Myth #2: Marijuana is not addictive
Fact – If you use marijuana regularly, you can develop both mental (psychological) and physical dependence.
Mental (Psychological) Addiction can include:
- Craving the high that marijuana provides
- Difficulty for users to cut down the amount of marijuana they use
- Developing a tolerance – they need more marijuana to reach the same effect
- Continued use of marijuana even when there are negative effects
Physical Addiction can include withdrawal-like symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Upset stomach
- Bad temper
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
Myth #3: It’s safe to drive after using marijuana
Fact – Drugs and Driving don’t mix. Remember that driving a vehicle while high can pose the same risks as drinking and driving. Just like alcohol, marijuana affects a user’s brain function. A person high on marijuana will have:
- Decreased reaction time
- Decreased visual ability
- Decreased attention
- Impaired decision making
All of these factors make it very dangerous to drive a vehicle after using marijuana. The police have the authority, ability, and tools to determine if you are impaired by legal or illegal drugs. Driving while high puts you, your passengers, and the public in danger. Watch arrive alive DRIVE SOBER’s The Sober Truth About Driving High (linked with permission from arrive alive DRIVE SOBER).
Myth #4: Marijuana is legal
FACT – Although marijuana legalization in Canada is being discussed, it remains an illegal substance in Canada, except when used under the Health Canada licence for medical purposes.
Possession, trafficking, importing or producing marijuana can lead to criminal charges. Penalties for these types of drug offences can include fines and/or jail time. Once you have a criminal record it can be very difficult to find a job, get accepted to university or college or travel to another country. Is it really worth it?