Top 10 Common Misconceptions About the Harmful Effects of Cannabis

Another common misconception about cannabis is that it is entirely safe to use. Just because a substance is legal doesn't mean it comes without risks. The fact that it's almost impossible to overdose fatally on cannabis doesn't mean it can't affect a person in significant ways. Since the legalization of marijuana in several states, cannabis strains have been bred to contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for its neuroactive effects.

With higher THC content, cognitive impairment becomes more pronounced. This means individuals driving under the influence of cannabis experience slower reaction times and a higher likelihood of causing car accidents. One study found that driving while heavily intoxicated with cannabis doubles the likelihood of a severe car crash. Smoking cannabis can also cause health issues similar to smoking tobacco due to the chemical makeup of cannabis smoke being comparable to that of cigarette smoke. Therefore, it's best to avoid overdosing on cannabis.

Consuming excessive amounts of cannabis has not resulted in fatal consequences. That being said, overconsumption can lead to some very unpleasant side effects. Here are some signs and symptoms that may occur:

• Severe panic attacks or anxiety
• Psychotic reactions where the individual disconnects from reality
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (false beliefs), or loss of personal identity
• Extreme paranoia
• Increased heart rate, chest pain, high blood pressure, or palpitations
• Uncontrollable shaking or even seizures
• Pale or flushed skin
• Headaches

The symptoms of a cannabis overdose can last longer depending on how it is consumed. The rate at which THC enters the bloodstream determines the speed of experiencing effects. It indicates that the method of consumption also dictates how long the high will last. Typically, when smoked, the high lasts from one to three hours. When ingested through food or drink, the effects can last for hours, compared to the standard duration of one to three hours.

Using cannabis during pregnancy can affect the baby's brain development, and by the time the child reaches school age, they may face issues with attention, behavior, memory, delayed reading skills, and depression. Using cannabis during pregnancy is as serious as smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. Cannabis is not recommended, even for medical purposes, during conception, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. There is no safe level of cannabis use during pregnancy.

Studies have shown that using cannabis during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, preterm birth, small full-term births, and babies requiring special care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants who are breastfed are exposed to harmful levels of THC. The active compound in cannabis, THC, accumulates in the breast milk of mothers who use cannabis, and when breastfeeding, it is passed on to the baby. With heavy, chronic use, the THC concentration in breast milk can be up to eight times higher than the mother's blood THC level.

Between 2012 and 2015, marijuana remained the most commonly abused drug among individuals aged 12-18 seeking publicly funded treatment services in various regions. In 2014-2015, of the 344 youths in treatment in Sonoma County, USA, 244 or 71% sought help for marijuana addiction. This number has been steadily increasing as more individuals turn to drugs, including marijuana, and become dependent on it.

Chronic marijuana use can lead to addiction. Studies indicate that approximately 9%, or about 1 in 11, of marijuana users will become addicted. This figure rises to 17% for those who begin using at a young age (during adolescence), and increases to 25-50% among daily users. Long-term marijuana users attempting to quit report various withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, insomnia, reduced appetite, anxiety, and cravings for the drug.

Marijuana significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Studies have shown a direct correlation between blood levels of marijuana (THC) and driving ability. The risk of accidents doubles after marijuana use. Drivers involved in accidents with THC in their blood, especially at higher concentrations, are 3 to 7 times more likely to be responsible for the accident than those who are not using drugs or alcohol.

Like alcohol, marijuana and THC-containing products are intoxicants that impair judgment and can contribute to mental health issues, including depression, insomnia, and paranoia. The risks associated with marijuana combined with alcohol appear to be greater than the risks of either drug alone. Regular marijuana use is linked to an increased risk and/or worsening symptoms in people with anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders.

While adult use of marijuana has been found to affect motor skills, attention, and short-term memory during intoxication, it is observed that the differences in brain function between regular users and non-users are minimal over time. The results are considerably better when comparing marijuana users to those with severe alcohol addiction or other illegal drug dependencies.

There is a widespread misconception that marijuana, like alcohol, can kill brain cells. However, excessive alcohol consumption damages the nerve cell endings, making it difficult for them to transmit signals, though it does not kill brain cells. The myth about marijuana originated from a few notorious animal experiments where structural changes were supposedly observed in the brain cells of animals exposed to high doses of marijuana.

Marijuana causing mental disorders and bipolar disorder is a highly debated claim. There is no doubt that some marijuana users have developed mental disorders. However, it has become clearer that individuals who have experienced certain forms of mental illness are more susceptible to it. These sensitivities may include a person's genetic makeup, a history of child abuse, head trauma, infections, socioeconomic status, and other factors.

Although most experts agree that marijuana use alone does not cause mental disorders or conditions such as bipolar disorder, it can potentially trigger mental health issues in those already predisposed. Research has also shown that marijuana is the most commonly abused drug among people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This abuse increases the likelihood of adverse reactions over time. Conversely, current studies suggest that medicinal marijuana plays a role in stabilizing the mood of patients and alleviating common symptoms of depression.

With the growing legalization of marijuana as a recreational drug in many states in countries like the United States, many people will conclude that it is as safe as alcohol. After all, it is legally prescribed for the treatment of certain physical and mental health conditions, and for those individuals, it can offer some benefits. With substances like opioids, over time and with repeated consumption habits, the brain and body begin to undergo chemical changes to accommodate the effects of opioids.

If the person suddenly stops using opioids, there will be negative physical and psychological consequences, known as withdrawal. This happens because the body has adapted to the presence of the drug. In contrast to substances like opioids, marijuana does not contain chemicals that induce chemical dependency in the brain. With this in mind, it is safe to conclude that marijuana does not cause physical addiction. However, any substance that can influence decision-making in a way that encourages its use, despite negative social or health outcomes, can be considered psychologically addictive.

The effects of marijuana include cognitive impairment (wandering thoughts and decision-making), respiratory issues, paranoia/anxiety, and difficulty focusing. Temporary effects also include euphoria or extreme happiness. Certain areas of the brain may crave this feeling of excitement, which can quickly lead to unhealthy thought patterns, laying the foundation for psychological addiction. Recognizing this potential for psychological addiction is important when considering marijuana consumption.

In certain regions where it is permitted, doctors may prescribe cannabis-based medicines to treat specific physical and mental health conditions. This is an exception in some authorized hospitals, where cannabis has been used in non-legal contexts. Cannabis prescriptions are relatively common as they have proven effective, though temporarily, for treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Crohn's disease, epilepsy and seizures, muscle spasms, chemotherapy-induced nausea (in cancer treatment), and other ailments.

However, this does not imply that cannabis has the ability to 'cure' these psychological disorders. It merely alleviates symptoms temporarily, without addressing the underlying causes. It is important to remember that cannabis's effects can vary from person to person, meaning it may not help everyone suffering from the same condition. Therefore, when facing psychological issues, avoid using cannabis as a solution and seek professional help from a psychologist to address the problem properly!

The mistaken belief that cannabis enhances creativity may stem from its widespread use among artists and musicians from the early to mid-20th century. If someone believes they can only be creative under the influence of cannabis, this can lead to a dependency on the substance. This idea is similar to those who feel they need alcohol to feel more comfortable in social situations.

A 2014 study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that a group under the influence of cannabis was far less creative than a sober control group. Interestingly, a third group was given a placebo cookie they were told contained cannabis. This third group exhibited the highest creativity of all. This study shows that a clear and sober mind fosters greater creative ability than a mind clouded by any substance.