As marijuana starts to become more and more prevalent in the United States, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding its effects. Many people rely on hearsay rather than following the latest research, and as a result, may have the wrong idea about this controversial plant.
Some people say that marijuana is harmless, while others argue that it has long term negative impacts on the brain. This is just a slice of the cake of the misconceptions that exist surrounding cannabis.
Here are some of the most common myths associated with marijuana and how to tell the truth apart from fallacies.
Weed Is Legal In Every State
Even though America continues to move closer to the nationwide legalization of pot, it’s not entirely legal everywhere. In some states, you can still face criminal charges for possession.
Medical marijuana is currently legal in 33 states across the country. Therefore, before you assume that you can light up anywhere, it’s essential to educate yourself on where it’s allowed and banned.
Indica Makes You Sleepy and Sativa Wakes You Sleepy
You’ve probably heard people talking about how different strands of marijuana can have different effects on its users, specifically Indica and Sativa. Although they are marketed as being completely different, their differences aren’t as clear cut as you may think.
Just like grapes or olives, you may grow different strains, but ultimately they’re still olives and grapes.
Additionally, it’s not always easy to guarantee that what you’re getting is an Indica or Sativa in pure form. Rather than depending on the name of the strain to determine what kind of a reaction you’ll have to what you smoke, rely rather on what your individual reaction is. Effects may not always be the same for each smoker.
Marijuana Is Not Addictive
This is one of the most largely debated aspects of marijuana, and both sides of the argument hold value. It’s true that marijuana does not create a chemical dependence like we see in something like opioids. However, anyone is capable of becoming addicted to anything.
Since the effects of marijuana can be quite pleasant, people with addictive tendencies may compulsively seek the drug out the same as an opioid user would. They may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, aggression, and even sleeplessness.
Therefore, it’s important to exercise caution when using marijuana if you have a personality that’s inclined towards addictive tendencies.
Even as more data has been made available surrounding marijuana, arguments still exist about its legalization. Many people believe that prohibition is still called for despite its medicinal effects. Regardless of where you stand on the subject, it’s vital that you have all of the facts straight in order to make sure that you have a well-rounded point of few.