Marijuana has been legalised in many states of the US. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical that is present in marijuana and is known for giving the person taking it a ‘high.’ It is the main culprit behind marijuana’s psychological effects. There are many myths associated with THC and let us see few of them.

1. Marijuana Does Not Cause Addiction: This is the most common myth as the extended periods of usage causes some changes in the brain, which then results in addiction.

2. It Is Safe to Drive after Taking Marijuana: We all know that it is not safe to drive after having alcohol. The same applies to marijuana too. The THC attaches to the Cannabinoid receptors present in areas of the brain, which are associated with thinking, time perception, memory, pleasure, and coordination. As it activates these receptors, the thinking power, the coordination, impaired motor skills and attentiveness etc. of the person gets compromised, which is must while driving. These effects are known to last for few hours after consumption and hence driving should not be attempted till the effects last.

3. Taking Marijuana during Pregnancy Is Safe: Although the detailed researches are still on, considerable negative effects are seen in babies if the mothers take it during the pregnancy period. The most prominent ones as of now are decreased cognitive function and attention.

4. Marijuana Is Natural and Hence Safe: Marijuana is a naturally grown substance and the THC found in it acts similar to the cannabinoid chemicals synthesised naturally by the body. This does not mean that taking it is safe. The body naturally makes the cannabinoid chemicals required and consuming something extra will definitely interfere with the normal body functioning. Having it just because it is ‘all natural’ is stupid.

5. It Is Not a Hard Drug: Another theory that keeps circulating is that since it is not a hard drug like cocaine there is no need for a person to undergo any rehab program. The hard fact, however, remains that a person addicted to marijuana needs it similar to anyone who is addicted to hard drugs.

Marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for close to 3000 years now. Under an expert from the medical field, it can work magic for certain ailments, but if you try it on your own, it is nothing more than an abusing drug.