Quote from Benjamin Caplan, MD on September 7, 2024, 3:36 pm

How We Talk About Cannabis Needs an Overhaul

[caption id="attachment_10140" align="alignnone" width="300"] The unclear language of cannabis, as difficult to define as smoke[/caption]

At CED Clinic, we’ve seen firsthand how cannabis affects people differently. One thing remains consistent, though: the language we use to talk about cannabis is broken. Cannabis language is vague, confusing, and inconsistent, which creates problems not only for patients but also for professionals, researchers, and lawmakers. In fact, we’re long overdue for an overhaul of how we describe cannabis and its effects.

We use words like “one puff” or “an edible,” but what do those phrases really mean? Did you hold that puff in for a long time? Was the edible mixed well or just hastily thrown together? When the effects hit, how do you describe them? Are you "high," "relaxed," or "a little baked"? Our cannabis language simply doesn’t do the job of communicating these varied experiences.

The way we talk about cannabis impacts everything from patient care to legal regulation. Here's why it's broken, and how we can fix it.

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Indica, Sativa, Hybrid: Labels That Don’t Always Deliver

We’ve all heard terms like “Indica” and “Sativa,” but these labels don’t tell the whole story. It’s commonly believed that Indica strains are relaxing while Sativa strains are energizing. However, about 70% of people report feeling calm with Indica, while the other 30% report opposite effects. It’s like ordering decaf coffee and realizing halfway through that you’ve got the full caffeine experience.

Labels like these fall short, adding to the already confusing cannabis language. We need a more consistent, scientifically grounded way to classify strains and effects.

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Describing Cannabis Experiences: A Game of Telephone

When people describe how cannabis makes them feel, it often sounds like a game of telephone. One person might say they feel “high,” another might say “zoned out,” while someone else says they feel “relaxed.” The same word doesn’t always mean the same thing from person to person. This breakdown in communication is a core part of the broken cannabis language.

One of our patients at CED Clinic once described the effects of cannabis as finally feeling “normal” after a long day of stress. They likened it to taking off a heavy backpack they didn’t know they were carrying. But how can you describe such personal experiences to someone who’s never felt it?

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Addiction vs. Dependency: Clearing Up Misconceptions

There’s often confusion between the terms “addiction” and “dependency,” especially in relation to cannabis. Many people worry about addiction, but in reality, cannabis addiction rates are similar to caffeine addiction rates. What people often confuse is dependency—when you rely on something because it improves your quality of life.

At CED Clinic, we help patients understand the difference between these terms. People develop dependencies on things that help them, like exercise, dietary routines, or even skincare products. Cannabis is no different. If it helps someone sleep, manage anxiety, or feel more balanced, regular use isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Of course, there’s a risk of overuse, but isn’t that just common sense?

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The Legal Jargon of Cannabis: A Maze Without a Map

If the cannabis language we use to describe its effects is unclear, the legal language is even more perplexing. Each state has its own rules, and there’s little consistency from one state to the next. Terms like “possession limits” and “caregiver provisions” can mean different things depending on where you live, making it tough for consumers and professionals to stay informed.

At CED Clinic, we work hard to help patients navigate these legal landscapes. But until there’s some nationwide clarity, it feels like we’re all wandering through a maze with no map in hand.

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The Road Forward: Improving Cannabis Language for Everyone

The way we talk about cannabis has to improve if we want better patient care, clearer laws, and more productive conversations around cannabis use. We need more research, standardized language, and a consistent way to describe cannabis experiences.

The key takeaway? Be more intentional with your words. Whether you’re describing how you feel after consuming cannabis or trying to understand a legal regulation, precision is essential. Cannabis is too important—medically and personally—to let the language surrounding it stay broken.

 

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