Marijuana Facts: 4 Truths you should Know

There are many rumors and myths going around about marajuana and what it does to  a smoker’s body and lifestyle. Rather than buy into falsifications, make sure you know the truth. Marijuana facts are easy to find if you are willing to look for them with an unbiased eye.

Fact 1: Marijuana Does Not Cause Mental Illness.

Since the days of the anti marijuana campaign and films like Reefer Madness, many people believe that those who regularly smoke will eventually go insane or become otherwise unstable. While mild, temporary effects may occur during and after marijuana smoking, there is no evidence that suggests the drug causes permanent mental illness.

Fact 2: If you Smoke Marijuana you will Not Get Cancer Faster.

Another popular myth is that marijuana abuse will lead to cancer and other lung-related health problems faster than cigarette smoking. The truth is, marijuana contains many of the same chemicals as cigarettes. It is harmful and can cause health problems. However, marijuana smoking is less harmful only because smokers are limited and only light up occasionally, far less often than legal cigarette smokers do.

Fact 3: Marijuana will Not Lead to Further Drug Abuse.

Marijuana effects will not lead to other, harder drug abuse as this myth suggests. While the “gateway drug” rumor is often spread as a marijuana abuse deterrent, it is not valid. Many regular smokers can use marijuana for years without touching any other drug. That is not to say all weed smokers never try anything else. If they do, it is their own choice and has nothing to do with marijuana smoking.

Fact 4: Legalizing Marijuana will Not create Havoc and Chaos in Society.

This can be proven wrong by taking one look at the Netherlands.  Here, citizens can purchase and use marijuana legally. Some insist it was a “failure,” but the truth is the policy has not changed society. Government regulated locations, such as Amsterdam coffee shops, permit smoking openly. In reality, the number of marijuana smoking youths is less than it is in countries that have outright banned the drug.