Busting 10 myths around medical cannabis in India

Added on 02 September 2023

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Busting 10 myths around medical cannabis in India

Medical cannabis, with its potential to alleviate various health conditions, has captured public interest and controversy. However, amidst the growing fascination, a plethora of misconceptions have emerged.

Richa Jaggi, Co-Founder, of Awshad, a medical cannabis wellness startup, dispels ten common myths surrounding medical cannabis, shedding light on the truth and providing a clearer understanding of its properties and effects.

Myth 1: Medical cannabis is illegal in India

Fact: In January, 2022, the Central Government supported the Delhi High Court’s decision, allowing the medical use of Vijaya in the country. Additionally, the Central Government authorised State Governments to oversee the cultivation, production, transportation, import/export, and sale of Vijaya and its cannabis-based medicines for various purposes, including industry, horticulture, science, and medicine.

Myth 2: CBD and cannabis are synonymous

Fact: The cannabis plant, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, boasts a diverse array of substances called cannabinoids. Researchers have identified over a hundred different cannabinoids, each with distinct properties. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of these compounds, and it does not encapsulate the entirety of the cannabis plant’s complexity.

Myth 3: Medical cannabis leads to addiction

Fact: The chances of addiction are higher when we use Cannabis that has a lot of THC often. The psychoactive effects of cannabis stem from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a chemical compound present in the plant. However, not all medical products contain significant THC levels. CBD, for instance, exhibits substantial medical value without causing intoxication or euphoria.

Myth 4: CBD isn’t safe

Fact: In 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) addressed concerns regarding the CBD’s safety. Their comprehensive report affirmed that naturally occurring CBD is well-tolerated by humans and lacks associations with adverse public health effects.