5 big myths about cannabis

These are several widespread misconceptions about cannabis.

Cannabis is one of the most widely consumed drugs in the world, and due to its varied legal status depending on the country we are in, its use is very normalized, to the point that there are even those who do not consider it a harmful substance for the human body.

This has contributed to generate a series of myths that feed an idealized vision of everything related to marijuana. The truth is that while it is arguable that this drug presents more reasons for not being legal than other legal drugs such as alcohol, there is no doubt that the use of cannabis entails exposing oneself to significant risks. Therefore, here we will we will review these common misconceptions about cannabis..

Common myths and misconceptions about cannabis

This is a summary of the most common erroneous beliefs about cannabis that contribute most to the mistaken assumption that this drug is harmless.

1. Cannabis is not harmful because it is a natural product.

The term "natural" is one of the most ambiguous and can be modified to mean almost anything. to mean almost anything. If by "natural" we mean that the product consumed is elaborated through few processing steps, it is not entirely true even if we compare it with other drugs; for example, in the case of alcohol, even some animals can consume it in nature by eating tree fruits.

If by "natural" we mean that something does not interfere with the proper functioning of the human body, this concept does not make sense. (many elements of nature in which humans have not mediated are capable of harming us, such as poisons or contagious diseases) nor is it true in the case of cannabis, as we shall see.

2. Cannabis does not generate dependence

There is a widespread myth about cannabis according to which this substance can only produce addiction at the social and behavioral level, but not at the chemical-brain level. However, there is evidence that this drug produces dependence, there is evidence that this drug produces both types of dependenceIt leads people to become accustomed to a routine that includes cannabis consumption as an important element, and at the same time it interacts with the nervous system making its cells "learn" to need its molecules with psychoactive effects.

It is true that the chemical addiction to cannabis is significantly less potent than that which can occur with other commonly consumed drugs such as alcohol, heroin, tobacco... But that does not mean that it does not exist.

3. Consuming this substance helps to reduce anxiety

It is true that cannabis is a substance that depresses the activity of the nervous system (in low doses, the most common), but that does not mean that it helps to control anxiety and stress without further ado. Even if in many cases consuming it provides a feeling of "relief" and relaxation, in the medium and long term it favors the appearance of anxiety "peaks" due to the need to consume because of the need to consume to feel good, something typical of habituation to drugs.

4. Cannabis consumption cannot kill

It is relatively common to hear that clear cannabis abusers will experience long-term health problems associated with impaired brain function and Gastrointestinal discomfort, but will not be at risk of dying within hours. However, the truth is that cannabis intoxication can not only negatively affect the quality of life of the person who has been using the drug; it can also kill, although its danger in this respect is less than that of most hard drugs..

For example, in 2012, an estimated 287 people died from cannabis use in Canada alone, and the drug is also known to cause fatal myocardial infarctions.

5. Anyone can adopt regular cannabis use as a habit.

The truth is that cannabis is not for everyone, even if it is consumed in large quantities.even if it is consumed in low quantities. It is known that part of the population is genetically predisposed to one or a few occasions of use of this drug triggering serious psychopathologies.

In this sense, psychotic outbreaks are part of those psychopathological alterations more associated with cannabis (provided that there is this predisposition to suffer them, since introducing this drug triggers that which is latent).

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Bibliographical references:

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• Filbey, F. M.; Aslan, S.; Calhoun,V.D.; Spence, Jeffrey S.; Damaraju, E.; Caprihan, A. & Segall, J. (2014). Long-term effects of marijuana use on the brain. PNAS. vol. 11;47. Center of BrainHealth. University of Texas.
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