Persistent stoner stereotypes equate using cannabis with being lazy, boring and unproductive.
Movies (Dazed and Confused, Fast Times At Ridgemont High) and music (“But Then I Got High”), have capitalized on these negative assumptions about cannabis. These depictions have permeated our imaginations and convinced us that anything with THC eliminates all motivation. Today, though, the reality couldn’t be more of the opposite. In 2018, most of us have realized that these generalizations are simply untrue.
So, here are some of the most stubborn stereotypes about cannabis — and why they’re flat-out wrong.
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Cannabis makes you lazy
This laughable stereotype is one of the most common espoused by cannabis critics. There’s nothing more familiar than the couch-locked stoner, covered in potato chip crumbs and with a dirty water pipe on hand. This stereotype says that cannabis users are unhealthy. We’d like to point out that some of our most talented athletes advocate using cannabis to ease aches and pains, to relax, and to, ultimately improve their performance. Furthermore, our changing culture offers more cannabis products for those always on the go — KAYA Infusions offers convenient and discreet vaporizers for every adventure. Also, studies have revealed a link between improved athletic performance and cannabis.
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Cannabis makes you stupid
This annoying one goes hand-in-hand with the lazy stereotype. Some assume using cannabis “kills brain cells” and renders previously promising minds useless. However, many would argue that cannabis helps with focusing, calming anxious thoughts, and enhancing creativity. Students have long turned to cannabis to manage the stress and anxiety that comes with heavy school workloads, and many of them have graduated and moved on to successful careers. Additionally, students are more likely to perceive cannabis as a safer alternative to alcohol or other substances.
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If you use cannabis, you probably use other dangerous drugs
One of the most persistent rumors about cannabis is that it is a dangerous gateway drug. This stereotype paints cannabis users as crazed drug-addicts, always looking for another fix. Evidence, however, says that alcohol and nicotine are just as likely – if not more likely — to encourage future drug use. In 2016, Attorney General Loretta Lynch finally put this assumption to rest. “When we talk about heroin addiction, we usually, as we have mentioned, are talking about individuals that started out with a prescription drug problem, and then because they need more and more, they turn to heroin,” Lynch stated. “It isn’t so much that marijuana is the step right before using prescription drugs or opioids.” More often than not, folks turn to cannabis to distance themselves from opiates, as cannabis is a safer alternative for pain management.
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Only young men use cannabis
The most common stereotypical stoner is young and male. While this stereotype does hold some truth — statistically, millennial men are the most common cannabis consumer — reality is more complex. A recent survey revealed that women are using cannabis at higher rates than ever before. More and more cannabis products target women specifically, such as Foria for sexual pleasure and Whoopie and Maya for menstrual discomfort. Furthermore, a study in Canada found cannabis users are increasingly older and more affluent.
5. Cannabis users only want to feel “high”
Today, we realize that cannabis has many more effects than just intoxication. Those reaching for cannabis might need a heavy indica to deal with severe chronic pain or insomnia. Others might enjoy cannabis for its relaxing and mood-boosting benefits. The modern cannabis connoisseur isn’t a stranger to the Entourage Effect or the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system. We aren’t saying that cannabis can’t be used recreationally, but we are hoping our society realizes this plant’s overall benefits for the human body.