Break the Myths around Cannabis and Your Health

May 25, 2022

Cannabis has been in use for recreational and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Considering the high THC count in many of its products, many governments have not legalized the use of marijuana because of health risks. However, scientists have confirmed there are many health benefits, especially, cannabis grown using MAC 1 Feminized Seeds has benefits of both indica-sativa and great potency. This article shall thus study the generally held myths regarding the use of cannabis for health issues and tries to debunk them while also noting the health benefits linked with cannabis.

An Overview Of Cannabis Consumption

Cannabis is a herbal drug, containing various chemicals that yield different results and carry many properties. Some commonly known chemicals are CBD and THC. Cannabis provides multiple therapeutic and recreational benefits. Cannabis releases cannabinoids into the body that react with the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain and on the nerves. The cannabinoids released from marijuana react with the endocannabinoid system of the body (ECS) and produce the effects associated with the consumption of marijuana. 

There are many ways of consuming marijuana. While most people prefer smoking or vaping, some people opt for brewing it as tea; consuming it in the forms of brownies, candies, gummies, etc. Cannabis has many benefits that one can gain by applying it as a topical paste over the affected area of the body since it has anti-inflammatory and pain healing properties. 

Although cannabis is illegal in many places, more and more governments now recognize its potential as a therapeutic tool. Hence, its popularity is gaining momentum, and it is getting legal recognition for its use as a medicinal aid. However, a rider runs with the legal use of cannabis; the concentration of THC in any product of the cannabis should be less than 0.3%. 

Myths About The Use Of Cannabis

Since cannabis was used for medicinal and recreational purposes, myths regarding its use and effects are bound to arise. There are thus many myths circulating regarding the use, results, and benefits of cannabis. Some of these myths regarding the results of marijuana on health are mentioned below and countered duly:

• Cannabis has not been allowed for medicinal use: This myth that cannabis has not been legalized for therapeutic use is untrue. The FDA has legally approved three specific usages of cannabis; “nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy, anorexia related to advanced HIV/AIDS, and a couple of rare types of childhood epilepsy.” Other uses rely on scientific results, but their legalization is due. 

• Marijuana causes cancer: Marijuana smoke does contain carcinogens, but even hardcore smokers do not contract cancer due to smoking marijuana. A study conducted in 2006 showed that even heavy use of marijuana does not lead to lung cancer.

• Marijuana is a dangerous drug: Many studies have shown that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol or tobacco. It is also a less “hard” drug than other drugs like cocaine and heroin.

• Cannabis causes permanent memory loss: Although the psychotic after-effects of cannabis may cause temporary diminishing of memory while intoxicated, there is no evidence to suggest that it is permanent. It is also not dangerous to health.

• Cannabis use causes apathy and lack of motivation: Some studies have been conducted where high doses of cannabis were given to subjects for over a few weeks. They observed that there was no loss of motivation or ability to perform. However, it is a fact that abuse of any substance over long periods reduces a person’s ability to function normally, but this issue is not limited to cannabis.

• Cannabis is a “gateway” drug: People believe that those who consume cannabis are more likely to go on to hard drugs like cocaine and heroin, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest this point. Many people who use cocaine or heroin have used cannabis in the past, but there is no direct causation between the two.

• Cannabis causes crime: Cannabis reduces aggression and induces feelings of relaxation. It does not incite anger or violence. 

Health Benefits of Cannabis

Cannabis has many health-related benefits. While most people use cannabis for recreational purposes, some use it for medicinal benefits. It helps treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and nerve pain. It is a great healer of body pain and inflammation. 

Marijuana is known to help in many health-related issues like:

• It helps reduce nausea, vomiting, and pain in AIDS cases. It also helps increase appetite.
• It reduces nausea, vomiting, and pain in Cancer cases. 
• It helps control Epilepsy seizures.
• It helps reduce pressure and the progression of glaucoma.
• In Multiple Sclerosis, it helps reduce muscle spasms, pain, tremors, and bowel dysfunctions.
• It is helpful for mental health issues like anorexia, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar.

 

Cannabis is very psychoactive, which is a primary reason for its recreational use. It produces high levels of body and mind highs if the THC concentration in the product is high. CBD has low levels of THC concentration and hence is used as a mild sedative. It helps with anxiety, stress, muscle inflammation, and body pain. On the other hand, THC has higher potency and helps cure chronic pain and inflammation. It can also treat issues like MS and severe nerve pain.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis has been popular for centuries; nonetheless, some people who do not understand its use and have not studied this plant often come up with hoaxes that run in history as myths. We have seen numerous myths associated with cannabis. However, they are merely hoaxes and do not stand the scientific scrutiny. Cannabis has many therapeutic benefits, and one can use it for various illnesses and symptoms of many other health risks. While abuse of any substance is dangerous, that applies to any substance and not just cannabis in particular. Hence, despite a few mild and temporary side effects, cannabis carries multiple health benefits.

---

Also in Education