Myth Baked

For a plant that’s been around longer than most modern medicine, cannabis sure takes a lot of heat. Blame it on outdated propaganda, fear-mongering headlines, or that one time your cousin ate too many edibles and thought he was melting into the couch—either way, the myths are loud.

But we’re not here to judge. We’re here to help you sort the facts from the fiction so you can make your own educated decisions (or sound smarter at brunch).

So, grab your favorite product, kick back, and let’s bust some of the biggest cannabis myths still floating around.

Myth #1: “Cannabis is a Gateway Drug”

Ah yes, the ol’ “you smoke a joint and suddenly you’re robbing a bank” myth. This one’s been around since the D.A.R.E. program had us believing that one puff would send us spiraling into a life of crime and despair.

But here’s the deal: just because some folks who use harder substances once tried cannabis doesn’t mean cannabis caused it. That’s like saying eating ice cream leads to car accidents because people tend to do both in the summer. Correlation doesn’t equal causation.

In reality, most cannabis users don’t move on to harder substances. In fact, some people even use cannabis to help get off more serious drugs, especially when it comes to pain management or easing withdrawal symptoms. So, if anything, it’s more of an exit ramp than a gateway.

The “gateway” narrative is tired. Let’s leave it behind with dial-up internet and frosted tips.

Myth #2: “Cannabis Makes You Lazy”

Cue the image of a guy in pajama pants, buried in snacks, watching TV for seven hours straight. Thanks, Hollywood. The lazy stoner trope has been baked into pop culture for decades—but the truth? It’s not that simple.

Yes, some strains can make you feel mellow or even couch-locked (hello, indicas). But that’s not a universal cannabis experience. Plenty of people use cannabis to energize, focus, or get in the zone creatively. Whether you’re cleaning your apartment, diving into a painting, or just knocking out your to-do list, the right strain can actually give you a boost.

Plus, let’s not ignore all the high-functioning folks using cannabis to manage stress, pain, or sleep—after they crush a full workday, hit the gym, or run a household. Laziness is a mindset, not a side effect.

So no, cannabis doesn’t automatically turn you into a sloth. And if it does? Maybe that’s what your body needed that day. Rest isn’t lazy. It’s necessary.

Myth #3: “Only Young People Use Cannabis”

We hate to break it to the marketing execs stuck in 2012, but cannabis isn't just for college kids and festival crowds anymore. In fact, some of the biggest growth in medical cannabis use? It’s coming from folks over 50.

That’s right—boomers are blazing trails (and sometimes joints), using cannabis to manage everything from joint pain to sleep issues to anxiety. And many of them aren’t looking to get lit—they’re looking for relief. Tinctures, capsules, topicals, and low-dose edibles are the go-to’s for people who want the benefits without the buzz.

So whether you're a grandparent, a parent, or just someone who forgot what a rave even is, you're not alone. Cannabis use spans all ages, and the modern dispensary isn’t just for twenty-somethings with skateboards—it’s for anyone curious about feeling better, sleeping better, or just living life a little more comfortably.

Cannabis doesn’t come with a max age limit—and neither should the conversation around it.

Myth #4: “If It’s Legal, Everyone Will Go Wild”

We’ve all heard it: “If you legalize cannabis, society’s gonna go off the rails!” As if the minute dispensaries open, your neighbors are gonna start hotboxing their minivans and turning the PTA into a puff circle.

Spoiler alert: that’s not what happens.

Legalization doesn’t mean lawlessness—it means regulation. When cannabis is legal, it gets tested, labeled, and sold in secure, age-restricted environments. Compare that to the mystery bag your cousin's friend used to bring to family BBQs.

Also? Most people don’t suddenly decide to use cannabis just because it’s legal. Studies from states with long-standing programs show that usage rates stay fairly steady. And the people who do try it usually do so for legit reasons—pain relief, anxiety, sleep, appetite, or just winding down without the hangover.

So no, the streets aren’t filled with zombies and jazz musicians post-legalization. Just people using a plant responsibly, with a little more peace of mind.

Myth #5: “Cannabis Kills Motivation”

This one’s basically the evil twin of the “cannabis makes you lazy” myth. The idea is that if you start using cannabis, all your goals and dreams go up in smoke. You’ll stop working out, stop chasing your career, and stop doing anything except staring at your ceiling fan, thinking it’s a spaceship.

But let’s be real: motivation is way more complicated than a plant.

For some people, cannabis actually enhances motivation. It helps them focus, reduces anxiety that holds them back, or just makes certain tasks (like cleaning, journaling, or creative projects) feel more doable—or even enjoyable. The key? Intentional use. Knowing why you’re consuming and what strains or products support your vibe.

Sure, the wrong strain at the wrong time can lead to a “meh” mood. But that’s like saying caffeine ruins your sleep—it only does if you use it wrong. People aren’t unmotivated because of cannabis. They’re unmotivated because of life circumstances, mental health struggles, or burnout. Cannabis might help them navigate that—not cause it.

Bottom line: the plant doesn’t steal your drive. But it might help you chill long enough to find it again.

Pass the Facts, Not the Fiction

The cannabis convo is finally starting to evolve—but the myths? Some of them are still hanging on harder than a bad trip. Whether it’s the old gateway drug fear or the idea that cannabis users are lazy slackers with no ambition, it’s time to call it what it is: outdated nonsense.

Cannabis isn’t for everyone, and that’s cool. But if you’re gonna have an opinion about it, let it be based on facts—not fear, stigma, or stuff your uncle heard on a talk radio show in 1993.

So whether you're new to cannabis, curious about trying it, or just tired of hearing the same recycled myths—now you've got the truth in your pocket (alongside your favorite edible, maybe).