In today’s digital age, information surrounding cannabis use is available everywhere. That’s the upside. However, the downside is that it’s created space for the spread of misinformation too.
So how do you differentiate between fact or fiction—especially when it comes to choosing products that enhance your own cannabis experience?
Our Flight Cannabis crew is knowledgeable… and you can bet we’ve been asked all the questions when it comes to helping customers select products at our Vancouver Island locations.
We’ve rounded up a few common cannabis misconceptions to discuss what’s fact…and what should go up in smoke for good.
Legal Cannabis is More Expensive than Black Market Cannabis
Since cannabis became legalized in Canada it’s brought on both a cause for celebration and debate—at least where pricing is concerned. Does legalized cannabis cost more than the flower found on the black market?
From the beginning, the main goal of legalizing cannabis in Canada was to reduce the number of illegal suppliers selling unregulated, unsafe products to consumers on the black market. Though early on in the legalization of cannabis we experienced a brief shortage of some products (which saw higher pricing as a result), this was ultimately short-lived as more and more legal growers became operational, and more brick-and-mortar stores opened. Pricing stabilized and potential issues for discrepancy in cannabis costs soon subsided. Now, thanks to mass (legalized) production, per-gram growing costs have been reduced.
In fact, at our Victoria and Nanaimo Flight Cannabis stores, you can purchase nearly 30g worth of flower for under $110 (for example, Original Stash’s Indica Flower as pictured), or reach for the convenience of pre-rolled packages for as little as $10.
Cannabis Kills Brain Cells
Another myth spread over time in an effort to curb cannabis use is that it actually kills brain cells and leaves you feeling burnt out, or lethargic. This information stems from a scientific study that specifically looked at brain cells during cannabis use, not death of cells, as a result.
More recent studies have shown that cannabis does not directly harm the brain, or kill off any healthy brain cells. In fact, one study found that regular use does not cause permanent damage and can actually promote the growth of new cells in certain parts of the brain. While there are some negatives to long-term cannabis use, frying your brain is not one of them.
Both CBD and THC are also thought to be useful as neuroprotective agents, acting as tools that actually help improve cognitive functions, such as creativity and memory.
Cannabis Use Gives You the Munchies
This myth is one that has definitely been around for ages… Hello, and thank you to films such as, The Pineapple Express and Dazed & Confused. Cinematic shout-outs aside, cannabis can affect hunger slightly but for the most part, it does not directly increase hunger.
In fact, there is now an array of products on the market that are specifically designed to help tackle the desire to snack while using cannabis. That’s due in part to the fact that they contain a subtle amount of appetite-suppressants such as humulene or THCV suppressants.
If you are on the hunt for a product that can help keep hunger in check when getting high, try out ACDC Cookies by Natural History, or reach for a RAD Durban Poison Distillate Vape for a change. Both contain a level of appetite suppressants that won’t affect your overall experience.
Cannabis Use Gives You the Munchies
This myth is one that has definitely been around for ages… Hello, and thank you to films such as, The Pineapple Express and Dazed & Confused. Cinematic shout-outs aside, for the most part cannabis use does not directly impact or increase hunger. In fact, studies have shown that recreational CBD use can help improve overall health benefits while decreasing things such as nausea for some people.
There are now an array of products on the market that are specifically designed to help tackle the need for sweets one bite at a time. That’s due in part to the fact that they contain a subtle amount of appetite-suppressants such as humulene or are THCV-suppressant to curb the munchies.
If you are on the hunt for a product that can help keep hunger in check when getting high, try out ACDC Cookies by Natural History, or reach for a RAD Durban Poison Distillate Vape for a change. Both contain a level of appetite-suppressants that won’t affect your overall experience.
HIGHER THC GIVES YOU A BIGGER BUZZ
This is definitely one myth in need of busting, and an assumption our Flight team hears a lot from customers—especially from newer, or infrequent cannabis users.
If you’re all about the buzz, then yes; consuming high THC flower will result in getting the job done quicker.
