It is important to distinguish between facts and fiction when it comes to cannabis. Many people are afraid of weed due to the negative reputation it has acquired over the years. It is not uncommon for people to associate cannabis with schizophrenia or other mental health problems. However, research shows that this association may be unfounded. If you’re thinking of trying cannabis or beginning a business that involves this plant, you need to know what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to the plant that so many love—especially in this post-decriminalization period that is currently happening in Thailand. These common myths about cannabis can be deceiving but we’re here to help clear them up once and for all.
MYTH: Smoking cannabis causes cancer
There is no evidence that smoking cannabis causes cancer. There have been many studies that indicate the exact opposite. One such study was led by Dr. Mark Ware, who is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Canabo Medical Inc. One of his studies found that cannabis may actually reduce the risk of lung cancer. He conducted a study of 2,000 patients with lung cancer and 2,000 healthy control subjects who did not have the disease. The results showed that the lung cancer rates among cannabis smokers were the same as those who had never smoked. The researchers concluded that “moderately inhaling cannabis does not increase the risk of developing lung cancer”.
Another study done by the American Association for Cancer Research found that smoking cannabis does not increase the risk of head and neck cancer, which is the cancer that tobacco causes. The study also found that cannabis smokers were less likely to develop mouth and throat cancer. The bottom line is this: Smoking cannabis does not cause cancer and in fact, it may help reduce the risk of lung cancer in those who smoke it. However, we don’t advise you use cannabis for this reason.
Read: Is Cannabis Legal in Thailand? What you need to know
MYTH: Cannabis causes people to become addicted to other drugs
This is one of the most common myths about cannabis. Some people think that if you try cannabis, you will inevitably become addicted to other drugs. However, research has shown otherwise. Many experts believe that cannabis is useful for helping people overcome addiction to other drugs. Cannabis is usually not considered an addictive substance.
In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Little is known about the risk of dependence associated with the use of cannabis, but it is lower than that associated with the use of other substances such as alcohol or opioids”. Källa
What this means is that cannabis is not as addictive as other substances that are legal, such as nicotine, alcohol, or opioids. The APA also says that “almost all people who try cannabis also try tobacco and alcohol, so it is hard to know which one is responsible for the higher risk of dependence. More likely, it is the combination of cannabis with other substances such as nicotine and alcohol, or the use of cannabis at a younger age, that is associated with a greater risk of dependence”.
MYTH: Cannabis makes you stupid and slower
Cannabis can indeed affect your mental performance. However, the effect only lasts for a few hours. This myth says that cannabis makes you stupid or slower for a long time after it wears off. This myth may come from the fact that someone who had been smoking cannabis has been observed to be slower and less capable at a specific task. However, this myth is different as far as long-term effects go. For example, one study found that people who smoked cannabis had lower scores on verbal reasoning and other types of cognitive function. However, these people had no trouble completing tasks that did not require those abilities. As long as you can complete simple tasks that do not require higher-level thinking (such as driving a car), you will be able to function normally even if you have been smoking cannabis.
Read: 6 Dispensaries in Bangkok with Smoking Lounges
MYTH: Cannabinoids are harmful to the human body
This myth is partially true. While some cannabinoids are harmful to the human body, others have actually been proven to be beneficial. Let’s take a look at some examples: First, THC can be harmful to the body. This cannabinoid is sometimes used in hospitals to treat nausea, but it can also cause anxiety and hallucinations.
On the other hand, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is often used by people with anxiety or insomnia because it is calming. Another cannabinoid that is believed to be harmful to the human body is CBN. This cannabinoid is actually responsible for making people feel sleepy and relaxed. Cannabinoids have been used as medicine to treat various health problems. These include nausea, vomiting, seizure disorders, pain, and even mental health problems like anxiety and depression. So while this myth about cannabis is partially true, it would take a very large and unlikely amount for the THC to leave any lasting physical damage.
MYTH: Cannabis causes schizophrenia
This myth is false. There have been many studies that have tried to link cannabis use with schizophrenia and while there is a connection, cannabis hasn’t been proven to cause it. The relationship between the two is definitely complex according to a study by the National Academies. Cannabis can affect people who already has schizophrenia or underlying mental issues. However, cannabis does not cause schizophrenia.
Many factors can cause schizophrenia, a mental disorder that makes it hard to understand reality. These factors include genetics, certain environments, and certain medical conditions. The only way to know for sure if cannabis is triggering schizophrenia symptoms is to take a close look at each individual case. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to get help as soon as possible.
Read: History of Cannabis in Thailand
MYTH: Cannabis is harmless
While cannabis is not as harmful as many people think, it is also not 100% harmless. For example, smoking cannabis can cause respiratory problems such as lung infections, coughing, and wheezing. These problems are more likely to happen to people who smoke cannabis heavily or use a lot of tobacco. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that cannabis is still a drug. People who use cannabis for a long time may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. This can happen especially if someone uses cannabis every day. There are also some people who should not use cannabis. These include minors and pregnant women. Although cannabis is less harmful than alcohol, it can still affect young people and cause long-term harm.
Conclusion
Finally, it is important to debunk the myths about cannabis. Many people are confused about the effects of cannabis, but the truth is that cannabis is a relatively harmless plant that has many uses. In fact, many people believe that cannabis could be one of the most helpful plants on the planet. Cannabis could have many health benefits and be useful in treating several medical conditions.