Hardly any other plant is subject to as many prejudices and half-truths as cannabis. For some, it is the “devil’s weed” that destroys the brain – for others, it is a miracle cure that heals every illness. The reality? Less dramatic, but all the more exciting.
Thanks to decades of propaganda, pop culture clichés and pseudo-scientific claims, myths are still circulating today that hardly stand up to scrutiny. So it’s high time to take a scientific look at the biggest cannabis myths.
Myth 1: Cannabis destroys brain cells
The idea that just one joint kills neurons dates back to the 1970s. Back then, monkeys were given extreme amounts of smoke in unnatural experimental conditions – no wonder their brains were damaged.
However, recent studies show that cannabis does not kill brain cells. It only temporarily affects communication in areas responsible for memory, attention and coordination.
👉 Important: Young people are more at risk as their brains are still developing. Frequent consumption at a young age can impair cognitive performance.
Conclusion: No neuron massacres – but with excessive consumption, especially in adolescence, brain performance suffers.
Myth 2: Cannabis makes you lazy
Hollywood has coined the “lazy stoner”: sofa, chips, no drive. But studies show that this is only half the truth.
Certain types and moderate amounts can even increase creativity and focus. Many athletes, artists and entrepreneurs report positive effects on their productivity.
Of course, high doses of THC can make you tired and listless – but the same applies to an XXL pizza.
Conclusion: Cannabis does not automatically make you lazy. The effect depends on the strain, dosage and situation.
Myth 3: CBD is just an expensive placebo
CBD can now be found in everything from oils and creams to lemonades. Critics like to talk about “snake oil”. But research shows a more nuanced picture.
Assured effect: Epidiolex is an FDA-approved drug for rare forms of epilepsy.
Promising: Initial studies indicate benefits for anxiety disorders, inflammation and sleep problems.
Exaggerated marketing: CBD water with 10 mg is no substitute for therapy and is often more lifestyle than medicine.
Conclusion: CBD is not a miracle cure, but it is far more than a placebo.
Myth 4: Cannabis is inevitably addictive
The horror story: one puff and you’re addicted for life. In reality, around 9% of users develop an addiction – significantly less than with alcohol (15%) or tobacco (30%).
Dependency potential: Possible, but comparatively low.
Risk groups: Adolescents, frequent consumers and people with a family history.
Symptoms: Mild withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or sleep disorders, but no severe physical withdrawal as with opiates.
Conclusion: Cannabis can be addictive, but the risks are moderate.
Myth 5: Cannabis has no medical benefits
Opponents still claim that cannabis has no therapeutic value whatsoever. But the facts speak against it:
Approved medication: CBD (Epidiolex) and THC derivatives for epilepsy, nausea and loss of appetite.
Clinical studies: Proven effect on chronic pain and multiple sclerosis.
Ongoing research: Promising results for anxiety, PTSD and sleep disorders.
Conclusion: Cannabis has clearly proven medical applications – albeit not as a panacea.
Myth 6: Cannabis is a gateway drug
The theory: people who use cannabis automatically turn to harder drugs later on.
The reality:
- Correlation ≠ Causality: Alcohol and nicotine are usually at the beginning.
- Market environment: In illegal markets, the risk of getting to know other substances increases. In regulated markets, it decreases.
- Biology: There is no evidence that THC chemically “primes” the brain for hard drugs.
Conclusion: Cannabis is not a biological door opener to harder substances.
Even if many myths are exaggerated, there are real risks:
- Adolescents: Brain development can suffer.
- High THC concentrations: Modern strains and concentrates have stronger side effects.
- Mental health: susceptibility can increase anxiety or psychosis.
- Road traffic: reaction time and coordination decrease – driving under the influence remains dangerous.
Conclusion: Between myth and science
Cannabis is neither a devil’s herb nor a miracle cure. Both benefits and risks have been scientifically proven – the decisive factors are dose, age, form of consumption and context.
In short:
- It does not destroy brain cells.
- It doesn’t automatically make you lazy.
- CBD has a proven but limited effect.
- Dependence is possible, but rare.
- Medical benefits are real.
- The “gateway” argument is outdated.
👉 Those who understand cannabis can make informed decisions – beyond myths and scaremongering.