Medical Marijuana vs. Recreational Marijuana- What's the Difference?
Recreational marijuana and medical marijuana are two different things. Knowing the difference between them is important because it can affect how you use your cannabis. Understanding the difference between recreational and medical marijuana can also help you determine if you need this drug or not. Some differences between recreational and medical weed include their effects on your body, how they're grown and what parts of the plant they come from.
The world of marijuana is ever-evolving, and with that comes a lot of confusion. With more and more states legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, it can be difficult to keep track of what's what. So, what's the difference between medical marijuana and recreational marijuana?
Medical marijuana is legal for medical conditions, as determined by your doctor.
Medical marijuana is legal in over half of the states in the United States. In some states, it's legal for any condition; in others, it may be available only for certain conditions like pain or anxiety. Before buying medical marijuana from a dispensary in some states, you must first obtain a doctor's recommendation. A doctor can recommend medicinal marijuana in states where it is legal. Patients must qualify for medical marijuana by certifying they suffer from one of the conditions listed in the state's law. Virginia allows patients to obtain medical marijuana cards for a diagnosed medical condition.
Medical marijuana can treat various conditions, including chronic pain and nausea, from chemotherapy treatments. Patients who have debilitating conditions such as Crohn's disease or multiple sclerosis have also found relief with medical cannabis because it has fewer side effects than most pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by doctors today.
What is Recreational Marijuana
As more states legalize recreational marijuana, more people are curious about its use. Recreational marijuana is simply marijuana that is used for leisure rather than medicinal purposes. People can use recreational marijuana in a variety of ways. Some people smoke it, while others consume it as edibles or oils. There is no incorrect or correct way to consume recreational marijuana; it is entirely up to the individual. When using recreational marijuana, there are some things you should know:
Starting with a small dose and increasing it as needed is essential.
It is critical to be aware of marijuana's potential side effects, such as paranoia and anxiety.
Using marijuana responsibly and not driving under the influence is important.
What is the purpose of medical marijuana?
Cannabis plants and their derivatives used to treat medical conditions are called medical marijuana. There are hundreds of compounds in the cannabis plant, including more than 100 cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a class of chemicals that act on the body's cannabinoid receptors. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD are the two most well-known cannabinoids (cannabidiol). Evidence is growing supporting medical marijuana to treat a variety of ailments. However, more research is needed to confirm cannabinoids' therapeutic potential.
Is there a difference in quality between medicinal and recreational marijuana?
There is a quality difference between medical and recreational marijuana, with medicinal marijuana being of higher quality. This is because the government requires growers of medical marijuana to adhere to stricter quality control standards to ensure that their product meets the needs of patients. Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, is not subject to such stringent quality control standards, and as a result, the product quality can vary greatly.
California defines medical marijuana as any form of cannabis used to treat a serious medical condition. The main difference between medical and recreational marijuana is how each type is used. While there are some states where both types can be legally purchased, most states have separate laws for each category. Recreational users usually want high-THC strains because they produce more intense psychoactive effects. On the other hand, people who take medical cannabis use different strains depending on what they're looking to treat (pain relief).
Employment and Marijuana
The laws on the issue of marijuana use differ from state to state. In some states, there are zero-tolerance workplace drug use policies. Other states have passed laws that protect medical marijuana users from being discriminated against at work if they have a prescription card. There are also protections for recreational consumers in some places.
However, suppose you live in a particular state that has not yet legalized recreational marijuana. In that case, there's no protection for your right to use it outside your home or property. You could be fired if you test positive for one of these substances during a drug test at work. Even though they know that you need medical cannabis to manage an illness, they will not be breaking any laws.
What are the THC and CBD levels in medicinal weed compared to recreational marijuana?
The two main components of marijuana are THC and CBD. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive ingredient that makes you high, whereas CBD (cannabidiol) is not.
CBD levels in medical marijuana are higher than in recreational marijuana due to the cultivation of specific strains. CBD has been shown to have many health benefits, including pain relief and relaxation without making you feel "high." While recreational marijuana generally has higher THC levels than medical marijuana.
Medical Marijuana The Safe Option
The main difference between medicinal and recreational marijuana is the intent behind its use. Recreational marijuana has high THC levels and may have other chemicals as well. This type of marijuana is intended for non-medical purposes, such as getting high. Medical marijuana is used by people who are sick or have an illness that causes pain or other symptoms. Medical cannabis helps relieve those symptoms so people can live better lives without interfering with daily activities like eating or sleeping.
There is less government regulation regarding recreational marijuana, and it is more heavily taxed. If you are a Virginia resident, you might qualify for medical marijuana. Book an appointment to learn more.
