There are several differences between medical and recreational marijuana. In recreationally legal states, recreational marijuana can be purchased by anyone who meets the specific age requirement. In Florida, for example, medical cannabis users must acquire a medical cannabis certification from a certified marijuana doctor.
What Is the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?
Though medical and recreational marijuana come from the same green plant, there are several differences to take into account when considering using cannabis products. People who turn to medical marijuana are taking advantage of the therapeutic properties cannabis offers. On the contrary, people use recreational marijuana simply because they enjoy the high feeling.
Medical vs. Recreational Marijuana
Any cannabis that is not medical is referred to as recreational cannabis. THC content between medical vs. recreational weed is the major difference concerning the two types of marijuana use. For medical marijuana patients, it is not always ideal to have high levels of THC.
Medical vs. Recreational Potency
Medical marijuana has regulated and calculated THC and CBD levels. This helps medical marijuana users avoid an unnecessary high while treating their medical condition. CBD plays a significant role when treating symptoms of medical conditions such as chronic pain. It can also balance potential anxiety some patients feel as a reaction to higher THC levels.
What is THC?
THC is the most researched compound found in cannabis. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in the plant. This compound is responsible for the high sensation associated with using marijuana. THC is most commonly consumed by smoking, although it is available in tinctures, capsules, oils, edibles, and more.
Both CBD and THC are similar to the body’s endocannabinoids. This is what allows THC and CBD to interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. The interaction influences a release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are essentially chemical messengers that send information between neurons. They play a role in immune function, sleep, stress, and more.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring chemical found in marijuana. CBD exclusive products do not have any psychoactive effects as CBD does not contain THC. While it is not a cure-all, CBD has been effective in treating several conditions. Strong scientific evidence shows that CBD effectively treats childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. It’s worth noting that these epilepsy syndromes do not respond to standard antiseizure medication.
Many believe insufficient research has been done on CBD. Though, as more high-quality evidence circulates, CBD may prove to be a strong option for treating chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Medical Marijuana
People do not use medical cannabis to get high. They use it to treat their medical symptoms. Many new strains of medical cannabis have an altered chemical makeup, designed to consist of more chemicals that provide health benefits and less that cause euphoria. Medical cannabis patients must use a medical marijuana card to acquire legal, medical marijuana. At Cannabis Doctor X, our certified marijuana doctors will determine if a medical cannabis card will benefit you.
Studies show that medical cannabis has potential benefits for several conditions. Medical marijuana is often used in treating:
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Glaucoma
- Multiple sclerosis and muscle spasms
- Chrohn’s disease
- Severe and chronic pain
- Severe nausea
Many people turn to medical marijuana as an alternative form of treatment. In some cases, medical marijuana can be an effective option if other treatments haven’t helped.
Recreational Marijuana
The THC content in recreational marijuana is not typically regulated. Many experience the therapeutic effects of marijuana even when using it recreationally. For some, using marijuana recreationally helps ease social anxiety and general life stress.
In states where recreational marijuana is legal, anyone that meets the state-specific age requirement can buy cannabis. As of 2021, recreational cannabis is legal in more than half of the country. In some cases, recreational dispensaries only offer a range of certain products. This is mainly because they do not want non-medical cannabis patients to have access to highly potent options. Each state has specific and unique cannabis laws, so it is always a good idea to have a good understanding of the cannabis laws in your area.
Book Your Medical Marijuana Evaluation Now
At Cannabis Doctor X, we have a deep understanding of medical marijuana and what it can offer certain individuals. Our goal is to deliver an authentic approach to our patient’s health and wellness. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today.
