MYTH: “Dispensaries are dingey and dirty!”

TRUTH: Dispensaries today look more like Apple stores: clean, professional, and organized.

It’s (almost) understandable where this common misconception comes from. We’ve been inundated with images and messaging that paints cannabis as something only “degenerates” use. It’s a horrible cultural stigma that’s followed the plant throughout its modern history, preventing people who may benefit from it from ever giving it a chance.

These unfounded beliefs now rear their ugly heads over dispensaries, even though the truth is far more appealing than you might think. What can expect is budtenders with extensive knowledge of the benefits, effects, and compounds, clean and modern designs, and unmatched professionalism.

MYTH: “You can overdose on cannabis.”

TRUTH: No. Absolutely not. There has never been a recorded case of someone overdosing on and dying from cannabis use.

This myth is a bit tricky. No, you cannot die from overdosing on cannabis. However, it is possible to enjoy too much and have an unsettling experience. The “bad trip” may be due to something as simple as consuming too much or an adverse reaction to a particular strain.

Our bodies react differently to different substances. Some people love cannabis in all its incarnations. Some enjoy edibles more than flower. Some enjoy tinctures. It’s all about understanding what works best for you.

When you visit your dispensary, be sure to ask as many questions as possible about the strains, their intended effects, and the experience you can expect. If you’re looking for something to help you wind down during your nightly bath, you’ll likely want a different effect than if you’re looking for something to enjoy during a concert.

MYTH: “CBD gets you high.”

TRUTH: CBD, a natural compound found in cannabis, has no psychoactive properties.

Instead of the feeling of euphoria you may get from THC (another compound in cannabis), you can expect CBD to help you relax, relieve you from anxiety, and sway you to sleep. CBD comes in a variety of sorts, from bath bombs to lotions, making the possibilities endless.

How can you help eliminate the stigma?

Visit a dispensary!

Legalization is sweeping the country and introducing swaths of people to the incredible benefits of cannabis. That means more local dispensaries to support. The people who run these businesses are often from the area and have a passion for educating locals about cannabis use.

You’ll also be able to see how clean and gorgeous they are!

Share your positive experiences and the benefits

We need more people to talk about how cannabis has positively changed their lives. There are stories of people who no longer have to take strong pills for their migraines, people who sleep better without the aid of prescription drugs, and chemotherapy patients who finally feel some pain relief.

The positive stories are everywhere, but it doesn’t hurt to keep talking!

Talk openly to people about cannabis

Take the shame and stigma away by talking about cannabis use openly. Tout the benefits. Share your experiences. Research and educate so you can speak intelligently to curious people.

The more we work together, the quicker we can dismantle the stigma surrounding cannabis use.