5 Common Misconceptions About Recreational Marijuana

People have a lot to say about recreational cannabis. The truth is, since cannabis is still not federally legal, research has been limited for many years. As with anything that contains a lot of unknowns, there is a level of public fear, and an attempt to fill in the blanks with anything that seems to fit. 

Education about marijuana is growing. But some myths persist, spread on the internet by opponents of recreational cannabis legalization. Here are five misconceptions to watch out for when surfing the web.

1. Cannabis is a gateway drug

We’ve all heard it: recreational cannabis use leads to harder illegal  drugs like cocaine, heroin, and the like. 

Many cite research stating that the majority of people who become addicted to drugs start with marijuana. However, this information is taken out of context and fails to show the whole picture. Yes, many people who use other drugs previously consumed cannabis. But the majority of marijuana users don’t subsequently use harder drugs.

2. Marijuana use makes you lazy and unmotivated

The oldest marijuana stereotype is the lazy “pot smoker,” tied to the dissociation between cannabis and success. It’s true that certain strains produce effects of deep relaxation and/or drowsiness. And today, many users seek out these types of products to help with symptoms like stress and sleeplessness. 

But other strains actually help with boosting energy and focus. For example, some terpenes found in cannabis, such as pinene and limonene, can stimulate the mind and increase clarity.

3. Today’s marijuana is dangerously potent 

One of the most popular misconceptions about cannabis is that it’s exponentially stronger than it was in the 1960s. Part of this is based in fact: today, farming is more advanced, and we have an increased ability to genetically modify cannabis seeds and plants. Therefore, certain strains have been designed to contain higher percentages of THC. 

However, the opposite is also true: many users aren’t seeking a “high.” And the legal cannabis industry has noticed this, producing strains that contain lower THC content as well. Most dispensaries stock a wide variety of products to appeal to all consumers. And the best part is products are labeled with their percentages of well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. You know exactly what you’re getting. 

4. Legal cannabis = more violent crime

Often used as an argument against adult use cannabis is the idea that legalizing marijuana will lead to an increase in violent crime. In reality, no link between cannabis and crime has been found by any credible source. 

In a 2013 report by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President states: 

“Even though marijuana is commonly used by individuals arrested for crimes, there is little support for a contemporaneous, causal relationship between its use and either violent or property crime.” 

5. Legalizing recreational cannabis leads to increased teen use

Things that are unknown to us can breed fear. For instance, opponents of cannabis legalization occasionally point to a potential rise in teen use. A comprehensive review on this subject determined there was little evidence that cannabis legalization correlated with increased drug use in teens. 

Conversely, the Washington Post, it found “strong evidence that teens who do use marijuana are less likely to use alcohol — a net public health win, given what we know about the relative dangers of the two substances.”

Know what isn’t a misconception? Our recreational products and service are the best around

Located steps away from the Denver Art Museum and State Capital, it’s no surprise that our recreational dispensary is super convenient for locals and visitors. Stop by after a long plane ride to Denver International Airport, on your way to the mountains, or during your lunch break. 

Anyone 21+ is welcome to purchase recreational products.