Alex Saez

 Clearing Up the Smoke: Myths and Interesting Facts About Marijuana Myths about marijuana are relatively new, but the plant itself has a rich history. Hemp – the non-intoxicating chemotype of Cannabis Sativa L.– is one of the world's oldest crops. As for hemp's THC-rich cousin, marijuana has been a part of ancient medicine and was a common ingredient in over-the-counter drugs up until it was vilified and eventually banned in 1937 under U.S. law. Since then, educators and law enforcement did everything they could to present "marijuana facts" about a dangerous, addictive substance that ruins lives and leads to more substantial drug use. Now we know that most cannabis propaganda is exaggerated at best and – at worst – utter nonsense. Myth: Raw Marijuana Can Make You High Fact Edibles and oils are popular ways to use marijuana. Still, the way they work isn't as simple as just throwing some weed into your recipe. You simply can't get high off of raw cannabis. There's a reason we have to burn dry herb to smoke it. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) doesn't even exist in raw weed. Instead, it sits in an inert form called tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa). Through heat application, THCa undergoes a process called "decarboxylation," causing a chemical reaction that makes THC psychoactive. That doesn't mean raw weed is useless. THCa still has medical benefits, as do the (at least) 112 other cannabinoids found in hemp or marijuana. The plant itself is also really nutritious. Myth: Marijuana Ruins Sex Fact One way educators love to present facts about marijuana (especially to teenagers) is to pull the "sex" card. Teens don't want to engage in anything that might ruin their ability to have sex or enjoy it. Of course, there's no evidence that marijuana makes sex terrible. If anything, it's just the opposite.[1] However, one study did find that weed can cause temporary erectile difficulties, much like alcohol does. [2] Myth: Pot Smoke is Worse than Cigarette Smoke Fact You don't have to be a doctor to know that smoking is unhealthy. Unfortunately, this led many health officials to claim that pot smoke is just as bad or worse. But one of the fun facts about marijuana is that, despite the lack of a filter or even regulation in many states, marijuana smoke doesn't contain the thousands of chemical compounds found in tobacco. Still, it can have a negative impact. For instance, people who frequently smoke marijuana make themselves more susceptible to infections, like bronchitis. Those who choose to inhale THC should opt to use a dry herb vaporizer, which doesn't require combustion. Myth: Weed Doesn't Make You Hungry or Giggly Fact Watching stoners on TV or in movies, you'll see it follows the same pattern. They're red-eyed, giggling, and willing to risk life and limb in a misadventure to White Castle. Despite the crazy plot points, the root cause is far from exaggerated. Marijuana does increase appetite. There are many reasons why this happens. For instance, THC increases sensitivity to taste and smell, making food more enjoyable. It also impacts the hypothalamus and releases ghrelin, a hormone that triggers hunger. [3] At the same time, a 2011 study showed that, despite the overeating that (usually) comes with marijuana, regular cannabis use could curb obesity.[4] One of the lesser-known interesting facts about marijuana is that strains high in a terpene called humulene can suppress appetite. As for the giggles, these are triggered due to heightened perception and confusion, making everything seem funnier. But again, not all strains have that effect. Myth: You Can "Overdose" on THC Fact The term "overdose" applies pretty loosely here. In our minds, it typically means toxicity to the point of being fatal or nearly fatal. Although the level of THC needed to fatally overdose is impossibly high, you can still technically overdose on THC. This occurs when you consume too much weed. Consequently, you'll experience things like dizziness, severe paranoia, nausea, vomiting, and even hallucinations (in severe cases). The experience is called "greening out" and can be avoided by gradually introducing yourself to marijuana. The most significant danger applies to youth. Nobody under the age of 21 should have access to cannabis – especially very young children. Some edibles contain substantial amounts of THC and are often mistaken for regular candy. This could seriously sicken them and land parents in legal trouble, depending on the legality of cannabis in your state. Myth: Weed Stays in Your System for a Month Fact Among the many marijuana myths and facts, the claims about THC duration are far from absolute. THC can stay in your system for 30 days, but this is far from universal. The amount of time it takes to clear depends on a few things. One-time consumption passes through within a few days. Semi-regular users will need a week or two. Heavy (daily) consumption could take a month or more to clear. Weight – specifically fat – also plays a role. THC binds to fats, so the more overweight you are, the longer THC lingers. But regardless of usage rates or weight, the effects of THC last only a few hours – edibles lasting the longest. Myth: Marijuana Causes Cancer Fact The idea that marijuana causes cancer comes from its association with smoking and, consequently, cigarettes. However, not only is this true, but