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Myth: Cannabis stronger than it used to be

Fact: The potency of cannabis may have increased by a small amount over the last 25 years, but there is little evidence to suggest that it has increased as dramatically as has been reported.

The reported changes in strength could be explained by different patterns of use and the increased availability of the stronger part of the plant.

In the past, people smoked mostly the leaf which has less THC than the flower or bud which is now the preferred part of the planet to smoke.

Myth: Does cannabis cause schizophrenia?

Fact: Some people are more vulnerable to the mental effects of cannabis than others, particularly those with a family history of mental health problems or a family history of mental illness.

While there is a  link between cannabis use and mental health disorders like schizophrenia, it is not likely that cannabis use can cause schizophrenia. Although it is rare, some people may experience a short-term psychotic episode after a heavy session of cannabis use. This can last from several hours up to 2 - 3 days.

Cannabis use can make symptoms worse and therefore lead to more frequent hospitalisation.

Myth: Smoking cannabis is worse for my health than smoking tobacco

Fact: A joint of cannabis does contain more tar than an average cigarette. However, a regular tobacco smoker would smoke more cigarettes than a regular pot smoker smokes pot, therefore the tobacco smoker is likely to inhale more tar than an a person who only smokes pot.

Myth: You can overdose on cannabis

Fact: No. It is near impossible to overdose on pot in one sitting. Even if you were to attempt it, you would most likely pass out or vomit before you could possibly consume enough to overdose.

Myth: Cannabis is ‘addictive’

Fact: People who smoke pot daily can develop a dependency which is much the same as what is sometimes called 'addiction'. A cannabis dependency can cause a variety of psychological, social and physical problems as well as withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop.

Even though marijuana withdrawal is not a severe as more chemical-based drugs, the withdrawal symptoms can be strong enough to prevent quitting cold turkey.

Myth: Cannabis make you lazy

Fact: Cannabis use can be linked to what is called an 'amotivational syndrome', symptoms of which are loss of interest, being less productive, having difficulty in carrying out long-range plans, tiredness, depression, and difficulties with concentration and attention.

While this is not a given even in regular cannabis smokers, this laziness can be attributed to people who are constantly stoned and are unable to participant in general activities which can be really annoying for those who have to interact with them.

Myth: Because it’s a plant, cannabis less harmful than chemical-based drugs

Fact: No. Cannabis contains a number of active chemicals, such as THC which is what gets you high. It can also contain many other chemicals and toxins depending on how it is grown, the types of fertilisers used and what it is mixed with when taken, like tobacco for example. Long term cannabis use can cause just as many health problems as amphetamine-based drugs.