Breaking Down the Biggest Misconceptions about Cannabis

Culture
Written By David N. Sachs

Misconception #1: Cannabis is illegal at the federal level and alcohol is not, therefore, cannabis must be worse for you than alcohol

This is perhaps the biggest misconception about cannabis. “Cannabis is worse than alcohol because it is an ‘illegal drug’, and alcohol is legal to consume for those over 21.” However, countless studies have shown that alcohol does more damage and is more dangerous to your physical and mental health than cannabis. Alcohol can cause physical damage to your liver, heart, and pancreas, and cannabis does not. Heavy alcohol use can also be linked to violent and erratic behavior in susceptible individuals, and there is no correlation between cannabis use and an increase in violence. This is not to say that cannabis is incapable of causing harmful effects, but it is not comparable to the risks of consuming alcohol. 


Misconception #2: Consuming cannabis makes you more susceptible to crime and delinquency

It’s true that an individual who has used cannabis is more likely to be charged with a drug-related offense than an individual who has never consumed cannabis. However, many of such offenses are cannabis offenses in states where it is not yet legal, and there is no evidence that cannabis use makes a person more driven to any other criminal activity. In fact, a 2014 meta-analysis of U.S. state panel data found that the level of cannabis use has no direct link to an increased number of violent crimes and property crimes. On the other hand, heavy alcohol use does have a direct link to an increase in criminal activity. 

Misconception #3: Cannabis use is inherently tied with laziness

This common misconception originates mostly from propaganda in the media. There is no evidence linking regular cannabis use with a decrease in motivation. The legal cannabis industry has become a billion-dollar industry today because of the hard work and motivation from cannabis users and advocates. Additionally, some of the most hardworking and successful people in popular culture are regular cannabis users, including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, billionaire CEO Richard Branson, and musical artist and business mogul Jay-Z. 

Misconception #4: Cannabis is a gateway drug

It is a fact that a cannabis user is more likely to try a hard drug than someone who has never consumed cannabis. However, correlation may not equal causation in this case. The vast majority of cannabis users do not graduate to harder drug use. Many studies will describe that if there is a gateway drug in our culture, alcohol fits that description much better than cannabis. 

Misconception #5: Cannabis destroys brain cells and does cognitive harm

There are no studies that link cannabis use to any changes in brain structure and function, despite what you may have been told in school. Current cannabis users may experience worse short-term memory recall within the time they are under the effects of cannabis, however, this does not translate to any long-term memory issues. Although, there is evidence to suggest that cannabis could have negative cognitive impacts when used by individuals under the age of 18, which is why the legal age of use is especially important.

Summary

There are a number of generalizations that people have made over time about cannabis and its effects. Some statements made about cannabis have been accurate, others not so much. The most important thing is to stay informed and do your research.

David N. Sachs
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