Myths and Facts About Medical Marijuana

People have been using marijuana for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Despite this long history, many still doubt the benefits of using marijuana as a treatment for medical conditions. 

At Legacy Health and Wellness, our board-certified preventive medicine and public health physician, Dr. Ifeoma Ogbonna, is a registered medical marijuana provider for Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (CUP) and understands the risks and benefits of medical marijuana for personal medical needs.

Here, we share some myths and facts surrounding medical marijuana.

Myth: Medical marijuana makes you high

Fact: Not all types of medical marijuana make you high. 

The marijuana plant contains chemicals called cannabinoids. These chemicals interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a cell-signaling system that manages appetite, mood, and pain.

Though the plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids, the main ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the chemical in medical marijuana that causes the high. CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects.

In Texas, we only allow low THC medical marijuana, which provides the medical benefits of the plant without causing the psychoactive side effects, so you don’t feel high.

Myth: You must smoke medical marijuana to get benefits

Fact: All forms of medical marijuana offer the same benefits.

Medical marijuana is available in many forms, including pills, liquids, and edibles. Medical use of marijuana in Texas is limited to substances you can take by mouth. Though it takes longer to feel the effects of medical marijuana when you take it by mouth, the healing benefits of the plant last longer.

Myth: I can get medical marijuana in any state

Fact: Each state has its own medical marijuana laws.

Though the majority of states in the United States allow use of marijuana for medical purposes, each state has their own laws and regulations. Some states have a comprehensive medical marijuana program, while others only allow use of CBD and low THC, like Texas. 

Your medical marijuana card from one state may not mean the same in another state. Before traveling, check the regulations in the state you’re visiting so you know what to expect.

Myth: Medical marijuana is addictive

Fact: Yes, some people may develop an addiction to marijuana, which is called marijuana use disorder.

Marijuana use disorder is when you use marijuana more than intended despite the potential harm it may cause to your physical or social well-being. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10% of people who use marijuana develop marijuana use disorder. It’s more common in young people who use marijuana frequently.

Medical marijuana benefits many health conditions, but it’s not the right treatment for everyone. It’s always best to talk to an expert like Dr. Ogbonna when thinking about using marijuana to treat your health problems.

Do you want to learn more about medical marijuana and how it may benefit you? Call one of our offices in Cedar Hill or Austin, Texas, or book a consultation online to schedule your medical marijuana consultation.