Clearing the Smoke Around a ‘Reefer Madness’ Myth
First of all, I am in such deep gratitude for the expert neuroscience pros who are connecting the dots on how we can use cannabis in the safest and most optimal ways possible. These folks spend their lives poring over the scientific literature and often conduct scientific studies themselves. It’s because of their dedicated work that I can confidently do my cannabis-assisted emotional recovery work safely and effectively.
One such giant in this research arena is neuroscientist Greg Gerdeman, Ph.D.
Dr. Gerdeman is an expert on the endocannabinoid system and how cannabis affects our human biology. So with great relish, I’m sharing one of his insightful articles, published in an equally prominent and impeccable online media source, ProjectCBD. It’s one of my go-to resources when people ask for credible cannabis information.
The lingering stigma of ‘Reefer Madness’
As a professional embracing the judicious use of cannabis in an innovative approach to trauma resolution, I often encounter individuals worried about the aftermath of “taking too much” cannabis. Typically, their concern is linked to an undefined yet deep-seated fear that something negative might happen.
Dr. Gerdeman connects this fear to the lingering stigma rooted in the “reefer madness” propaganda, part of the War on Drugs misinformation campaign started in the 1970s.
But can cannabis make you go crazy?
Dr. Gerdeman highlights that the “cannabis-causes-insanity” myth originated from observations that some young people who use cannabis may experience short-term psychosis and later may even develop schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder affecting how one distinguishes between reality and imagination. Yet, as Dr. Gerdeman carefully explains, this association between cannabis use and schizophrenia doesn’t imply direct causation.
So, what’s going on?
This aspect of cannabis has long been of particular interest to Dr. Gerdeman, who extensively speaks and teaches on cannabis and potential risks to brain health. He says multiple studies have investigated this question about whether cannabis causes schizophrenia.
According to Dr. Gerdeman, a sophisticated parsing of the scientific literature suggests that cannabis doesn’t directly cause psychosis – referred to in science as causation – but rather, there’s a connection or correlation between cannabis use and schizophrenia. Those predisposed to schizophrenia (generally young people) might very well be drawn to cannabis because it makes them feel better. Before full-blown symptoms of the mental disorder emerge, there are low-grade symptoms such as numbing of emotions, apathy, and an inability to feel pleasure. It would make sense that they’d look for ways to feel better – and using cannabis would be one of them.
The take-away is this:
In his article, Dr. Gerdeman takes a deep literary sigh in welcoming a report published in the prestigious journal, JAMA Psychiatry, in which the authors analyzed all existing studies and concluded that “an appreciable proportion of the association [between cannabis and schizophrenia] is not causal [that cannabis doesn’t cause it].”
However, they indicate that there is clearly enough evidence to show that genetics and other risk factors are at play for a very small percentage of the population. As Dr. Gerdeman advises, when there is a family history of the disease, “high-THC cannabis should be approached with the utmost caution or outright avoided. It indeed might promote the onset of psychosis in such populations.”
In my work – whether I’m teaching master courses, co-facilitating Sacred Medicine Portugal retreats, or providing personal coaching sessions – all participants sign waivers. This step protects me legally, given the nature of my work, and clarifies that cannabis use is contraindicated and should be entirely avoided for anyone with such a personal or familial history.
Ultimately, education, awareness, and mindful use of cannabis are paramount. It’s empowering to move beyond the stigmas while still respecting the plant’s power and understanding our unique biologies.
With Love,
Becca
P.S. JOIN ME IN PORTUGAL THIS MAY. I’ve created two affordable retreats for this May, and while they may not involve cannabis, they are short but powerful sacred medicine experiences in a luxury villa (because let’s be honest, I’ve done my time in dorm-style retreats – you too?)
I’ve heard from my community, and rather than a full week retreat, I’ve curated an intimate and rejuvenating 2 nights/3 days – so that my participants can take some time to explore the Algarve (or other parts of Portugal) before or after our time together. Take a look and see how this resonates for you and I’m happy to have a chat for questions you might have!
