Over the years, cannabis has been used for an array of reasons. Scientists, through research, have progressively proved the various medical benefits of cannabis. On the other hand, cannabis enthusiasts have been using cannabis for recreational purposes due to its psychoactive effects.
Nevertheless, cannabis used for medical purposes has some noble differences from those used for recreation. Understanding these differences can help you get the most from cannabis. In addition, it can help you know the appropriate dose you should take and the best method to consume cannabis.
The following article will examine the differences between recreational and medical cannabis.
What Is Recreational Cannabis?
Recreational cannabis is also known as weed and is mainly used for enjoyment. Recreational weed is one of the most abused drugs in most states. Most people consume recreational cannabis due to its high effect caused by the psychoactive cannabinoid known as THC. People who consume cannabis for recreation claim that it induces sleep and gives a relaxed feeling and happiness. Recreational cannabis has no professional prescription.
You can always access recreational cannabis from your nearest cannabis dispensary. If you’re looking for affordable cannabis, you can visit http://weedsmart.cc/product-category/marijuana-flowers/budget-buds-under-99/, as they are reliable in providing quality, affordable regular cannabis.
What Is Medicinal Cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis refers to all cannabis products used in alleviating and dealing with symptoms of mental and physical issues. Cannabis has several medical benefits, such as relieving chronic pain, coping with anxiety and depression, and reducing inflammation. However, only people with severe health conditions can receive a prescription for medicinal cannabis after a thorough assessment by the healthcare provider. In addition, before cannabis products are prescribed to patients, they must be approved by relevant authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Medical professionals may prescribe cannabis-based drugs to patients with conditions such as; epilepsy for both children and adults, nausea or vomiting due to chemotherapies, and muscle stiffness and spasms caused by sclerosis.
Medicinal cannabis has no THC content and is regulated regarding ingredients used in making the products.
Here Are the Differences Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis
CBD and THC Content
Medical cannabis usually contains higher CBD levels compared to recreational cannabis. CBD does not have high effects, so it’s the most appropriate for medical cannabis. This means that once you consume medical cannabis, you will not experience the “high” associated with recreational cannabis. However, there are no notable differences between the flowers and concentrates of both types.
On the other hand, when it comes to THC level, recreational cannabis has a higher THC level compared to medical cannabis. THC is responsible for the high effect and hence provides more recreational benefits. THC content is said to significantly improve sleep and induce relaxation, therefore appropriate for recreation. Though THC is linked to some health benefits, it can also have some side effects, therefore, not conducive for medical purposes.
Prescription
For medical cannabis, you must have recommendations and prescriptions from the healthcare provider. You will also have to buy medical cannabis from a certified dispensary. For recreational cannabis, anyone can purchase it from a nearby dispensary. You will require no prescription or guidance when it comes to recreational cannabis. In addition, you must also have a qualifying and severe medical condition to get a medical cannabis recommendation compared to recreational cannabis, which doesn’t require any health problems.
Regulation
To purchase medical marijuana from any dispensary, you must be 18 years old. However, under some circumstances or severe conditions, someone under 18 can receive a medical cannabis prescription and be allowed to purchase using a medical cannabis card. Nevertheless, this regulation varies from state to state, and hence it’s essential to do prior thorough research.
On the other hand, the law requires you to be over 21 years to buy recreational cannabis from the nearby dispensary. However, you must also ascertain that cannabis is legal in your state. In states where cannabis is legal, you can buy, possess, and grow your best strain as long as you are over 21 years. You will also not require any card or prescription when purchasing recreational cannabis
Purchasing
Medical and recreational cannabis differ in terms of content and ingredients. Therefore, you can obtain them from different places as regulated by local authorities. For medical cannabis, you can and should get it from a medical cannabis dispensary. You must also have your medical cannabis card with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
For recreational cannabis, you can purchase them from your nearby dispensary or reliable supplier in your area as long as it is legal in your state. You can also visit the manufacturer or growers to get yourself the best and pure strain. When purchasing recreational cannabis, you don’t require any cannabis card or health condition.
Wrapping Up
Medical and recreational cannabis may have many similarities in how they are used. However, their regulations by relevant authorities bring notable differences. Consumers can simultaneously experience medical and recreational benefits when they consume their favorite cannabis strain. For example, when enjoying your cannabis edibles for recreation, you can still experience some pain and anxiety relief.
Nevertheless, whenever you want to purchase and consume recreational cannabis, you must check on the laws of your state or the provided regulations. On the other hand, you should consult your healthcare provider before using medical cannabis for medical purposes. This will help you determine the appropriate dose for your condition and the best strain.
