The Top 7 Myths About Medical Cannabis Debunked

John Malanca

The medical cannabis industry is booming. As more and more states legalize the drug for medical use, more people are turning to it as a natural alternative to traditional medications. However, there are still many myths about cannabis that persist despite being debunked by medical professionals and researchers alike. Let’s examine seven common myths about medical marijuana— and explain why they’re not true!

Myth: Cannabis is just a drug.

Cannabis is a plant. It’s also a medicine, and it can be used for recreational purposes as well. However, the idea that cannabis is just another drug is misleading at best and harmful at worst. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years by people worldwide for its healing properties–and because it’s natural!

Myth: Cannabis is a gateway to other drugs.

It’s true that cannabis can be a gateway drug for some people, but it’s not because of any inherent properties of the plant itself. If you’re predisposed to addiction, you may find yourself wanting to try other substances after smoking pot. However, this isn’t because cannabis is addictive or leads users to other drugs; instead, it’s because these individuals have an underlying genetic predisposition toward substance abuse disorders and were more likely than others to become addicted regardless of what substance they started with–including alcohol or cigarettes (the most used legal gateway drugs).

There’s also no evidence that anyone has ever been “hooked” on cannabis alone without having another substance involved at some point during their usage history–and there are plenty of examples where someone has quit using marijuana without any significant problems afterward (you know who you are!). The truth is: cannabis isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so if you feel like trying something new but aren’t sure how much of an impact it’ll have on your life… then maybe stick with what works!

Myth: You can overdose on cannabis.

This is a widespread myth that has been circulating for many years. The truth is that it’s impossible to fatally overdose on marijuana alone, as a study in the American Journal of Public Health found no deaths reported due to cannabis use between 1999 and 2007. The same cannot be said for alcohol or even caffeine (a more dangerous drug), which can lead to death if consumed excessively enough over time. So why do you hear about people dying from smoking weed? Because they often combine it with other drugs like cocaine or heroin or even legal ‘prescribed’ pharmaceuticals–which are far more dangerous than cannabis!

Myth: Cannabis is a cure-all.

The truth is that cannabis alone won’t help with all of your medical issues. While it can be used to treat many different conditions and symptoms, it’s important to note that not everyone will respond positively to medical cannabis treatment. The best way to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for medical marijuana use is by consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider and discussing how they feel about using cannabis as part of your treatment plan (or if they even recommend doing so).

Myth: One size fits all.

One of the biggest myths about medical cannabis is that it’s a one-size-fits-all medicine. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as what’s best for your condition will depend on what symptom you’re trying to treat or how severe it is. For example, if you have chronic pain and want relief from muscle spasms and joint stiffness, an Indica strain may be best for you. However, suppose anxiety is causing sleepless nights or panic attacks when going out in public places. In that case, Sativa might help calm those nerves without making you feel drowsy or foggy-headed (the effects of Indica’s).

Noting that One size only does NOT fit all. Just because it works for your friend or a family member, it may not work for you. Another example, Age, weight, current health condition, sensitivities, and even drug-to-drug interactions should be addressed.

Myth: There’s no medical value in cannabis.

This is one of the most common myths about medical cannabis, but it’s also one of the easiest to dispel. For thousands of years, humans have used this plant to treat various conditions, such as pain and inflammation. Numerous studies are showing that marijuana can be effective at treating various ailments, including nausea caused by chemotherapy, neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The US federal government even owns a patent on cannabinoids for use as a neuroprotectant! The Food & Drug Administration has approved two drugs made from synthetic forms of THC–Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone)–for treating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy treatment in people who have not responded well enough to traditional antiemetics like prochlorperazine or metoclopramide alone; however, these medications are rarely prescribed anymore because they don’t work as well as whole plant extracts like Sativex or Epidiolex which contain both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Myth: Smoking is the only way to take it!

The stigma that cannabis is only for smoking is still very prevalent, but it’s not the only way to take it. Research shows that pharmaceutical-grade, CBD-only medicines can have a place alongside conventional treatments, and they are being developed by several companies in the US and Europe now. Some patients prefer not to smoke because of their health conditions or other reasons. These people may find using an oral spray, gel capsule, or infused gummy edibles easier than smoking marijuana buds.

Conclusion

The medical cannabis industry is growing and changing every day. New products are being developed, more patients are finding relief from their symptoms, and doctors are becoming more comfortable recommending and prescribing cannabis as an alternative treatment option. As we continue to learn about this plant and its potential benefits, we hope that more people will be able to benefit from its use as well!