Why Stigma Still Exists Around Medicinal Cannabis
Despite growing awareness, medicinal cannabis still carries a significant stigma. For many, the idea of using cannabis as a treatment, especially when it comes to family or friends, can feel uncomfortable or even risky. Fear of judgment is a key reason why people hesitate to talk about it. While 92% of New Zealanders are aware of medicinal cannabis, only a fraction truly understands its benefits and medical applications. This lack of understanding fuels the stigma and perpetuates misconceptions.
The stigma persists due to a lack of education. Many people confuse medicinal cannabis with recreational use, leading to concerns about its safety, legality, and effectiveness. For example, 30% of Kiwis are still unsure whether medicinal cannabis is legal, even though it has been legal for over five years. This confusion is a significant barrier to acceptance and continues to fuel the stigma.
Family judgment remains one of the biggest obstacles people face when considering medicinal cannabis. Many patients worry about being misunderstood or judged, and those worries are often compounded by misinformation. 65% of New Zealanders still perceive stigma around medicinal cannabis, which means that nearly two-thirds of the population may still hold negative views about its use. However, attitudes are slowly changing, thanks to more education, better understanding, and honest conversations.
Cannabis as Medicine: A Journey Through Time and Stigma in New Zealand
Cannabis has served humanity as a medicine for millennia, yet the past century has seen it transform from a pharmacy staple to a prohibited substance. Today, as New Zealand grapples with medicinal cannabis reform, understanding this complex history can help us forge a more compassionate path forward.
Ancient Roots of Cannabis Medicine
Long before modern pharmaceuticals, cannabis was a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Ancient Chinese texts from 2700 BCE describe Emperor Shen Nung using cannabis to treat conditions ranging from rheumatism to “absent-mindedness.” The plant spread along trade routes, becoming integral to Indian Ayurvedic medicine and eventually reaching the Middle East and Africa. By the 19th century, cannabis had earned its place in Western medicine. Queen Victoria’s physician prescribed it for her menstrual cramps, and cannabis tinctures lined pharmacy shelves across Europe and America. Medical journals published hundreds of articles documenting its effectiveness for pain, insomnia, and appetite loss.
The Tide Turns: A Century of Stigma
The 20th century brought a dramatic reversal. In the 1920s and 1930s, a combination of factors – racial prejudice against Mexican immigrants who used “marihuana,” economic interests of emerging pharmaceutical companies, and sensationalist media campaigns – began to reshape public perception, particularly in the United States. The infamous film Reefer Madness (1936) depicted cannabis users as violent criminals, cementing fears in the public imagination.
New Zealand followed international trends, criminalising cannabis in 1975 under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This classification grouped cannabis with heroin and methamphetamine, ignoring centuries of medicinal use and emerging scientific evidence of its therapeutic potential.
The Stigma Continues
The stigma around cannabis use for medicinal purposes is deeply rooted in these historical narratives. The criminalisation of cannabis led to silence among those who found relief through it. As a result, many people had to choose between breaking the law or suffering in silence. This silence perpetuated misconceptions about the plant’s medicinal value, and research on its therapeutic properties became nearly impossible. This cycle continues today, with stigma affecting patients, doctors, and even policy makers.
How to Break the Stigma: Open Conversations & Education
The key to breaking stigma is conversation. Talking openly about medicinal cannabis with your family and friends helps dispel myths and build understanding. As more people hear real stories about medicinal cannabis from trusted sources, the easier it becomes to challenge the negative narratives.
Sharing your personal experience is a powerful tool in this process. When you speak openly about your journey, it helps others understand medicinal cannabis as a legitimate treatment, not just a recreational drug. Research shows that 81% of people haven’t tried medicinal cannabis, but 62% would be open to trying it under the right circumstances. This highlights the opportunity to change perceptions by having open discussions.
At Cannabis Clinic, we support you every step of the way, not just with your treatment, but with these difficult conversations too. Educating your loved ones about medicinal cannabis can be the first step in changing their perspective. We’re here to provide you with the tools, resources, and confidence to talk about medicinal cannabis openly, and we’re committed to offering guidance through these challenging but necessary discussions.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to have these conversations with your family, check out our blog post from last week on How to Talk to Your Family About Medicinal Cannabis.
The Importance of Sharing Stories to Break the Stigma
Real stories have the power to change lives. When you share your personal experience with medicinal cannabis, you not only educate others but also give them the courage to make informed decisions about their health. Sharing your positive experience helps to challenge the misconceptions and fears that drive stigma.
Research shows that 62% of people would be open to trying medicinal cannabis under the right circumstances. Yet, misinformation and fear are often the biggest barriers. By sharing your story, you help reduce that fear, dispel myths, and show that medicinal cannabis is a legitimate, safe, and effective healthcare option.
If you have experienced the benefits of medicinal cannabis, your voice matters. Sharing your journey – whether with friends, family, or online – helps break down stigma and empowers others to make informed choices about their health. Together, we can build a more accepting, educated, and compassionate world.
Together, We Can Change the Narrative
Breaking the stigma around medicinal cannabis is not a solo effort; it is a collective one. Every conversation, every story, and every piece of education brings us closer to a world where medicinal cannabis is seen for what it truly is: a valid, effective treatment option.
We encourage you to continue being open about your decision to use medicinal cannabis. Start a conversation. Together, we can challenge outdated views and change the future of medicinal cannabis.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
For more resources and support, or to book a consultation, click here.
Disclaimer: Medicinal cannabis and CBD oil are unapproved medicines in NZ which means that there is no conclusive evidence for their effect, apart from Sativex. Many doctors do not routinely prescribe cannabis medicines. The above article was written for general educational purposes and does not intend to suggest that medicinal cannabis can be used to treat any health condition. Please consult with your healthcare provider.