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Prohibitionists have been creating a mythology around the dreaded “marihuana” since the Harry Anslinger days.
But we’ve found that even knowledgeable cannabis connoisseurs may harbor some magical thinking about weed. Here’s our take on the Top 10 myths:
10.) It doesn’t hurt anyone
Tell that to the little kids admitted to Children’s Hospital Colorado last year because they ingested “edibles.”
9.) It doesn’t kill anyone
Sure, it’s “114 times safer than drinking alcohol,” according to a recently published study. But research points to the conclusion that pot, not unlike other drugs, is the likely trigger of a heart attack in a small percentage of the population.
8.) It’s not addictive
With mild withdrawal symptoms, even longtime smokers find it easy to quit marijuana — so easy they might do it once or twice a year.
7.) It can’t really make people go nuts.
Levy Thamba, 19-year-old college student, went berserk and died last year in Denver after jumping off a fourth-floor hotel balcony following his ingestion of marijuana cookies. It doesn’t look like a coincidence.
6.) It cures cancer
If it did, why is there still cancer?
5.) Vaporizers work better
As long as you know the vaporizer isn’t releasing metal or plastic contaminants when it heats up, and you know the oil being vaped wasn’t made poorly. Even then, really?
4.) It doesn’t stink
A barber in Greeley, Colorado, had to put up a sign asking customers to refrain from reeking of marijuana.
3.) Nobody can tell when you’re high
You’re just tired. Uh-huh.
2.) It doesn’t impair driving
Research shows that sometimes, it does.
1.) Legalization of recreational marijuana can pass in Arizona
Not when supporters can’t decide on a draft initiative they like.
Got a tip? Send it to: Ray Stern.
Follow Valley Fever on Twitter at @ValleyFeverPHX.
Follow Ray Stern on Twitter at @RayStern.