However, that can also lead to the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects, due to the fact that THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, and the percentage of THC contained in a flower is actually linked to the level of anxiety a person can feel. Therefore, using products that contain high levels of THC isn’t always a good thing, especially if you are more prone to feeling paranoid.
Feeling stressed or overly anxious when trying to enjoy your high doesn’t sound like fun to us.
When shopping for a product that helps you find that perfect balance, look for flower that contains a good amount of CBD as well, like Wana’s Blood Orange Sour Gummies (pictured). CBD is known to dampen the psychoactive effects that THC produces to provide you with a positive, consistent experience you’ll want to repeat.
OLD WEED = BAD WEED
Another common misconception about cannabis is that it’s got a set shelf-life—much the same as dairy products and other consumable items. Smoking old weed isn’t necessarily bad at all, unless of course you notice anything like mold or fungus present (that’s an obvious no-go). The main thing to be aware of before you dust off your bud is that older weed can exhibit a noticeable drop in potency (a big deal if you’re using it for medical reasons). As well, you might notice a slight change in texture and taste—but nothing that will make you sick. Older cannabis can also contain more CBN (as THC is converted to CBN over time) which could result in more of a couch-lock, sedative high.
One key way to ensure your bud stays at its best level of potency is through proper storage. If you don’t already, consider adding a stylish container to your collection (we recommend either the stainless steel, humidity curing CVault container or Piranha Bamboo Storage Jars). The CVault is constructed from 18/10 food grade stainless steel—this small, humidity curing container for an airtight, lightweight solution that keeps your stash fresh. The Bamboo Jars by Piranha come in different sizes, and are made of high-quality glass with a tight fitting bamboo lid to keep smell and freshness in, and air and moisture out.
OLD WEED = BAD WEED
Another common misconception about cannabis is that it’s got a set shelf-life—much the same as dairy products and other consumable items. Smoking old weed isn’t necessarily bad at all, unless of course you notice anything like mold or fungus present (that’s an obvious no-go). The main thing to be aware of before you dust off your bud is that older weed can exhibit a noticeable drop in potency (a big deal if you’re using it for medical reasons). As well, you might notice a slight change in texture and taste—but nothing that will make you sick. Older cannabis can also contain more CBN (as THC is converted to CBN over time) which could result in more of a couch-lock, sedative high.
One key way to ensure your bud stays at its best level of potency is through proper storage. If you don’t already, consider adding a stylish container to your collection (we recommend either the stainless steel, humidity curing CVault container or Piranha Bamboo Storage Jars). The CVault is constructed from 18/10 food grade stainless steel—this small, humidity curing container for an airtight, lightweight solution that keeps your stash fresh. The Bamboo Jars by Piranha come in different sizes, and are made of high-quality glass with a tight fitting bamboo lid to keep smell and freshness in, and air and moisture out.
Cannabis Use Makes You Lazy
For many users who have imbibed in cannabis-use in some form or another, that feeling of total relaxation can sometimes lead you to feel as though you’ve become part of the couch you’re chilling out on. One of the most common cannabis claims is that smoking pot will instantly make you unproductive and lazy. This is simply not true. Sure, there are strains of cannabis that are designed to up the relaxation ante—but there are many more that provide you with a sense of calmness and creativity, as well as some that promote energy and happiness too.
There are many popular products such as beverages and tinctures that are made to bring on a sense of relaxation and relief—while staying sober. Many items contain a trace of sativa-terpene-enhanced distillate to help combat fatigue and make you feel more inspired and focused. Try Namaste’s Ultra Sour flower (pictured) to find some peace in your day.
It all comes down to how you want to feel, so don’t blame the bud!
Looking for more information on any of the suggested products we’ve shared here, or interested in something different? Visit one of our two Vancouver Island stores in Langford and Nanaimo and learn more about sales, new products and monthly specials. Sign up for our email list! You’ll get access to updates, blog posts, and any other news from Flight. Scroll down or sign up for the Flight Newsletter here.
