MARIJUANA is no stranger to people in the world. As long as we grow up, the people around us are always reminded that marijuana is not healthy and not good for us to consume.
However, marijuana is very familiar in the daily lives of Americans and Canadians. According to Governing Magazine, 26 states coupled with the Columbia district now permit the use of marijuana for treatment or for fun. In Canada, you can easily find the marijuana from licensed producers Canada.
Teen Vogue has explored research on marijuana to break the marijuana myths we often hear. Teen Vogue also talked with an education director at Farma, Emma Chasen.
1. Marijuana is the “entrance” to drugs
Maybe you’ve heard an ancient concept that says that marijuana is the gateway to taking illegal drugs such as cocaine, LCDs, and heroin. However, Chasen told Teen Vogue that marijuana is a “way out” for drug users who want to be free from addiction.
Some people who are addicted to prohibited substances claim to get prescribed opioids for treatment. Actually, marijuana can be an effective drug for chronic diseases without the same side effects as opioid use, although further research is needed.
According to Chasen, when you are addicted to opioids, you will feel amazing. When the effect of opioids has decreased, you will use it again and will not feel the same feeling as you felt at the beginning of use. While marijuana will regulate your feelings to the same level before you use them again. This is because marijuana regulates your serotonin and dopamine.
2. Cannabis causes cancer
A lot of evidence shows that smoking can cause cancer. The National Cancer Institute reports that tobacco is the main cause of cancer. Conversely, according to a New York Times report, very little evidence shows that consuming marijuana can cause cancer.
In fact, many medical experts use marijuana to treat cancer symptoms. Some studies also show that marijuana can be used to treat cancer.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical compound responsible for feelings of drift from marijuana use. THC can help regulate your body’s RNA.
The RNA is responsible for keeping the body’s cells alive or dead. RNA will spread cancer cells when a person is diagnosed with cancer. THC will enter and code for the RNA to stop the spread of cancer cells.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that marijuana has the potential to slow tumor growth. According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, cannabidiol (CBD) contained in marijuana can reduce the size of the tumor without psychoactive side effects.
3. Cannabis causes anxiety
There is no strong evidence to suggest that consuming marijuana can cause anxiety disorders, said a researcher from the University of Southhampton, Dr. Conal Twomey.
However, marijuana can cause temporary anxiety and disruptive paranoia in cases of overdose. The overdose of marijuana does not have the same health risks as alcohol and opioids. A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that CBD will not make users “float” like THC.
4. Cannabis can kill
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, there has not been a single case of death caused by an overdose of marijuana in America. Although in a state of overdose, THC will never be able to bind to receptors that can kill breathing, the heart, and other organs that keep your body alive.
In contrast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that average alcohol poisoning caused six deaths in one day in America.
5. Marijuana causes laziness
Marijuana users are often associated with “laziness”. On the biological side, marijuana can motivate its users. Certain terpenes such as limonene can help create awareness and clarity of mind, which is a good condition for people to work.
“With tremendous medical potential, marijuana can help people with chronic diseases heal and finally re-enjoy the world,” Chasen said.