Despite the various scientific studies surrounding the benefits of cannabis, or the new, innovative consumption methods available at our fingertips, there is still work cut out for ourselves and the overall industry.
This is the kind of work that is even greater than “voting with our dollar” or staying up-to-date on the latest legalization laws.
As a community, we must always work towards de-stigmatizing the cannabis plant!
For conscious cannabis consumers, this means taking responsibility for advocacy and education. In this blog we’re talking about cannabis legalization, how to fight the stereotypical ‘stoner’ myths, and how communities can help break the stigma.
Stigmatization Leading to Legalization
Even with cannabis legal in more than half of the country today, the stigma around the plant is still prevalent.
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize the prescription of medical cannabis. After this significant move toward medical marijuana, many other states followed suit.
On a global scale – Canada, Georgia, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, and Uruguay are all countries that have legalized cannabis. An additional 15 countries – including Australia, Italy, Colombia, Argentina, and Switzerland – have decriminalized the plant.
Stigmatizing a Stereotype
An interesting study conducted by the European Journal of Criminology explored the connection between the extent to which countries around the EU have criminalized cannabis, and the stigma these users are likely to face.
- Around half of those surveyed claimed that most people believe cannabis users are unreliable.
- 25% of the group said most people believed cannabis users were dangerous.
- An additional 25% admitted to avoiding people in fear of being looked down upon for their cannabis use.
No matter if you’re residing in a legal cannabis municipality or not, there is an evident negative connotation around cannabis consumption that lingers in the air like smoke on an exhale.
Breaking the Stigma: Cannabis Myths vs. Facts
As we discussed in a previous blog – long before the days of legalization, films and television shows often portrayed characters who were associated with cannabis as lazy, unattentive, or irresponsible potheads.
Although this stoner stereotype may look different across the globe, there are plenty of faux facts and myths out there that consciously play into this negative connotation.
Here are three (of many) cannabis myths swirling out there, and the truths behind them:
Myth #1: “People who consume cannabis are lazy.”
Truth: While there aren’t many studies deeply justifying this cannabis myth, it’s safe to say that this is one of the major misconceptions out there.
Despite some heavy-hitting indica strains that may leave you “couch-locked,” there are plenty of uplifting cannabis strains out there that may give users an uplifting pep in their step.
Oftentimes, strains with more euphoric or uplifting effects or with specific terpene content are known to manage feelings of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Myth #2: “Cannabis is a gateway drug that leads to addiction.”
Truth: A 2002 study invalidates this cannabis myth – stating that the majority of cannabis users do not graduate to using harder drugs or substances.
Instead, states that have legalized cannabis consumption have recently seen a 25% drop in opioid death rates compared to states where the plant is illegal. Additionally, these legal cannabis states aren’t consuming as much alcohol!
Myth #3: “Cannabis kills your brain cells.”
Truth: Contrary to the ‘pothead’ association society has given consumers, cannabis may actually do the opposite. In fact, multiple studies have suggested that the consumption of cannabis and cannabinoids can actually accelerate the growth of cells in your brain.
This study found that the use of high doses of THC could induce cell growth in the brain, similarly to some antidepressant medications, while simultaneously alleviating anxiety and depression.
Minerva: Advocating for the Cannabis Plant
There’s no doubt legalization has shown a sliver of hope regarding what’s in store for this budding industry, with exciting new projects, products, science, and technology for us to entertain and explore.
Throughout all of this, it is our responsibility as consumers to do our part in spreading cannabis awareness, information, and positivity to friends and family who may not be as familiar.
De-stigmatizing the cannabis plant will take all of us as a community to show what the plant is really all about – love, health, and self-care.
To learn more about cannabis as well as our line of vegan microdosed edibles, follow our Instagram and check back for more blogs!
*Always consult a physician before making any changes to your health or fitness regimen.