one of the recently discovered facts about medical marijuana shows that it can potentially inhibit tumors by quite literally shutting down the mechanism in which they spread. [5] Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major cannabinoid found in both marijuana and hemp – the latter of which is a source for legal CBD supplements. Hemp is 99.7% CBD, while marijuana typically contains minimal CBD - although new high-CBD strains now exist thanks to the demand. Myth: Marijuana Causes Crime Fact Although marijuana possession can land you in trouble with the law, most states will slap you on the wrist. But recreational marijuana is against the law in the majority of the U.S., so being caught with it will make you a crime statistic. But does it lead to violent or non-violent crimes? No. This distortion of marijuana facts is a classic example of how correlation doesn't equal causation. Criminals are more likely to use or abuse substances like tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or "hard" drugs. Drug consumption depends on their socioeconomic status, environment, education, attraction to risk-taking, and more. Regularly lighting up a joint won't cause you to start breaking the law (aside from the ones against cannabis). Myth: Marijuana is Addictive Fact No, it isn't – at least not to the same degree as other illicit substances. Unlike alcohol or nicotine, cannabinoids naturally exist in our body's endocannabinoid system. THC is a phytocannabinoid (exists outside the body) but is chemically similar to an endocannabinoid called anandamide. In other words, THC tricks our cannabinoid receptors into thinking it's anandamide. You can't become physically addicted to a substance already endogenous to your body. However, prolonged heavy use can lead to psychological dependency, which is known to involve withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, and appetite loss. But these are minor and short-lived compared to withdrawal from cigarettes, alcohol, or heavier substances. We also need to take the definition of “addiction” into account. Addiction is present when using a substance (i.e. drugs) or engaging in behaviors (i.e. gambling) continues, despite serious harm to a person’s social life, work performance, family relationships or health. You don’t have to be physically dependent on something to fit the criteria for addiction. Marijuana rarely reaches this point. But if it does, it’s important to seek help immediately. Myth: Marijuana is a Dangerous Drug Fact When discussing marijuana myths and facts, the topic of whether or not marijuana is dangerous often comes up. "Dangerous" is a broad term. Is marijuana as harmful as other illicit substances? Probably not. But that doesn't mean it's completely safe. On the surface, there is no scientific evidence of any significant long-term health concerns.[6] However, people with certain conditions might be at risk. For instance, THC temporarily increases heart rate, which can be a problem for those with heart conditions. But marijuana is nowhere near as dangerous as the ads and propaganda claim. Myth: Marijuana Kills Brain Cells Fact Marijuana doesn't kill brain cells. Research suggests that certain cannabinoids and terpenes have neuroprotective properties, helping prevent diseases like Alzheimer's. There is also evidence that cannabis can speed up healing and mitigate damage following an injury to the brain from events like stroke, oxygen deprivation, or trauma. It's important to note that these findings were all found through animal studies. We need human trials for more definitive answers. But this is promising and worth exploring. No substance on Earth – natural or synthetic – is known to have these properties. [7] Myth: Marijuana Causes Memory Loss Fact Although THC intoxication does cause short-term memory impairment, this wears off within a few hours, along with the other effects. Heavy users may experience longer-lasting memory issues. However, they regain these losses once they stop using marijuana for an extended period. A lot of the claims connecting cannabis with mental illness have to do with correlation. These conditions are more common among cannabis users. The problem is that this is yet another instance where there’s a pattern, but not a connection. It’s not uncommon for individuals with anxiety, depression and other related issues to use marijuana as a coping mechanism. Consequently, it leads to the misleading conclusions still spread around today. Myth: Marijuana Causes Mental Illness Fact There is no evidence that marijuana poses a significant or severe threat to mental health. Some research indicates that cannabis use makes youth more vulnerable to schizophrenia and psychosis. But even in young men – the most affected group – the chances are 1 in 2000, which equates to 0.0005%. One of the facts about medical marijuana is that it has shown tremendous potential in treating a host of mental illnesses, like depression, anxiety, bipolar, and PTSD. Final Comments Despite decades of progress, marijuana remains one of the most misunderstood drugs. Vilified by almost a century of propaganda and used as a tool for discrimination, the recent progress in countries like Canada and several U.S. states shows that the truth is coming out. However, there is a lot more work to do when it comes to debunking common myths and accurately conveying marijuana facts.