Many medical experts including doctors and researchers have admitted that medical marijuana is a much safer pain management medicine than opioids and yet people continue to have misconceptions about the use of medical marijuana. These misconceptions have arisen due to a lot of misinformation about medical marijuana that was spread over the years. Today we will try to distinguish between myths and facts about medical marijuana so our readers can make an informed decision for themselves.

Myth 1: Medical marijuana is another way of getting “High”

Fact: There are over 400 chemicals found in cannabis. The two most known ones are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both these compounds effect different receptors of the brain, Where THC can cause psychoactive effects, CBD affects and modulates the 5ht serotonin receptor, which does not cause psychoactive effects or results in a “High”. In 2018 FDA declared that CBD does not cause intoxication or euphoria “high”.

Myth 2: Medical marijuana has no medicinal benefits.

Fact: Over 2500 doctors and over 500K Floridians would disagree with this statement. For centuries marijuana has been used for medicinal benefits. Medicinal marijuana provides array of benefits for patients, from the ability to treat epilepsy, anxiety disorders, chronic pain and even symptoms of cancer. Even FDA has understood the potential and has approved one cannabis-derived drug product: Epidiolex (cannabidiol), and three synthetic cannabis-related drug products: Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone). These approved drug products are only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Myth 3: I will get addicted to medical marijuana.

Fact: This is a very valid concern that patients have and fortunately using medical marijuana responsibly and with a doctor’s recommendation poses a low risk of addiction. Medical Marijuana has a very low dependency rate compared to other drugs, alcohol or even tobacco. Like any medical treatment, there is some risk associated with marijuana. However, most healthcare professionals consider it to be a safe option for managing a variety of conditions.

Myth 4: Medical marijuana causes brain damage.

Fact: New research on marijuana consumption has overwhelmingly supported the fact that marijuana use does not  appear to cause permanent brain damage, and can be used as an effective treatment for a wide range of diseases. The study was conducted by psychiatrist Igor Grant, MD. who admitted being surprised by their finding especially since there’s been a controversy for some years on whether long-term cannabis use causes brain damage

Myth 5: You can overdose on medical marijuana.

Fact: To date, there have not been any reported deaths resulting solely from cannabis use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Marijuana is like any other medicine — you must take it in moderation to get the most out of it. When you practice safe medicating, you will have much fewer problems to worry about compared to most medications. Ask your doctor to prescribe a CBD heavy medication if this is one of your concerns.

At Genesis Medical Clinic, we are committed to helping our patients acquire their Medical Marijuana Cards and begin getting the relief they both need and deserve from medical marijuana.

 

GenAdministrator, M. C. (2021, March 31). 5 common myths about medical marijuana. Genesis Medical Clinic. Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://mygenesismedical.com/5-common-myths-about-medical-marijuana/