Nearly three years into legalization, and there are still many misconceptions when it comes to medical cannabis. No plant on Earth has caused as much debate as the cannabis plant. Some people will say it is a miracle medicine, and some will say it is evil. Canada House works to end the stigma on cannabis and educate you on what we have learned with real-world results and data.
Some of these misconceptions include how dangerous cannabis is on our brain cells, how it acts as a gateway drug and can cause addiction. We will highlight some of the general misconceptions, along with the process of obtaining a medical prescription for cannabis.
Misconception #1: Cannabis can kill brain cells.
Cannabis use in adults is known to affect motor skills, focus, attention span, and short-term memory but has not been shown to affect anyone long term. Researchers have found very minimal effects on the brain from both short-term and long-term users and have noticed much less impairment than alcohol or opioid drug users. Cannabis therapy requires further research for brain development for those under the age of 25. Research is still being conducted on the long-term use of cannabis.
Misconception #2: Vaporizing is as bad as smoking.
Smoking is not typically recommended due to its health risks. Vaporizing is a much safer option to consume your cannabis than smoking as you can regulate the temperature your cannabis is being heated to. You can stay below the combustion level and not create smoke.
In the media, you may have heard of unexpected deaths from recreational vaporizer users. These were due to unlicensed operators creating poorly designed vaporizers containing harmful chemicals in a nonregulated environment. Licensed producers that manufacture and distribute medicinal cannabis must adhere to strict standards regulations and provide what they contain in their products to ensure no harm is done to their clients.
Misconception #3: All cannabis products get you high.
This is one of the main misconceptions when it comes to cannabis. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most common cannabinoid out there and it can provide euphoric effects or the “high” feeling. But there are hundreds of other cannabinoids found in cannabis plants which offer different effects. Another cannabinoid you may have heard of is CBD (cannabidiol) this cannabinoid does not provide a high feeling and provides many health benefits. So, before consuming or ordering cannabis do your homework. Educate yourself about cannabinoids and terpenes, and what is in your product before consuming so you are aware of what affects you may experience.
Misconception #4: Cannabis is addictive.
If a client is responsibly using cannabis for medical conditions the risk is minimal for developing a dependence. Keeping track of your dosing and regular follow-ups with your health professional will help you decide what is required for your medical condition. Cannabis is known to be safe and when compared to opioids the risks for addiction to cannabis are very unlikely.
Misconception #5: Cannabis is a gateway drug
Cannabis is very widely used and available making it one of the first drugs people try, like nicotine and alcohol. So, it is very common someone who tries harder drugs has tried cannabis previously. However, that doesn’t mean the cannabis use was the reason for them wanting the other drugs. More people have tried cannabis and stopped and had never tried any other drug, than people who moved on to harder drugs. Chances are those people who decided to move on to harder drugs probably would have tried them first if they were readily available like cannabis. For a medical client, in most cases it is more likely they are only trying cannabis after opioid therapy.
Misconception #6: Medical cannabis affects everyone the same.
There are too many different strains with different cannabinoids and terpenes for this to be true. Every strain can affect each person differently. At Canada House we have a wide variety of licensed producers that you can register with, our cannabinoid therapy educator(s) will help you find the right one that best suits your needs.
Misconception #7: Getting a medical cannabis prescription is difficult.
The process can be easy if you know where to go. We can help you make the process of obtaining a medical prescription for cannabis as smooth as possible. We have a full team of health care professionals to help educate and guide through the whole process.
Misconception #8: You can travel anywhere with cannabis if you have a prescription.
Within Canada you can travel with cannabis. However, you will want to check each province’s regulations regarding cannabis before traveling there as you need to abide by that province’s laws. International travel out of Canada is still prohibited even if you have a medical prescription for cannabis. Within Canada, you can carry 30 grams recreationally, or up to 150 grams medically depending on your prescription amount.
Misconception #9: If you have a prescription for cannabis, you can possess as much cannabis you want.
A medical cannabis prescription must be used just like a regular prescription from your doctor. It only allows you to possess the amount you are prescribed. Also, you need to be ordering your product from the licensed producer you are registered with. Always carry your product in the original packaging, and always have your medical document available. You are not authorized to carry any more than the legal limit unless it is from your licensed producer. Also, the prescriber for your medical cannabis can refuse to renew your prescription if you are not actively ordering from a licensed producer.
Misconception #10: Your prescription covers you for ALL cannabis.
It is amazing how many consumers believe this to be true, it is the opposite. Prescriptions for medical cannabis only cover you for product that is purchased from your Licensed Producer.
If you are stopped with cannabis, you will be asked for proof of purchase (invoice) for the product you have. Your prescription is only useful regarding the amount of product from your Licensed Producer that you are able to carry, not for any cannabis from any source – including product purchased recreationally at a licensed retailer. If you are utilizing a prescription to carry product purchased on the street you can legally be held accountable and potentially lose your cannabis prescription all together.