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Common Misconceptions About Cannabis

Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood plants in modern medicine.

In Australia, medicinal cannabis is tightly regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), but myths and misconceptions still create confusion for patients.

Myth 1: Cannabis is still illegal everywhere

Recreational cannabis remains illegal in most states and territories, except for small amounts in the ACT under specific conditions.
 

Medicinal cannabis is legal, but only with a doctor’s prescription via the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) or an Authorised Prescriber (TGA, 2023).

 

Access is strictly controlled and only legal when prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Myth 2: Cannabis Is Just About Getting High

Not all cannabis products can cause intoxication, here are examples of the most common cannabinoids:

 

  • THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the psychoactive “high.”

  • CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and does not produce a high.

  • CBG (Cannabigerol) – Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” as it’s the precursor from which THC and CBD are formed. It is non-intoxicating and is being studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and gut-health-related benefits (Morales et al., 2017).

  • CBN (Cannabinol) – A mildly sedative, non-intoxicating cannabinoid that forms as THC degrades over time. Early studies suggest potential roles in sleep support and pain modulation (Wright et al., 2020).

 

There are products in Australia that are CBD-only formulations or have carefully balanced cannabinoid ratios to minimise impairment (Iversen, 2020).

 

Medicinal cannabis can be prescribed in non-intoxicating forms and is tailored to patient needs.

Myth 3: All Cannabis Works the Same

Cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all treatment.

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  • Different cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, etc.) and terpenes contribute to unique effects, sometimes described as the entourage effect (Russo, 2011).
     

  • Individual responses vary depending on factors like age, metabolism, and other medications (Lu & Mackie, 2021).
     

  • There are over 10,000 different varieties or strains of cannabis available and each can vary in a variety of factors.
     

  • Patient response varies significantly; some patients report meaningful improvements in sleep and pain, while others experience minimal benefit (Monash University, 2025).
     

Doctors may prescribe different product types — such as oils, capsules, or dried flower depending on the patient’s condition and needs.

Myth 4: Cannabis Has No Side Effects

Like any medicine, cannabis can cause side effects. These may include but are not limited to:

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  • Drowsiness or fatigue

  • Dry mouth

  • Changes in appetite

  • Dizziness

  • Potential drug interactions
     

Side effects differ between individuals and between products. For example, high-THC formulations are more likely to cause impairment (Citti et al., 2021).

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Not all side effects are deemed negative when it comes to cannabis. Yet it is still important to be aware of them.

Myth 5: Cannabis Cures Everything

While research into cannabis is promising, it is not a miracle cure.

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  • Evidence supports potential use in conditions like chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and certain forms of epilepsy (TGA, 2023).
     

  • However, large-scale clinical trials are still limited, and cannabis is not approved as a first-line treatment.
     

  • The TGA emphasises that cannabis should only be considered when standard therapies have not worked or are unsuitable.


Cannabis remains surrounded by myths — from assumptions that it’s still fully illegal, to beliefs that it always causes a high, has no side effects, or works the same for everyone. In reality, medicinal cannabis in Australia is a carefully regulated treatment option, available only by prescription, and tailored to individual needs.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Laws regarding prescription medicines vary by region, and readers should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any prescription medication.

​References: Citti, C., et al. (2021). Thermal stability of cannabinoids in dried cannabis: A kinetic study. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 194, 113704. Iversen, L. (2020). The Science of Marijuana (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. Lu, H. C., & Mackie, K. (2021). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), 516–525. Morales, P., Hurst, D. P., & Reggio, P. H. (2017). Therapeutic potential of minor cannabinoids in CNS disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 610 Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. Monash University. (2025). More people are trying medicinal cannabis for chronic pain. But does it work? Retrieved from https://www.monash.edu/medicine/news/latest/2025-articles/more-people-are-trying-medicinal-cannabis-for-chronic-pain.-but-does-it-work Wright, M. J., et al. (2020). Cannabinol and its pharmacological properties: A review. Journal of Cannabis Research, 2(1), 22 Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). (2023). Medicinal cannabis guidance documents. Retrieved from https://www.tga.gov.au

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