“You CAN Handle the Truth!!!

“The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.”

– John F. Kennedy

Welcome back to “The Magnolia Leaf”!!!

Myths are stories, often with religious origins, that explain natural phenomena or offer moral insight. Without scientific evidence, myths offer comfort and explanation for events that people seek to understand. Although myths served great importance in ancient history and are not as common in modern times, they can still impact how society views various subjects. This mindset widely contributes to the stigma that medical cannabis use holds in some groups today. Yet, people continue to harbor misconceptions. Today I will attempt to break down some of the most common misconceptions about cannabis use for medical purposes. 

Are you ready to venture into this myth-busting adventure with me? Let’s get started!

Myth #1:  I will become addicted to medical marijuana.

Truth:  There is nothing in cannabis that causes physical dependence. A minority of heavy users develop what appears to be dependence. This is most likely due to habit, not addiction. Using marijuana responsibly, with a doctor’s recommendation, poses a minor risk of addiction. Most healthcare professionals consider it a useful option for managing many different conditions.

Myth #2:  Medical marijuana has no health benefits.

Truth:  Cannabis provides many benefits for patients, from the ability to treat the symptoms of cancer, chronic pain,  anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. Some benefits include reduced anxiety, pain management, reduced inflammation, help with neurological and mental disorders, sleep management, decreased nausea, and increased appetite.

Myth #3:  Medical marijuana causes brain damage.

Truth:  Research overwhelmingly supports that marijuana use does NOT appear to cause permanent brain damage and is an effective way to treat many conditions. Studies have shown diminished short-term memory, but only while using. There is no scientific evidence to suggest long-term memory problems. Marijuana does not cause any measurable changes in a patient’s mental abilities.

Myth #4:  Medical marijuana is just another way to “get high.”

Truth:  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can increase appetite, reduce nausea, decrease pain, inflammation, and muscle control problems. CBD (cannabidiol- a cannabis component that doesn’t make people “high”) may help reduce pain and inflammation, control epileptic seizures, and even treat mental illness and addictions.” Manufacturing medicine with CBD (or even THC) extract that does not have any intoxicating or psychoactive effect while keeping the beneficial medical effects occurs daily. 

Myth #5:  You can overdose on medical marijuana.

Truth: You can’t overdose on marijuana in the way you can overdose on opioids. According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have, to date, not been any deaths reported solely from the use of cannabis. Using medical marijuana more than the recommended dosage can cause an adverse reaction that may produce side effects, including confusion, slower reaction times, dry eyes, fatigue, and increased heart rate. The critical point to remember is to not take more than the recommended dosage without first discussing with your healthcare professional if a higher dosage is beneficial for your symptoms. Cannabis products can vary “well, while others do not at all. Every patient is unique. Therefore, a patient care plan is essential to your journey into medical marijuana.

I hope this has helped you better understand the truths behind these top 5 myths surrounding medical marijuana. You can take this knowledge to help educate those around you who question the risks and benefits of medical cannabis. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me in the comment section for this article or email me at Julia.Kelly@gmagnolia.com. I will do my best to help you out promptly! Green Magnolia is dedicated to being Mississippi’s #1 medical marijuana dispensary by providing unbeatable service, knowledge, and compassion to the patients we serve.

Keep visiting us on the Green Magnolia Dispensaries website, social media pages, and “The Magnolia Leaf” blog for dispensary updates, news, pictures of our team and locations, upcoming giveaways, and essential informational (sometimes just plain fun) articles!

Until next time,

Julia R. Kelly