Is Cannabis Bad for You?
Well…is it?
Before I typed this blog out, I Googled the title.
The top hit, an article by MedicalNews.com, has a lot of information on the benefits of cannabis, but when it comes to the negative effects, this is their statement:
“There is evidence that demonstrates both the harms and health benefits of cannabis. Yet despite the emergence over the past couple of years of very comprehensive, up-to-date reviews of the scientific studies evaluating the benefits and harms of the drug, it’s clear that more research is needed to fully determine the public health implications of rising marijuana use.”
…and if that doesn’t read as one of the most non-committal, give nothing-statement you’ve ever read, then you are likely a huge fan of political spokespersons.
The rest of us are left looking for answers. Here’s mine.*
(*The opinions expressed in this piece are solely those of the writer and not of Stigma Grow, CanadaBis or any of their brand affiliates – but we did read this and thought it read pretty well.)
In my opinion, in order to answer this question, you need only change the word emphasized in the title. While it’s most comfortable, and common, to emphasize the word ‘cannabis’ or ‘bad’ in the title of this blog, the emphasis should be on the word ‘you’.
First off, from a medical side of things, you need only conduct a simple Google search to find countless stories about children, adults and seniors alike who have harnessed the healing power, improved quality of life (and minimal side effects) of cannabis plant medicine.
PTSD, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, Cancer – the list is pretty damn long and impressive. It’s been said before, but if anyone on earth created a pill that could do what cannabis can, they would win every science award in existence.
If you have any of these problems and have not at least explored the option of plant medicine treatment with a professional, then you owe it to yourself to do so, or accept the limitations and side effects of alternatives.
Another great way to determine if cannabis is a good fit for you is to look at your driver’s license. If you do not have a driver’s license, or do, but are one of those kids that got it before you turned 18, then cannabis isn’t for you. It’s still illegal and, unless it’s been prescribed for you by a medical professional, is likely hurting you. In fact, there are arguments for refraining from cannabis use until well into your 20s — you can read more about that on another blog we wrote about adolescent cannabis use and the dangers it presents.
As well, ask your employer and spouse whether they feel cannabis is a good fit for your future. Many employers still test for THC and some people’s spouses appreciate honesty. I don’t recommend going against either one.
Aside from that, personal experience and preferences are the only two things that can determine whether or not cannabis is for you. And with so many alternatives to “smoking a doob”, (tinctures, edibles, extracts, balms) the world of cannabis offers a pleasant substitute for alcohol or sheer boredom.
Start low and slow with your first few experiments and do some independent research. Cannabis effects everyone differently, and your own personal preference and experiences should guide your path. For more on that approach — check out this blog: Is Cannabis Addictive
Or, one of these:
INTRO INTO THE MAJOR CANNABINOIDS IN CANNABIS