Correcting 3 Common Marijuana Myths

By Benjahmin Koenigsberg

Change is really the only consistent in life. Being adaptive to change instead of resistant to it can dramatically affect the quality of one’s life

Marijuana, pakalolo or cannabis, as it is commonly known, is a topic that has a lot of antiquated public opinions and collective beliefs attached to it.

However, public perception is changing rapidly with advances in science, politics and new global demographics.

Many people have adopted new beliefs and ideas about cannabis, resulting in their improved quality of life.

Let’s look at three specific outdated beliefs that, despite rising trends in cannabis’ popularity, are still held by some people advocating against it.

1. Cannabis is not medicine

Cannabis was widely used to treat a myriad of illnesses for hundreds of years in America and all over the world. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the government passed strict laws against all forms of producing and possessing marijuana, not just those produced for recreation and medicine.

Despite strict federal government restrictions against medical research into cannabis, a tremendous amount of supportive evidence is being found in studies and prestigious medical journals all over the world. Since the late 1990s, several states have legalized medical marijuana, continuing the use and study of medical cannabis.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound in the cannabis plant that is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t give users the feeling that they are high but has massive healing properties. Cannabis growers and producers are now able to offer varieties of cannabis with the health benefits of the plant without the altered mental state.

One recent study from the University of Colorado, Denver studied a group of adults who suffer from regular migraine headaches. Test patients experienced a substantial decrease in frequency and intensity of their migraines with prescribed cannabis use. Forty-two percent of people in another study reported they stopped using medications like Tylenol or prescription drugs like Vicodin by switching to using cannabis instead.

A few other conditions for which research have proven cannabis is an effective treatment are: epilepsy and autism in children, pain, post traumatic stress disorder, nausea, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and also to treat side effects of chemotherapy.

2. Cannabis impairs safety of consumers

Some people are concerned that cannabis use impairs judgment and cognitive ability, posing risks driving under the influence of cannabis. A study conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that cannabis users were in no significant greater risk for car accidents than sober drivers.

In addition, the journal Scientific Reports published a study that found, by a wide margin, cannabis is the least risky recreational drug. Those rallying against the legalization of cannabis could have a greater effect on the health and well being of this country by shifting their attention to vastly more harmful alcohol and tobacco.

3. Cannabis use leads to harder drug use

Proponents of the “gateway” drug theory believe that one whose uses cannabis will have an increased likelihood of using harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Although this theory is unfounded, it is one of the principal reasons cited in defending laws prohibiting cannabis

In fact, research shows marijuana could be more accurately described as a “terminus” drug because the vast majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use illicit or more “serious” drugs.

A study conducted by The American Journal of Public Health looked at data over several years from multiple states and found marijuana use by teenagers did not increase when a state legalizes medical marijuana. This is also true in the Netherlands, where overall teenage usage dropped when the government began the regulated legal sale of cannabis to those 18 and older.

Misinformation and myths have hindered the acceptance of cannabis for too long.

KauaiCann, is a local Kaua‘i group committed to cannabis education and awareness to the patients and residents of Kaua‘i.

The 1st Kaua‘i Cannabis Conference and Expo will be on Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn at Wailua Bay. This conference is a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of cannabis. There will be speakers, panel discussions, various cannabis related vendors and live music by local artists. Evening entertainment will keep the vibe going.

Come with your friends, family and an openness to change.

• Benjahmin Koenigsberg is the founder of Own Your Power! Comprehensive mindset and lifestyle coaching for men. He works with men at the edge of reinvention to unlock their inner confidence, so they can lead a successful life. Contact him at ownyourpower.life or at (503) 358-5187 for a free one-hour breakthrough call.