Marijuana vs. Tobacco: Myths, Risks & the Road Ahead

This week on Psychology Takeaway, Jim and Ralph go deep into a trend that’s reshaping health behavior in the U.S.: marijuana use has now surpassed tobacco use. What’s driving the shift? Is weed really safer? And what long-term consequences might we be ignoring? In this special early episode—released ahead of the July 4th holiday—they break down the science, debunk common myths, and explore what psychology tells us about addiction, motivation, and cultural perception. From chronic lung damage to cannabis use disorder, from pain relief to policy gaps, this conversation pulls back the haze to get at what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what might still be forming. Whether you're a curious listener, healthcare professional, or policymaker, this episode will help you see the cannabis conversation in a new, evidence-based light.    We did this as a video as well as an audio. Check it out: [LINK] https://youtu.be/xt1jLEwyBHY   LEARN MORE  Breaking news on adverse effects: https://youtu.be/yMRJlhdahjc?feature=shared Why athletes use weed: https://youtu.be/iWCcuu3T0Go?feature=shared Youth and the Domino Effect: https://www.ted.com/talks/the_domino_effect_youth_and_substance_abuse?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare