Cannabis was perhaps supposed to be a hero but it ended up being an antagonist because of numerous misconceptions and myths. However, thanks to modern-day science and technology that we have begun to acknowledge the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of the leafy-drug, though quite late.
If you still consider cannabis dangerous, then you’ll be surprised to know that the below-mentioned daily consumer goods/chemicals are even more lethal:
Caffeine
We are so used to consuming caffeine that we sometimes forget that even our favorite coffee is a drug. However, one isn’t likely to overdose on caffeine through tea and coffee. Then why does there still exist a ‘killer’ by the name of “caffeine overdose”?
The major culprits here are caffeine-based energy drinks, soft drinks (to some extent) and powders.
Although caffeine overdose has claimed a number of lives over the years, the most recent instance was seen in May of 2017 when a 16-year-old boy named Davis Cripe fell victim to an overdose of energy drinks.
While the lethal dose of caffeine varies from individual to individual, a study from 1960s estimates that approx. 200 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight can kill a person. That’s over 150 cups of coffee for a person weighing 160 lbs.
In striking contrast, a person weighing the same could smoke over 3 pounds of cannabis at one time and still not die of a fatal cannabis overdose.
In a nutshell, it is theoretically possible to consume too much THC, but none has ever died from it.
Artificial Trans Fats
Any food item which contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils basically possesses artificial trans fat, even if the product label doesn’t mention it.
It is not mandatory for food companies in the United States to list trans fats on labels if their product contains less than 0.5 grams of the same.
Food items like peanut butter are quite high in Unnatural Trans fat, a compound that has been associated with higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increased risk of heart disease, and an increased risk of systemic inflammation.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, although deemed safe by the FDA, have time and again been linked to cancer. However, owing to the lack of a large human-based research, the claims haven’t yet been ascertained.
Notably, stomach problems, headaches and dizziness are among the commonly reported side effects of aspartame.
Refined Grains
When you remove the bran and germ from a grain product, you are left with only the starchy endosperm, which is what you generally call a refined grain.
This starchy endosperm is made up of glucose and results in dramatic spikes of the hormone insulin in the body. Over time, the cells stop responding to insulin which results in high blood sugar. When blood glucose is too high, it begins to attach itself where it doesn’t belong, destroying tissues in the body.
Monitor your blood for type-2 diabetes regularly if you are in the habit of consuming refined grains.
Teflon
Three years ago, chemical manufacturer Du Pont paid an employee $5 million in settlements, post his allegation that he developed testicular cancer after being exposed to a chemical used to make Teflon, the coating that generally lines non-stick pans.
Although the American Cancer Society believes that Teflon cannot lead to cancer, they may want to have a look at it again. In 2015, around 226 international science professionals signed a statement asking for a reduction in the number of chemicals used for making Teflon.
Professionals from over 40 countries cited preliminary evidence that the synthetic materials used in the synthesis of Teflon may lead to tumors in multiple organ systems; are poisonous to the liver; cause low birth weight and size, among a host of other serious health issues.
Anti-inflammatory medications
You may already know that aspirin and ibuprofen are common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs; however, did you know about the number of side effects that come along with these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)? Heartburn, stomach ulcers and excessive bleeding are a few of them.
As per the official figures from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, at least 103,000 people are hospitalized annually due to the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Potassium Bromate
California has labeled Potassium Bromate as a potential carcinogen as the chemical has been found to cause tumors in multiple organs in laboratory animals.
Although on baking, potassium bromate converts into a non-carcinogenic form, the Environmental Working Group has given evidence that minute amounts of potassium bromate still pop-up in finished bread and bread products.
Cannabis, on the other hand, has shown exactly the opposite behavior, that is, it is known to reduce tumor cells in animal models when administered in correct dosages.
So what do you think is safer- bread or cannabis?
Nitrites and Nitrates
You may not be aware of this but nitrites and nitrates are widely used as preservatives for processed meat. They help maintain color and flavor of cured meat items like bacon, ham, hot dogs and sausages.
However, a number of studies have linked both the ‘N’s’ with increased risks of thyroid, oesophagus, stomach and brain cancers. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has already marked both nitrites and nitrates as possible human carcinogens
Preliminary studies in the case of cannabis, however, have shown that the drug has anti-carcinogenic properties.
Fast Food
Can you imagine a world where fast food is illegal? Let alone the world, can you imagine your life without fast food, despite knowing what kind of a silent killer it is?
In the US alone, McDonald’s sells over 550 million Big Macs annually. A single Big Mac alone boasts 50% of a total day’s value of fat, 40% of the daily value of sodium, and 9 grams of sugars (most of which are added). When combined with french fries and a glass of coke, your Big Mac meal becomes more of a nutritional disaster.
Fast food companies don’t face any restrictions while putting out new products without meeting basic nutritional guidelines, even though it is a commonly-known fact that these products are the number one contributors to conditions/diseases like diabetes, obesity, intestinal infections, heart ailments, etc.
So there you have it. If one of your friends or family members tells you that nothing is more dangerous than cannabis. Show them this list and ask them to look at the broader picture.
