Medical cannabis is a state-wide legal medicine in 36 states, including California, Columbia, and Washington DC. Similar to any medicine, it can also be misused by people without following proper physician doses recommendations. However, since it is extracted from the same plant that recreational marijuana is extracted, there are many rumors and myths.
This guide will analyze and dump the top 10 myths associated with the usage of medical cannabis with the help of realities and facts. After you finish reading this guide, you will have clarity about the benefits of legalizing medical cannabis use. You will also know why it is gaining popularity worldwide. Yes, we have done a lot of research on this medicine, but there is still room to find more about it. However, the research already conducted hints that it is safe to use.
Myth # 1 – Cannabis Plants with Cannabinoid Are Approved Medicines Itself
Medical cannabis is FDA approved and legalized in many states, but it does not mean that the plant itself is also a medicine. The plant is rich in hundreds of cannabinoid chemical compounds, and medical marijuana doctor in North Carolina has the dominance of only one compound known as CBD (Cannabidiol).
Myth # 2 – Medical Cannabis Usage Can Make You Addicted To It
Medical cannabis is a medicine that people abuse like any other medicine. However, its addiction is not possible because it is dominant in the CBD compound. Even though there are different strains of medical cannabis available in which THC compound may also be present, it uses a low proportion compared to the CBD compound. As a result, the person doesn’t experience any psychotic effects on the body and mind.
Myth # 3 – To Consume Medical Cannabis, You Have To Smoke It
Smoking medical cannabis is one way to consume it to have relief from your medical condition immediately. However, it is not the only way. You can use it using a bong in the form of cannabis concentrate, have it as edibles in gummies, or use cannabis-infused beverages like soda, smoothie, juices, and tea. Moreover, if you do not want to ingest the medicine, you can also use other medical cannabis products for external use, such as ointment, lotions, salves, and sprays. The type of usage depends on your medical condition, its severity, and your personal preferences.
Myth # 4 – Medical Cannabis Can Treat All Medical Conditions
Medical cannabis is definitely not a one-in-all medicine to treat all medical conditions. But it definitely can treat some of them. The medical conditions that medical cannabis may treat or improve include cancer, AIDs, multiple sclerosis, restless leg disorder, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, to qualify for a medical card, you need to visit a certified physician and review your State laws. Since the State controls medical cannabis, the list of qualifying medical conditions varies from state to state.
Myth # 5 – Anyone Can Have A Medical Cannabis Card
Medical cannabis is a controlled medicine, and the states where it is legalized control it. Hence, if medical Cannabis is legal in your state, to get a medical cannabis card, the state will want you to have a relevant diagnosis from a qualified physician. In addition, the qualifying medical conditions in each State are different; therefore, refer to your state laws if you want a medical cannabis card.
However, if you are looking to buy medical cannabis in Vegas, you can easily find it in any type at a licensed Las Vegas strip dispensary.
Myth # 6 – Medical Cannabis Can Only Treat Pain
Medical cannabis can treat several physical and mental issues. It relieves people suffering from chronic physical pain. However, it can also help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have side effects such as vomiting and nausea. Medical cannabis may help patients to keep food down to stay well-nourished. Moreover, some physicians may also recommend it for patients wanting to lose weight as a dietary supplement.
Myth # 7 – If Your Use Medical Cannabis, You Will Turn To Stone
This myth is about the misconception of people that medical cannabis influences the psychoactive effects on the body and mind making them incapable of doing daily tasks. However, this is only a myth since medical cannabis mostly does not contain the THC compound responsible for the psychoactive effects. While the medical cannabis products that contain THC have a very less proportion of it compared to the CBC compound. The CBC compound is responsible for relaxing many medical conditions.
Myth # 8 – All Medical Cannabis Are Same
The cannabinoid plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds, and out of these compounds, there are four to treat different medical conditions. These compounds are, CBD (cannabidiol), CBN (cannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), or CBG (cannabigerol). Hence, it is important that you ingest the medical cannabis prescribed by your physician only to avoid any side effects or overdoses.
Myth # 9 – Medical Cannabis Is Increasing Drug Usage In Teens
Medical cannabis is making lives better for many people suffering from medical conditions. These conditions limit them from performing their routine activities normally. However, some people believe that it increases drug usage in teenagers. However, according to a study published in the journal, Addiction in 2018, medical cannabis is not incorporated in any way in the increased drug usage among teenagers.
Myth # 10 – There Is Insufficient Evidence To Support Medical Cannabis’ Efficacy
Many scientists are constantly researching to find evidence regarding medical cannabis efficacy in relieving various ailments and severe medical conditions. And they have found a decent amount of evidence regarding the safety of using medical cannabis in subsiding the effects of medical ailments like AIDS, seizure disorders, glaucoma, etc.
Therefore, if used within the recommended limit as prescribed by the physician, medical cannabis is safe to consume. It is a good method to treat your medical symptoms and many medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
This guide walked you through the famous myths you often come across from people. However, they are nothing but myths and rumors. In reality, medical cannabis is a medicine helping people with severe medical conditions to live a normal life. It is saving the lives of people and getting legalization state by state. Therefore, avoid believing in rumors and do a proper fact check before jumping to conclusions.
To assist you further in your dilemma, here’s a bonus fact for you.
Bonus Fact: The journal Addiction in 2018 found that the increased legalization and use of medical cannabis have also reduced the death rate of chronic pain patients by overdosing opioids. The drop is evident that medical cannabis provides a practical alternative for chronic pain patients and helps them live better lives.
Hence with all the myths, we dump in this guide and facts backed with research shared with you, it is evident that medical cannabis may not be harmful in general, like any other medicine. And rigorous testing and controlling measures are taken by licensed dispensaries to ensure the proportions mentioned on the product packaging are within the safe limit.
