Although California legalized cannabis for medical purposes almost 30 years ago, the deep-seated stigma around marijuana has only recently begun to fade in the United States. Still, you may deal with this stigma in your daily life if you use cannabis, feeling judged by family members, friends, or even strangers. This may become especially true if you live in a state like Mississippi, which just joined the growing list of states that allow medical marijuana in 2022.
In this article, our team at LeafMed offers a brief explanation of where this stigma comes from and some helpful tips for dealing with the stigma around marijuana. Our team is dedicated to providing cannabis education. Visit this link if you’re wondering, “What is medical cannabis?”
Why Does a Stigma Exist Regarding Marijuana?
The stigma around marijuana began in the early 1900s and peaked during the 1970s-1980s with the advent of what President Nixon proclaimed as a “war on drugs” and increased incarceration. Influential people perpetuated many misconceptions that still affect cannabis users today, including labeling marijuana as a “gateway drug,” which fueled the fight against legalizing cannabis.
No evidence supported these and other misconceptions, and non-consumers have increasingly accepted cannabis usage. According to a 2021 report by Weedmaps, 58% of people polled expressed a neutral view of cannabis.
Tips for Dealing With the Stigma Around Marijuana
Despite the uphill momentum in getting rid of the stigma around marijuana, cannabis users do still deal with judgment from others and themselves regarding their usage. Whether you use cannabis to help with chronic pain or you live in a state that allows recreational use, keep the following tips in mind to cope with this stigma.
Be a Conscious Consumer
The only person who knows how cannabis affects you is you. By consuming marijuana consciously, you’re taking note of how much you’re using, why you’re using it, and its positive and negative effects. You might consider changing your consumption habits if a particular side effect interrupts your daily life.
For example, a cannabis user who smokes flower may develop a cough or sore throat so decide to try edibles instead. However you use marijuana, the more conscious you are, the better prepared you are to handle judgmental comments.
Track the Benefits
If your mother or best friend keeps asking, “Why won’t you stop using marijuana?” you may ease their minds by presenting them with the benefits it offers. Try to articulate how cannabis helps you and the difference it makes in your ability to cope with life.
Get and Stay Informed
The history of marijuana laws in this country is fascinating, as is the science behind how the cannabis plant affects the body’s endocannabinoid system. We encourage you to check out our other articles and other LeafMed resources to learn more about the cannabis stigma and why claims like “marijuana is a gateway drug” are inaccurate.
Maintain Healthy Habits
Sometimes, cannabis users judge themselves more harshly for using marijuana than others do. This becomes especially true for users who let their marijuana use get in the way of healthy habits like getting regular exercise. You can help turn off that inner critic by maintaining good, self-esteem-building habits like working out and eating a balanced diet.
Have the Tough Talks
When friends and family judge your habits, you may feel awkward talking to them about it. An honest conversation may help them understand what cannabis means to your mental health, if you can overcome your trepidation. Describe how the plant helps you and how their judgement negatively affects you. Remember, they will also have opinions to share, and it’s essential to listen even if you don’t want to.
Visit LeafMed for Medical Marijuana in Mississippi
Here at LeafMed, we have hope that the stigma around marijuana will continue to fade into our nation’s history. If you need medical marijuana in Mississippi, visit one of our three dispensaries in Vicksburg, Gulfport, or Bay St. Louis.
Are you heading out of town? Be sure to read this helpful article on traveling with medical cannabis.