Common myths
Because marijuana is such a hot topic in today’s society, you will likely hear a lot of misinformation about its safety and overall impact on your health. But fear not, we are here to set the record straight on some common myths surrounding marijuana.
Select each flip card to reveal the facts.
MYTH
You can’t get addicted to marijuana.
You can’t get addicted to marijuana.
FACT
Chronic use of cannabis can lead to a cannabis use disorder, a type of substance use disorder:
Chronic use of cannabis can lead to a cannabis use disorder, a type of substance use disorder:
- Between 21-30% of marijuana users have a cannabis use disorder
- Users who are below the age of 18 are seven times more likely to develop a cannabis use disorder
MYTH
Marijuana is a “gateway” drug.
Marijuana is a “gateway” drug.
FACT
This one is tricky! While most people who use cannabis do not try other substances later in life, continuous research has found a strong link between marijuana and other drugs that we can’t afford to ignore:
This one is tricky! While most people who use cannabis do not try other substances later in life, continuous research has found a strong link between marijuana and other drugs that we can’t afford to ignore:
- Marijuana users are more than twice as likely to abuse prescription opioids
- Marijuana users are 3 times more likely to develop an addiction to heroin
MYTH
“Marijuana doesn’t affect my driving.”
“Marijuana doesn’t affect my driving.”
FACT
Research shows that the risk of being involved in a car crash increases after cannabis use. Cannabis is also the drug most frequently found in the blood of drivers who have been involved in a car crash. Many of the skills needed to drive safely, like your concentration, are affected after using marijuana.
Research shows that the risk of being involved in a car crash increases after cannabis use. Cannabis is also the drug most frequently found in the blood of drivers who have been involved in a car crash. Many of the skills needed to drive safely, like your concentration, are affected after using marijuana.
MYTH
Marijuana must be safe if doctors are recommending it.
Marijuana must be safe if doctors are recommending it.
FACT
While it is true that cannabis is becoming more popular for therapeutic and medicinal uses, the FDA has not approved the use of products containing cannabis plant material. The FDA has approved medications containing synthetic THC to treat certain health conditions, and research will continue to explore the benefits and risks of cannabis use in patients.
While it is true that cannabis is becoming more popular for therapeutic and medicinal uses, the FDA has not approved the use of products containing cannabis plant material. The FDA has approved medications containing synthetic THC to treat certain health conditions, and research will continue to explore the benefits and risks of cannabis use in patients.
MYTH
If marijuana is legalized, only adults will be able to use it.
If marijuana is legalized, only adults will be able to use it.
FACT
States that have legalized marijuana have actually seen an increase in the illicit market. This in turn has increased the rates of marijuana use in youth.
States that have legalized marijuana have actually seen an increase in the illicit market. This in turn has increased the rates of marijuana use in youth.