There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about cannabis, some of which are propagated by advocates and some of which are spread by opponents. There are also a shocking number of websites that present misleading arguments in favour of its use. Here are some cold, hard truths that can’t be avoided:
Myth: People do not become addicted to cannabis.
Fact: It is well known that some people quickly become mentally addicted to the short term “rewards” of cannabis. Some experience mental withdrawals, which they counteract by using more cannabis. Not all people are susceptible to addiction, but nobody knows if they are, until it’s too late.
Myth: Cannabis is “better” than alcohol.
Fact: Cannabis and alcohol are both harmful. Avoiding one does not justify taking the other.
Myth: Cannabis is good medicine, so it’s good for us.
Fact: There are many strains of cannabis plants, with many different chemicals. Some are specially prepared and used, under medical supervision, to overcome certain ailments, just like other prescription medicines. Wanton abuse of recreational cannabis is not the same thing.
Myth: All cannabis abusers are “high” all the time.
Fact: Most users actually take it in moderation. The danger lurks in not knowing who will end up with an addiction problem and start taking it in excess.
Myth: Cannabis users become criminals.
Fact: In most countries, you are “technically” classified as a criminal if you have cannabis on you. As for becoming a career criminal – there is no such evidence. Criminals sometimes smoke weed, but they also drink alcohol and do many other things that law abiding people do. It does not make marijuanna users habitual criminals. The danger is that it suppresses inhibitions and some users may then commit deeds that they would normally not have done.
Myth: Cannabis makes you creative.
Fact: Studies show that it does not make you more creative. It just gives you the illusion that you are more creative. (It is, after all, a hallucinatory drug.)
9 critical observations about cannabis:
1. After alcohol, it’s the most commonly used addictive substance.
2. Most young people start using cannabis when it is offered by peers.
3. It causes memory loss, poor concentration, difficulty thinking and learning.
4. Takes days (even weeks) to leave the body (and side effects can last that long).
5. In prolonged use, you must take more and more to get the same euphoric effect.
6. Leads to psychosocial problems, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia.
7. Can cause lung diseases like cancer and tuberculosis.
8. Is a “gateway” drug – makes it easier to move on to more dangerous drugs.
9. Possession or consumption is illegal in most countries – you can be arrested and convicted.
Symptoms of cannabis dependence
- Dry mouth.
- Blurry, red veined eyes.
- Constant coughing, phlegm/mucous.
- Rapid pulse/increased heartbeat.
- Increased appetite, constant need for snacks.
- Anxious, paranoid, frightened, nervous, on edge.
- Poor muscle coordination.
- Delayed reactions.
- Poor short term memory.
- Sudden mood changes.
- Loss of control/mental addiction.
- Smell of cannabis in room, on clothing, hair, breath.
- Heightened awareness/sense of sounds, colours, smells.
