We’ve all heard the rumours: cannabis kills brain cells, smoking cannabis is just as bad as smoking cigarettes, you can experience effects by eating raw cannabis, and so on. It can often be difficult to untangle fact from fiction, especially when you’re dealing with something that’s so heavily stigmatized. Since April is Cannabis Awareness Month, we thought it might be wise to kick off by debunking some common myths related to cannabis.

Myth #1: All cannabis is psychoactive.

Fact: In reality, there are over one hundred different cannabinoids present in cannabis that produce distinct bodily effects when consumed.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most common cannabinoids, found in varying percentages across different cannabis strains. So while it’s true that THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD is non-intoxicating. Strains high in CBD and low in THC (like Aurora’s Tower) don’t produce any intoxicating effects.

Read up on plant cannabinoids and how they react with your endocannabinoid system here. 

Myth #2: Cannabis makes you lazy.

Fact: Cannabis consumption doesn’t lead to lazy behaviour.

Think of people you know who use cannabis medically – are they lazy people? We’re willing to bet they’re not! It’s the negative perception associated with cannabis use that lies at the root of this myth, but we’re working hard to change this.

Myth #3: It’s safer to drive while under the influence of cannabis versus alcohol.

Fact: Driving under the influence of cannabis is just as dangerous.

Aurora strongly advises clients to avoid using a motor vehicle or any sort of heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis. The effects of your medicine can be dangerous under these circumstances, affecting your response time and ability to make proper judgment calls while on the road. It can be dangerous to yourself and to those around you, so don’t drive while under the influence of cannabis.

Myth #4: Everyone can use medical cannabis.

Fact: Medical cannabis isn’t for everyone.

Like any other medication, medical cannabis offers benefits and risks. While discussing the use of medical cannabis with your practitioner, it’s important to consider a number of potential risk factors. If you suffer from a respiratory illness/inefficiency, severe cardiopulmonary disease, or have a family history of schizophrenia, you and your healthcare practitioner should exercise appropriate caution.