Marijuana drug facts and myths

Marijuana drug facts and myths

For an explanation of some of the terms used please see our Drug Test Glossary.

Marijuana and mental illness:

Myth: Marijuana can cause psychological damage and irrational behavior.

Fact: Some users have been known to suffer anxieties from the use of marijuana, primarily paranoia. This is not a long term symptom of marijuana use though.

Marijuana and addiction:

Myth: Long time marijuana users develop a physical and mental addiction.

Fact: Less than 1% of marijuana users smoke on a daily basis. Some long term users have no difficulties quitting, others require counseling. This is due to a mental addiction and not physical.

Marijuana has increased in potency:

Myth: Todays youths are being exposed to more potent forms of marijuana.

Fact: It has been proven the science the DEA is using to back these claims are flawed. Even if potency were to increase this does not pose more of a risk.

Marijuana users are lightly punished:

Myth: Hardly any marijuana users are incarcerated.

Fact: Between 1991-1995 marijuana drug use arrests doubled. Tens of thousands of people are currently behind bars.

Marijuana is more damaging to the lungs than tobacco:

Myth: Marijuana users are at greater risk of lung cancer.

Fact: Moderate smoking of marijuana poses minimal risk to the lungs.

Also see Drug test detection times and Drug testing cutoff levels