How they get started is one thing, but why they continue is another. Fake News has become a cry in the last few years, but some myths just continue to live in, even before teh digital world. No swimming for an hour, cracking your knocks, 24 for a missing person, etc…all out there…all long dismissed. Now, here are 3 marijuana myths which have been debunked.
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Marijuana Is The Gateway To Addiction
According to science, the majority of people who use marijuana do not go on to use other, “harder” substances. Alcohol and nicotine prime the brain for a heightened response to other drugs and are, like marijuana, also typically used before a person progresses to other, more harmful substances.
Studies conducted by the federal government find that marijuana is actually no more addictive than caffeine. In fact, cananbis has a rate of addiction significantly less than alcohol and tobacco.
As for whether cannabis users will eventually go on to shoot heroin in the bathroom of a truck stop somewhere – that’s not likely either. Other studies have shown that alcohol and prescription painkillers are the real gateway drugs. Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says so. “When you look at someone that, for example, has a heroin problem, it very often started with a prescription drug problem. Something totally legal. Something in every medicine cabinet. Something you can have prescribed to you in good faith by a doctor,” she said back in 2016.
Marijuana Legalization Won’t Stop Drug Cartels
With 23 recreational and 40 medical states plus all of Canada, marijuana is a profit center for drug cartels. Cannabis trafficking is on the decline, according to a report from the Washington Post. To compensate, drug gangs are now slinging fentanyl, heroin and meth.
In fact, the GOP is clear it does stop drug cartels, This week four anti-marijuana legalization Republican senators admitted the policy change disrupts illegal sales by cartels. Writing to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on Monday, Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) made the case for the legalization and regulation of controlled substances.
They point out in a letter urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider plans to ban menthol cigarettes and set nicotine content limits, arguing that the prohibition and strict regulations could benefit illicit trafficking operations. The main point is to express concern FDA’s proposed menthol cigarette ban, which the senators said could “empower” transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) to “exploit black market opportunities that such policies could create.”
Interestingly, some reports show that American weed is now being shipped into Mexico. It seems the tides have turned, but there is still some illegal marijuana activity happening in the United States. However, these criminal acts stem only from a fluctuation in laws from state-to-state. The moment the federal government ends marijuana prohibition, the criminal organizations responsible will be stopped. After all, no one is out there these days turning a profit on bootleg beer.
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Stoned Driving Is No Different Than Driving Drunk
There is no doubt that drinking and driving is detriment to public safety. Alcohol is responsible for killing around over 14,000 people annually in Canada and the US. Researchers from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, who are working to create a self-assessment tool for people on the fence about whether they’re too high to drive, have been trying to find out how weed might hinder an individual’s performance. But the group is having some difficult pinpointing the affect the herb on “vigilance and judgment.” It seems the test subjects are “generally aware” of just how wrecked on reefer they are.
There is also evidence that longtime cannabis users are typically less impaired behind the wheel than those with a lower tolerance. It is the differences between alcohol and marijuana impairment that has made it so difficult for science to develop an effective testing device to gauge stoned driving. To this day, no device functions well..
Alcohol has some negative side effects, but cannabis could have one positive health benefit – it might help your good cholesterol.
In the late 1980s cholesterol test became come as the impact of it on the body and heart was becoming more evident. Research shows good cholesterol (HDL) helps remove excess cholesterol from the body, while “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can build up in arteries, potentially leading to heart disease. Alcohol and tobacco are known to be rough on the body, but can marijuana help cholesterol?
Marijuana’s potential impact on cholesterol is an emerging area of research, offering both promising insights and areas for further exploration. While studies have yet to reach definitive conclusions, evidence suggests that cannabis may influence cholesterol levels in ways that could benefit cardiovascular health under certain conditions.
Cannabis contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including lipid metabolism. Some studies have indicated that marijuana use might improve cholesterol profiles by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as “good cholesterol.” For instance, research published in BMJ Open found that marijuana users had elevated levels of HDL cholesterol, which is associated with better cardiovascular health.
Moreover, cannabis has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate blood glucose levels. These effects can indirectly support heart health by reducing risk factors associated with high cholesterol, such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, cannabinoids like CBD may help protect the heart from oxidative stress and inflammation, further enhancing cardiovascular health.
Cannabis has also been linked to weight management benefits, which can positively impact cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that marijuana use may reduce abdominal fat and improve metabolic parameters. Since obesity is a major contributor to high LDL cholesterol levels, these findings suggest that cannabis could play a supportive role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
While some studies highlight potential benefits of cannabis for cholesterol and heart health, others caution against its risks. Daily marijuana use has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular issues. However, research also indicates that cannabis may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and improve outcomes following heart attacks.
