Whether for medicinal purposes, personal enjoyment or social impact, the discussion surrounding cannabis in recent years has been plentiful. But despite the progress we’ve made in cannabis education, myths about marijuana still remain, formed by decades of misinformation and downright lies that stigmatized the plant and shaped public opinion and policy.
Fortunately, as cannabis legalization has expanded, so too has the body of scientific research into how the plant works and the therapeutic effects it may offer. It’s no longer Reefer Madness, but sound science and thorough education leading the way. These six marijuana myths are among the most well-known we can finally put to rest.
Myth #1: Cannabis is a Gateway Drug
The gateway drug myth refers to the belief that consuming cannabis will inevitably lead to using other drugs with little or no medical value.
FACT: Cannabis consumption is not an accurate predictor of whether someone will engage in abuse of another “harder” drug.
A study published in Psychological Medicine by the University of Colorado – Boulder found no changes in illicit drug use after legalization. And according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is limited evidence suggesting that cannabis use increases the risk of using other drugs, and most people who consume cannabis do not go on to use other “harder” drugs.
As it turns out, the correlation between cannabis use and the slippery slope to harder drugs should be attributed to various social and environmental factors, including family history, mental illness, genetic makeup and peer pressure. There’s little evidence (and even no evidence) that smoking a little bit of pot opens the door to other drugs.
Myth #2: Cannabis is As Harmful As Tobacco
This myth suggests that the health impacts of cannabis are on par with tobacco’s, implying that both substances pose similar risks to your health.
FACT: Tobacco contains numerous harmful substances, including nicotine, tar and various carcinogens known to cause cancer, respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, cannabis does not contain nicotine and is not directly linked to lung cancer.
A study published in the Harm Reduction Journal found that while chemically similar, there are fundamental differences in the pharmacological properties between cannabis and tobacco smoke. For example, unlike cannabis smoke, tobacco smoke contains harmful and highly addictive chemicals like nicotine, presenting a much higher risk to consumers’ health. A 2006 study funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse concluded that cannabis consumption was not a contributing factor to lung cancer, a finding that surprised even the researchers involved.
It’s also important to note that there are many methods of cannabis consumption. Smokeless alternatives such as tinctures, edibles and drinks allow you to experience the effects of cannabis without inhaling smoke of any kind. Smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, still carries high risks.
Myth #3: You Can Overdose on Cannabis
Another common piece of misinformation is the belief that consuming cannabis may lead to a lethal overdose if consumed in large quantities.
FACT: There has never been a documented case of a fatal marijuana overdose.
In September 1988, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stated that cannabis’s LD-50, or lethal dose, is around 1:20,000 or 1:40,000. This means you would have to consume 20,000 to 40,000 times more cannabis than is in a single joint to put your life at risk. While it’s possible to take too much cannabis or have a bad reaction, research strongly suggests that a fatal overdose caused solely by cannabis is unlikely. To date, there has been no documented case of a fatal overdose from cannabis alone.
Myth #4: All Cannabis Makes You High
Many people believe that consuming any type of cannabis product will result in an intoxicating “high.”
FACT: Not all cannabis strains or products produce the same effects.
Here’s how cannabis really works: Cannabis contains different chemical compounds, the most well-known being delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the primary compound responsible for the intoxicating effects you feel from weed — but it’s far from the only one. Cannabis produces a wide range of experiences depending on what other compounds are present in the strain or type of product you choose.
For example, there are strains of cannabis that contain lower levels of THC and higher levels of Cannabidiol (CBD). These “balanced” strains generally produce a less intense high. Other products, like CBD distillate, don’t contain any THC at all and won’t cause any intoxication.
Consumption method also matters. Inhaling cannabis generally provides nearly immediate effects that taper off quickly, while ingesting an edible results in a slow onset of effects and long duration. Other methods, like topicals, won’t cause a high at all.
Finally, individual tolerance plays a big role in the intensity of any cannabis product’s effects. Both biological predisposition and frequency of cannabis consumption can influence an individual’s tolerance. An edible containing 10mg THC may produce a highly intoxicating experience for you, while it barely affects your friend at all.
Myth #5: Cannabis is Addictive For Everyone
This myth suggests that consumption leads to cannabis addiction.
FACT: The belief that people inevitably become addicted to weed is not supported by scientific evidence. This myth does not consider individual differences and the complex nature of substance dependence. While a small minority of consumers may develop a dependence on it (called cannabis use disorder or marijuana use disorder), it by no means suggests that addiction is likely or instant, as the old PSAs imply.
A comprehensive review of cannabis dependence suggests that 9 percent of pot smokers become clinically dependent at some point, compared to 15 percent of cocaine users and 24 percent of heroin users. For context, around 8 percent of people develop a caffeine addiction.
Like any other substance, some individuals may develop a dependence on cannabis, but it’s far from an inevitable outcome. Factors like frequency of consumption, duration of use and individual susceptibility also play a significant role in whether someone becomes dependent.
Myth #6: Cannabis Makes You Lazy
This myth perpetuates the idea that cannabis consumption hinders productivity.
FACT: The notion that weed inevitably makes users lazy or unmotivated is an oversimplification. The effects of cannabis vary depending on the strain you choose, the product type you take, how much you take, your tolerance and the product’s cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Some are uplifting and energizing, while others are relaxing and sedating. Simply put: While some cannabis has relaxing effects, not all cannabis produces the same high.
Research has established that the cannabinoids and terpenes in a strain or product influence your overall experience. In addition to the blend of cannabinoids like THC, CBD and more than 100 others, terpenes can also influence the effects of a strain. Myrcene, for example, is associated with relaxing and even sleep-inducing effects, as well as a potential effect for stress and anxiety relief. Other terpenes like limonene might elevate your mood and boost energy levels.
Separate Myths and Facts with Good Cannabis Education
With such prevalent myths surrounding the world of cannabis, it’s crucial to discern fact from fiction to make informed decisions. Learning about cannabis beyond the myths helps you develop a deeper understanding of the plant’s effects, potential benefits and how to safely incorporate it into your life.
So let us be discerning consumers of information, relying on reputable sources and expert insights rather than myths of a bygone Reefer Madness era. We hope you’ve found this helpful in your evolving cannabis journey. Shop smart with Cornerstone, stay safe and enjoy the ride!