Surprisingly there are items that we use in our daily routines that have scientific evidence showing their dangerous effects. Yet we continue to use them because they are FDA approved and a part of our normal.
In the 1930s cannabis prohibition began and was based off of zero science-based evidence.
Today there is plenty of science backed evidence highlighting the dangers of some of our most used daily substances. Cannabis is not on this list.
Some of the top 5 offenders are:
ADDED SUGAR
Yes sugar is in the majority of foods we consume. Fruits and whole grains, which are on the “good list” have plenty of them. But it’s the “added” extra sugars that are proving to be detrimental.
Excess sugar intake leads to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This illness may seem “regular” by our current acceptance of them. But they cause over 650 million people to suffer in pain. The obesity crisis alone costs over $147 billion annually in medical costs.
Well you may be saying, “but sugar is not a drug”. Is it not? Sugar has been found to create a dependency response in the brain that is comparable to some of the most addictive substances. It’s a tough habit to kick.
CAFFEINE
We know caffeine has most of us “hooked”. It’s how we start our day. It’s how we stay awake. What we turn to when we need to power through that 12 hour shift or study for that exam. It’s everywhere and people can overdose on it. Think energy drinks, caffeine-infused foods, and caffeine powders.
While the lethal dose of caffeine will vary from person to person, a study estimated that approximately 200 milligrams per kilogram of body weight can kill you. A person weighing 160lbs would have to consume 150 cups of coffee. Coffee has approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine per 8ounces.
In contrast, the same person could smoke over three pounds of cannabis at one time and still not die of a fatal overdose.
TOBACCO
This one we know. It is well known around the world that tobacco contributes to cancer. Yet this legal substance is marketed, promoted and sold easily at every and any convenience store.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 different chemical compounds. 70 are know to cause cancer in humans and animals.
Tobacco is a plant and it is legal.
The risks of chronic long term cannabis smoking has yet to be fully evaluated, the research out there does not find the same cancer risks.
ALCOHOL
Another familiar item. This is the thing of parties and social gatherings, celebrations and casual Sunday sports watching. Grab a
seat and grab a drink.
Alcohol contributes to 2.5 million deaths a year. Again, cannabis has yet to be found as the single culprit to even one death.
Alcohol is truly a gateway drug. It inspires higher addiction rates than cannabis and leads to increase dangerous lifestyle living.
PARABENS
Parabens are synthetic preservatives found in everything from cosmetics, deodorants, shampoos, skincare products, foods, and beverages. Our lives are ladden with paraben exposure.
Of particular concern are the effects of parabens on hormones and the immune system.
Breast cancer is one of the biggest connections between paraben use and disease. The deodorant debate runs strong.
Legal doesn’t necessarily mean good or healthy for you.
