Marijuana, or cannabis, has been the subject of many myths and misconceptions over the years. It’s possible you’ve fallen prey to some of them. No, that doesn’t mean you think Reefer Madness was a legitimate documentary!

When misinformation surrounds any topic for decades, it can be easy for even the most informed among us to believe certain untruths. Noteworthy myths and facts about marijuana you should be aware of include:

Myth: Marijuana is a ‘Gateway Drug’

These days, most people seem to understand that cannabis is not nearly as dangerous as many other drugs. It appears impossible to overdose on, and doesn’t cause the same ill health effects as other harmful substances.

However, they may still think marijuana is dangerous. They don’t think cannabis itself is extremely harmful—they think it will lead to the use of stronger substances, like cocaine, heroin, etc.

Fact: Research Consistently Shows Marijuana Use Doesn’t Lead to Using Other Drugs

An overview in Forbes magazine covers the roots of the notion that marijuana is a gateway drug. Such an assumption was not based in hard science.

Moreover, research shows the vast majority of people who use marijuana don’t go on to use hard drugs. Those who do don’t appear to do so because they started with marijuana.

Rather, they appear to be the types of individuals who have a general attraction to experimenting with substances. Marijuana didn’t cause this inclination. Marijuana is just another one of the substances they experiment with.

Myth: Only ‘Stoners’ and Unaccomplished People Use Marijuana

It’s always important to consider the way in which psychological dependence or reliance on a substance can limit your potential. Any substance, even food, can prevent someone from achieving their goals if they use it as a means of coping with life’s stresses.

That said, many are under the impression that people who regularly use marijuana are all lazy individuals. The common stereotype of the “stoner” is someone who does little else with their day but use cannabis.

Fact: Some of the Most Accomplished Figures in Recent History Have Used Cannabis

Below are just some of the noteworthy individuals who have not only used marijuana, but have also been passionate advocates of its benefits:

• Carl Sagan
• Steve Jobs
• Bob Dylan
• Richard Feynman
• John Lennon
• Oliver Sacks
• Francis Crick

That is by no means an exhaustive list. It’s a small sampling because it features individuals who have all earned reputations for being geniuses in their respective fields. These individuals have also been well-known for their productivity. Several of them have spoken openly about how marijuana helped them be more productive and creative, rather than hindering them.

Myth: Marijuana Always Has the Same Effects

Individuals with limited experience consuming marijuana may base their understanding of its effects off pop culture. They may assume that using cannabis always results in a person feeling tired, feeling hungry, and experiencing mild psychedelic effects.

Fact: Different Marijuana Strains Have Different Effects

The effects of cannabis can vary significantly from one strain to another. Some indica strains are ideal for pain relief and insomnia, and may in fact have minimal mental effects. They work primarily as physical sedatives.

Other strains may cause users to feel they’re thinking more creatively. Or, they could help users appreciate art or music more.

Those are just a few examples. The main point to understand is that no two marijuana strains are exactly alike. Thus, a person’s experience using cannabis can depend on the strain.

Responsible Cannabis Use is Always Important

No one who understands marijuana would pretend it never has the potential to cause harm. For example, you certainly should never attempt to operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery for even a brief moment when experiencing the effects of cannabis. Younger people should also refrain from its use, as marijuana may impact their developing brains.

That said, myths about marijuana don’t do anyone any favors. The more people understand the reality of marijuana, the more people can benefit from it.

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