1.) THC and CBD, marijuana’s primary cannabinoids, are both cancer prohibitors.

Recent research out of Spain suggests that THC, marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient, helps kills brain cancer cells. Study co-author Guillermo Velasco claims that when THC was applied to cancerous brain tissue, the cancer cells were killed while healthy cells were left alone and remained that way. CBD apparently does the same; a pair of scientists from California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco demonstrated the cannabinoid’s ability to stop metastasis in many kinds of aggressive cancer forms.

2.) Marijuana triggers neurogenesis, which leads to brain cell growth.

The roots of the marijuana-kills-brain-cells myth are deep despite the lack of credible evidence in the market. The original study supporting this notion is questionable at best and recent research suggests the opposite. In 2005, a study showed cannabinoids’ ability to promote neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, the brain region responsible for most important brain functions including mood and memory. The authors also cited anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects that accompany neurogenesis. This explains why people across California, Colorado, Washington and other marijuana-friendly states often turn to the herb for a mood-boost instead of pharmaceutical drugs that are widely available

3.) There is absolutely zero evidence that marijuana causes significant lung damage. 

While vaporization is always touted as one of the safest methods of marijuana ingestion, the largest study of its kind suggested marijuana-only smoking is harmless as well:

“We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between marijuana use and lung cancer, and that the association would be more positive with heavier use. What we found instead was no association at all, and even some suggestion of a protective effect.”

The above words come from a UCLA Medical Doctor, Donald Tashkin, author of the study and marijuana researcher of more than 30 years. As his research reflected, the plant itself seems to have an offsetting effect for the harmful properties of smoke.

4.) There are two completely different types of marijuana, both with different effects on its user.

One of the biggest mishaps made by people who first try marijuana is immediately thinking that it is “not for them.” It certainly is not for everyone, but what if they just happened to try the wrong kind?

There are hundreds upond hundreds of different strains of marijuana, tagged with names like Blue Dream, OG Kush, Trainwreck or Pineapple. All of these are categorized as “Sativa” or “Indica.” Here’s an explanation on the difference:

Sativas are often used as day-time strains, used to enhance the experience of social events, and time in nature. Caregivers often recommend sativa strains for patients seeking relief from depression, PTSD, fatigue and some types of anxiety or pain. Some patients even report positive effects on ADHD while medicating with the sativa strains.

Indicas are often smoked at night due to their narcotic effect on the person smoking. Indica strains are perfect for people suffering from any type of pain, nausea or anxiety. They’re also preferable for novice smokers as they acclimate themselves to the herb. This variety is popular for meditation or yoga due to its mind-calming qualities it possesses.