Cannabis and urban legends: Debunking the craziest weed myths

Cannabis has been rolled up in myths and wild stories for as long as people have been smoking it. From causing instant insanity to being linked with famous figures from history, the world of weed is full of half-truths, misunderstandings, and outright nonsense.

While some cannabis myths were started to keep people from using it, others simply spread because they were funny or far-fetched. As times change, however, and cannabis moves further into the mainstream, it’s worth clearing the smoke about old weed myths. Join us as we explore and debunk some of the most common cannabis urban legends.

What makes a cannabis urban legend?

Urban legends are stories that sound believable enough to be true, but usually have little or no factual basis. They tend to spread by word of mouth or via popular media, and often pick up new details as they’re passed along.

Cannabis urban legends are exactly that: strange or shocking stories about weed that have taken on a life of their own. Some come from genuine misunderstandings, others from deliberate attempts to make cannabis look dangerous. Whether it's claims about presidents lighting up or horror stories of accidental deaths, cannabis legends are a prime example of just how easily myth can outgrow the truth.

Debunking the craziest weed myths

Ready to spill some truth? Below we put some of the most ridiculous cannabis urban legends under the microscope.

Cannabis & Jimson weed

A very old rumour suggests that people once confused cannabis with Jimson weed—a poisonous plant capable of causing hallucinations and serious health problems. Urban legend has it that someone accidentally smoked Jimson weed mistaking it for cannabis, which led them to experience a wild and dangerous trip. There is no real evidence, however, that this happened, and it’s very unlikely it ever did—besides being green, Jimson weed and cannabis are very different, and it would be very difficult to mistake one for the other.

Fat cell flashbacks

Another favourite cannabis myth is that THC stored in fat cells can randomly cause flashbacks weeks (or even months) after you last got high. While it is true that THC gets stored in fatty tissue, it is released very slowly and at extremely low levels—far too low to cause any intoxicating effects. Note, however, that fat-stored THC can trigger a drug test—but it won’t cause sudden flashbacks.

Cannabis killed Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee’s sudden death in 1973 fuelled a lot of speculation. One theory claimed that cannabis killed him by triggering a fatal allergic reaction. However, no scientific evidence supports this, and official reports say Lee died of a cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain). While cannabis was found in his system, there is no proof that it contributed to his death.

George Washington smoked weed

There is a story that George Washington, America's first president, smoked cannabis to get high. While it is true that Washington grew hemp at Mount Vernon, the plants he grew were mainly used to make ropes, sails, and clothing.

There is no evidence that Washington ever smoked cannabis recreationally—in fact, historical records suggest he was far more concerned with the quality of his hemp fibre than with getting stoned. What’s more, it’s quite possible that the flowers from Washington’s plants wouldn’t have got him very high—more likely, he would have simply enjoyed the non-psychoactive effects of CBD!

Cigarettes contain cannabis

A long-running rumour claims that one cigarette per pack of Lucky Strike’s contains cannabis—hence the name and brand slogan, “it’s toasted”. In truth, however, Lucky Strikes simply contain toasted tobacco, not some secret ingredient designed to get smokers high.

Reefer Madness

The 1936 film Reefer Madness is often blamed for creating some of the wildest cannabis myths. The film depicted cannabis users descending into violence, insanity, and even suicide after just a few puffs. Today, however, we know that Reefer Madness was a full-blown propaganda piece, designed to incite fear rather than present reality.

Modern science does not link cannabis use to uncontrollable madness or violent crime. Nonetheless, this film was so effective that it is considered a key driver of cannabis’ decade-long prohibition and stigma (which still exist today).

The 1960s were the pinnacle of cannabis use in the US

Many believe that the 1960s counterculture movement was the first time Americans used cannabis in large numbers. However, cannabis had been used throughout the US since the 19th century—mainly in the form of tinctures and patented medicines. What did change in the 1960s, however, was the visibility of recreational cannabis use, especially among young people, and the political focus it attained.

Tobacco increases the effects of cannabis

There is a popular belief that mixing tobacco with cannabis, especially in joints, makes the cannabis high stronger. This is, however, only partially true.

While the nicotine in tobacco can affect the brain’s reward system and might change the subtleties of a cannabis high, it does not chemically boost the potency of THC. The reason that the experience may feel different is because nicotine acts as a stimulant, which, when combined with cannabis’ depressant properties, can cause a unique feeling. Nevertheless, tobacco does not strengthen cannabis itself.

High time for the truth

Urban legends are still very much part of the cannabis world. Even today, new myths spring up online or through word of mouth, fuelled by misunderstanding, fear, or just the kick people get out of making up a good story.

Some new legends are even replacing the old ones, proving that myths are hard to shake once they get hold of people’s attention and imagination. Be it health claims, secret conspiracies, or miracle effects, cannabis myths continue to adapt with the times.

The good news is that with better access to scientific research and a more open discussion about cannabis, it is easier than ever to separate the facts from fiction. But it does make you wonder: as cannabis culture keeps growing, what new myths will the next generation believe?

Max Sargent

Max has been writing for over a decade, and has come into cannabis and psychedelic journalism in the last few years. Writing for companies such as Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, Cannaconnection, Gorilla Seeds, MushMagic and more, he has experience in a broad spectrum of the industry.

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