeling of ‘high.’

7. That It Causes Cancer.

Various studies have proved that consuming marijuana does not contribute to cancer when compared to cigarettes. The former is a natural herb, while the other is a mixture of herbs and chemicals. Moreover, smoking is not the only way to consume cannabis. You can take it in the form of edibles such as brownies and gummies.

Subsequently, many studies have actually proved that they can help fight cancer. They are being used in various stages, and it shows positive effects in treating pain, increasing appetite, and reducing dependence on pain relievers. However, they can only alleviate the symptoms but not cure it. More studies are underway to find its relation to treating cancer.

To summarize, there are many misunderstandings revolving around the usage of cannabis. Although a few are true, active studies take place to debunk the other significant cannabis myths. The legalization of weed has helped scientists to research and study the effects of the herb.

Hence, discoveries and developments regarding marijuana need more work. Till then, you should practice self-constraint and use it in moderation.