The plant cannabis has been used for its medicinal benefits for centuries, yet it still carries a stigma in today’s society. People are afraid to use cannabis because of its negative associations, but they don’t have to be. There are many ways to use cannabis without having to smoke it, and people are beginning to open up to the idea of using it for medicinal purposes.
What are the Different Types of Stigma Around Cannabis?
There are many types of stigma around cannabis. Some people are afraid to use it because of its supposedly negative reputation and effect on crime rate, while others believe it is a harmful plant that should be illegal. Due to the popularity of cannabis products, many online dispensaries such as canadacannabisdispensary have stormed the market.
Cannabis users are generally seen as untrustworthy and sometimes dangerous. Friends and family members also tend to avoid cannabis users because they are afraid of being penalized as well.
According to a study conducted by the University of Amsterdam, stigma was the most intense in countries with more punitive cannabis laws. Greece, for instance, has the most severe stigma because it has the highest penalty for cannabis use, while the Netherlands has the least stigma.
According to one study from the University of British Columbia, medicinal cannabis users are frequently labeled as irresponsible and untrustworthy ‘potheads’ by others, including employers, colleagues, and even healthcare providers. A California study also revealed that pregnant women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum and using cannabis for treatment are often belittled and considered deviant by those around them.
While some non-consumers continue to view cannabis in an entirely negative light, newer studies have shown that cannabis stigma will continue to fade due to data, science, and personal experiences. But if you want to use cannabis without worrying about being judged, there are several ways we can think of.
How to Use Cannabis Without the Stigma
Cannabis can be used in many different forms, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. It can also be infused into food and drinks. The most popular way to use cannabis is still smoking it, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way.
Smoking cannabis can harm your health, so if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using a vaporizer. Vaporizing cannabis is much better for your lungs than smoking it, and it still allows you to get the medicinal benefits of the plant.
You can also try edibles or food that has been infused with cannabis. They come in different forms, such as gummies, candies, baked goods, mints, cannabis-infused beverages, and snacks.
Some companies, like HempHash, provide the option to send discreet and unmarked boxes when delivering cannabis products to avoid the stigma of using cannabis products.
How to Deal with Stigma Around Cannabis Use
Fortunately, the rise in popularity of CBD has changed people’s perceptions of the industry. Many skeptics, both young and old, have changed their minds as a result of CBD’s numerous applications for pain relief, anxiety management, and other benefits.
The best way to deal with the stigma of cannabis use is through education. Weedmap’s study showed that almost 80% of non-consumers get their cannabis from unreliable sources, including friends, family members, and social media. This leads to misinformation and the proliferation of CBD’s negative reputation.
Cannabis is still illegal in many parts of the world, but that is changing. More and more countries are beginning to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes, and the stigma around the plant is slowly disappearing. However, it will still take some time before cannabis is totally accepted by society.