Food asphyxiation is in the news today – and is WAY more dangerous than marijuana.
Food asphyxiation is in the news again. In the US alone, approximately 5,000 – 5,500 people die from choking on food or other objects annually. Factors like living alone, having dentures, difficulty swallowing, and certain foods (like bananas, marshmallows, or gelatinous candies) can increase the risk of choking. These numbers highlight the persistent danger of food asphyxiation and the need for increased awareness and prevention measures. And yet, it is really mention in the media or Congressional reviews. But food asphyxiation is way more dangerous than cannabis.
Food asphyxiation, commonly known as choking, claims a significant number of lives each year. The elderly population is most at risk, with 90% of food-related choking deaths in 2022 occurring in individuals over 50 years old. This statistic underscores the importance of proper care and attention for older adults during meal times. These numbers highlight the persistent danger of food asphyxiation and the need for increased awareness and prevention measures.
In contrast, deaths directly attributed to marijuana overdose are extremely rare and there is no documented case of fatal overdose from natural marijuana alone. This stark difference in mortality rates between food asphyxiation and marijuana use is noteworthy.
The disparity between food asphyxiation and marijuana overdose deaths is striking. While hundreds die each year from choking on food, marijuana overdose fatalities are virtually non-existent when considering natural marijuana use.
These findings suggest public health efforts might be disproportionately focused on substances with lower mortality rates while overlooking more common dangers like food asphyxiation. Increased education on proper eating habits, especially for at-risk populations like the elderly, could potentially save more lives than efforts to prevent marijuana overdoses.
To prevent choking, listen to your mom’s advice – eat slowly and throughly, cut food into bite size pieces, and don’t talk with your mouth full. And be mindful of food which may have small pieces or tiny bones.
Despite the massive investment by some in the industry, outdoor grows are the healthier, cleaner option
Like fruits and vegetables, outdoor floors yield the richest flavor and the least expensive products. The same can be said about cannabis, outdoor marijuana grows are better all the way around. When the industry started becoming legal, hundreds of millions were invested in indoor grow with the assumption cost per pound would stay high. Companies like Tilray built massive indoor grows, but over time they have caused expensive upkeep, high consumer prices, and upset neighbors. And do they produce the best cannabis? By leveraging natural resources like sunlight and soil, this method reduces environmental impact, enhances product quality, and fosters community harmony.
Outdoor cannabis cultivation drastically lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to indoor growing. Research shows outdoor farming can emit up to 50 times less carbon dioxide than indoor production, which relies heavily on artificial lighting, air conditioning, and dehumidifiers. Additionally, outdoor grows eliminate the need for energy-intensive equipment, reducing electricity consumption and promoting sustainability. Water conservation is another key advantage; outdoor farms often use natural rainwater or precision watering techniques, minimizing waste. Furthermore, the absence of chemical fertilizers in many outdoor setups helps protect local ecosystems from pollution.
Outdoor growing is more cost-effective for both producers and consumers. It eliminates expenses associated with indoor cultivation—such as high electricity bills and specialized equipment—making cannabis more affordable. For home growers, cultivating outdoors fosters a connection with nature while empowering individuals to produce their own medicine sustainably.
Sun-grown cannabis benefits from exposure to full-spectrum natural light, enhancing its terpene profiles and cannabinoid production. This results in richer flavors, aromas, and potency that indoor setups struggle to replicate. Outdoor cultivation also allows plants to grow larger and healthier due to unrestricted space and access to diverse soil nutrients. This translates to higher yields and better-quality products for consumers. Additionally, outdoor-grown cannabis often develops unique characteristics influenced by the local terroir, offering a diverse range of experiences akin to wine production.
Outdoor marijuana farms are less disruptive to neighborhoods compared to indoor facilities. Indoor grows often require extensive infrastructure upgrades, leading to increased energy demand and noise pollution from machinery. There has been an uprising by some local governments about the grows.
In contrast, outdoor farms blend harmoniously with their surroundings, relying on natural processes rather than artificial systems. Moreover, outdoor cultivation supports local biodiversity by integrating companion plants that deter pests naturally and enrich the soil.
While outdoor cultivation is environmentally friendly, it poses challenges such as susceptibility to pests and weather fluctuations. However, solutions like greenhouses can provide controlled environments while retaining the benefits of natural sunlight. Choosing resilient strains adapted to local climates further ensures successful harvests.