Facts vs. Myths

Do you know all there is to

know about the cannabis

industry?

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL

Cannabis in itself has a variety of myths that many people often hear. This includes the act of consumption, along with cultivation. To decipher the truth, we will debunk those myths and state the facts to improve your overall knowledge on cannabis!

To begin, many people think that if a cultivation facility opens near them, they will experience an overwhelming odor. In more cases than one, this is not true. “Fortunately, odor mitigation is possible with a variety of air cleaning technologies that are designed to alleviate the strong, pungent cannabis odors that can severely impact the property values in the surrounding community,” (The News).

Although odor mitigation is a top priority, some may think there is only one distinct smell that is always present. Truth is, there are three sources of odor. This includes the final weeks of growing, the drying process, and the trimming process. Through each of the stages, everyone works diligently to keep the odor to a minimum and avoid any pungency (The News).

A common myth that people believe is that nothing can be done to prevent odor released from cultivation facilities. As a result, people have threatened to leave their homes and the community as a whole, to get away from such facilities. However, there is something that can be done. According to Chuck McGinley, technical director of St. Croix Sensory, a lab in Minnesota that tests for odors and makes products that help others do so in the field, said, “The most common fix is to add carbon filters, or “scrubbers,” to ventilation systems. As air passes through, odor molecules bind to the activated charcoal. As long as everything is properly installed and maintained, the air that comes out of the vents should be virtually odorless,” (The Cannifornian).

Focusing on cannabis consumption, people who are unfamiliar may think that the substance can only be smoked. The truth is, nowadays, there are multiple ways that someone can consume cannabis. In fact, the drug can be smoked, eaten, and even drank. As the industry continues to grow, new ways and forms of consumption are unfolding.

Another myth you have heard or assumption you have made is that weed/ cannabis is addictive and leads to harder drugs. Not only is this false, but in fact, less than one percent of Americans smoke/ use cannabis more than once a day. There is nothing in cannabis that is addictive, but rather can be considered as more of a habit for some (Cannabis: Facts, Myths and Mental Health).

Trying to decipher between a fact and myth may be difficult for some. Cultivation facilities and cannabis consumption differ for everyone, everywhere. Before partaking in any consumption or developing an assumption of your own, make sure you know the facts- they’re important.

References www.achrnews.com/articles/143060-reducing-cannabis-odors-is-a-growing-concern www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/Cannabis.pdf www.thecannifornian.com/cannabis-business/marijuana-stinks-heres-cities-businesses-neighbors-can/