Myth: Cannabis isn’t addictive

• • The definition of addiction is changing and hard to pin down, but a 2015 study found that nearly 30% of marijuana users “experienced a marijuana use disorder of abuse or dependence.”
  • Another 2015 study by NIDA found that around 1 in 11 users become addicted 
  • The percentage is higher for people who started using it as teenagers (17%) or who use it every day (25-50%).
  • The higher potency of cannabis in the present day can cause tolerance faster, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Marijuana Can Be Addictive: Who Gets Hooked and Why
  • Is Marijuana Addictive? Well, Yes. But it’s Complicated

Myth: There are no health problems associated with cannabis use

• • Cannabis has been associated with impaired memory and attention, anxiety, impaired coordination, learning problems, sleep problems, risk of bronchitis, and irregular heartbeats. 
  • The Effects of Marijuana on Your Body

Fact: Cannabis use impairs driving

• • Marijuana significantly impairs judgment, motor coordination, and reaction time
  • Does Marijuana Use Affect Driving?

Myth: Consuming edibles is a safer way to ingest cannabis

• • Edibles take a while to go into effect, so there is an increased risk of consuming too much because you “don’t feel anything” and then becoming sick or paranoid 
  • There is also less control over the dose when taking edibles 
  • Edibles are included in a disproportionate number of cannabis related medical crises 
  • Marijuana Edibles May Pose Special Risks

Myth: Using cannabis and alcohol together has the same risks as using just one

• • When there is alcohol in the body the THC is stronger and is more likely to produce negative effects such as vomiting 
  • The mix also creates intensified side effects 
  • What are the Effects of Mixing Weed and Alcohol?

Fact: Cannabidiol (CBD) is mostly safe

• The CBD boom began in 2008 when Congress passed a law that legalized hemp in all 50 states and removed CBD from the controlled substances list.
• Many CBD  products lack oversight since the FDA has not yet developed CBD regulations.
• CBD supplements cannot be marketed with specific medical or therapeutic claims.
• Although the World Health Organization says that CBD is safe and well-tolerated, it’s not clear how much to take or how often a person should use it for any particular problem. This is another concern, as high doses of CBD may interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and immune suppressors.
• Know the Facts about CBD Products