As governments around the world continue to recognize the medicinal, recreational and industrial benefits of cannabis, it’s important to clear up some of the myths surrounding this natural remedy. Unfortunately, a lot of people still think that cannabis is a kooky substance or an unreliable form of medicine. Most of these presumptions are born out of ignorance and misunderstanding due to the plant’s “colorful” history.
In the following article, we’re going to clear up some of the most common myths about medicinal cannabis. Hopefully, this’ll give you the confidence you need to explore the potential of this plant without any fear.
Myth #1: Medical Cannabis doesn’t have any Medicinal Properties
It’s interesting to note that people still believe this myth despite available research that proves the opposite. The U.S. alone has over 2.4 million medical cannabis patients who use the plant on a regular basis to treat conditions like epileptic seizures, chronic pain and other more serious diseases.
Emerging research data shows that medical cannabis is a viable form of medicine. The US Food and Drug Administration identifies cannabis as a feasible complement to chemotherapy and a reliable treatment for seizures.
Myth #2: Cannabis is Harmful to the Lungs
Because most people associate cannabis with smoking a joint, the general assumption is that the plant itself can damage the lungs. But, there’s no reliable evidence to substantiatethese claims. In most cases, people who experience lung difficulties use cannabis along with alcohol and tobacco. Plus, with so many delivery methods available like edibles, oils and tinctures, there’s no reason to consume cannabis through smoking.
Myth #3: Cannabis is Dangerous
Another common misconception about medical cannabis is that it’s somewhat dangerous, especially when it comes to addition. But, most of the side-effects of cannabis happen due to overuse. When taken in moderation, medical cannabis does not lead to any adverse effects.
Addiction experts indicate that taking medical cannabis on a daily basis for long periods of time and in larger quantities can lead to certain undesirable effects. This includes difficulty focusing, impaired coordination, learning and memory.
It’s worth noting that these short-term side-effects are similar to those caused by alcohol use. The good news is cannabis doesn’t come with any long term health risks like those caused by alcohol. This means medical cannabis users don’t have to worry about things like alcohol poisoning, digestive issues, high blood pressure, violent behavior, heart disease, miscarriages, depression, dementia, cancer, anxiety etc.
That’s because medical cannabis has extremely low toxicity levels and it’s not poisonous in any way. According to a study by the World Health Organization, there’s no available evidence in world medical literature to associate cannabis use with poisoning or even human death.
Myth #4: Cannabis Use is a Justification to Get High
What’s the first thig that comes to mind when someone mentions cannabis? For most people it’s images of stoners getting high and waxing lyrical about the mysteries of the universe. But, it’s entirely possible to derive health benefits from medical cannabis without the psychoactive effects. The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that the major compounds found in medical cannabis can significantly aid in healing inflammation, pain, nausea and even managing epileptic seizures.
This includes cannabidiol (CBD), a compound that contains most of the plant’s healing benefits with none of the psychoactive effects. Even tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extracts can be manufactured in a way that derives its benefits without making your feel high.
Myth #5: Medical Cannabis Can Cause Cancer
According to a report by the National Academy of Science the opposite is true. There’s no scientific evidence that links cannabis use with cancer. Research is ongoing about the effects of cannabis on the human body so we should get even more data to show that cannabis has no potential for causing cancer.
The only side-effect of medical cannabis that we know of is that it can exacerbate mental health issues like schizophrenia. That’s why it’s not recommended for individuals who suffer from different forms of psychosis.
Looking for reliable medical cannabis suppliers and the latest research in the industry? Check out Cannvalate, Australia’s largest cannabis directory. The site is littered with current cannabis research studies, news on Canna Farms, Cannabis Licensing and more.