There has been a surge in marijuana usage in the recent past, particularly for therapeutic purposes. Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, has been used without any medical justification. As of now, it is almost certain that cannabis comes with so many therapeutic benefits regardless of the consumption method or why one is consuming it.
Different people consume both recreational cannabis and medical marijuana. There is, however, a difference between the two in terms of legislation, among other aspects. This article sets apart the differences between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis. You will be able to understand the benefits of using marijuana for medical reasons instead of using it for fun.
Table of Contents
Medical Cannabis vs. Recreational Cannabis: The Difference Explained
Uses
Recreational marijuana is generally used for personal enjoyment as people look forward to getting high after use. According to users, it is just a good way to pass the time. On the other hand, medical marijuana has been used for therapeutic purposes. All this narrows down to the CBD to THC ratio, with medical marijuana having a higher ratio of CBD to THC.
Effects on the Human Body
Recreational cannabis is preferred by people looking forward to getting social enjoyment or personal satisfaction as it gets you high. On the other hand, people use medical marijuana for different purposes.
These include relief from pain, increased appetite among HIV/AIDs patients, reducing nausea after chemotherapy, and even treating various forms of epilepsy. The benefits of medical marijuana are attributed to its high CBD ratio.
THC and CBD Levels
The main difference between medical marijuana and recreational cannabis is the level of THC and CBD, active marijuana ingredients. Recreational marijuana will have more THC compared to therapeutic cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the compound responsible for the high upon smoking marijuana.
Even though it could have medical benefits, its psychoactive nature is not good for people looking to use marijuana solely for medical purposes. On the other hand, CBD has been proven to be a medical remedy for different medical conditions.
While both medical marijuana and recreational cannabis have both THC and CBD, you get medical benefits from a product whose CBD ratio is higher.
Legal Status
There is a world of difference between medical cannabis vs. recreational cannabis. Despite cannabis being around for a while and being used widely, there are legal aspects to using both medical cannabis and recreational marijuana. In most parts of the globe, recreational marijuana faces so many legal hurdles, and people consuming it do that in hiding since it hasn’t been legalized.
On the other hand, with people beginning to realize the medical benefits that cannabis possesses, medical marijuana has continued to be accepted. For that reason, medical marijuana has been removed from the list of controlled substances at the federal level. Its legal status is what makes it readily accessible.
Easiness of Access and Availability
Owing to the stringent legality, anyone found possessing recreational cannabis in places where it is banned face serious fines or jail terms. Therefore, you can tell that in areas where recreational cannabis is illegal, it will be hard to access it.
However, CBD sourced from hemp has been legally accepted across the states of the US, among other parts of the world. It is therefore easily accessible to people requiring it for medical reasons. Additionally, laws that govern medical marijuana are relaxed to allow wider usage.
Quality of Products
The quality of recreational marijuana and that of medical cannabis is different too. Even though they both undergo a similar growing process, difference arises during cultivation and production. Cannabis used for medical reasons undergoes a strict and controlled process before availing for consumption.
In most cases, you will realize that cannabis for medical uses is grown in an indoor environment instead of recreational marijuana, which can be grown outdoors and indoors. Ideally, the production process for medical marijuana is different from that of recreational cannabis.
Variety of Purpose
Versatile products will be the go-to choice instead of those that offer a single benefit. It is no different when it comes to cannabis use. Comparing recreational marijuana to medical cannabis, most people use recreational cannabis for personal satisfaction and social enjoyment.
However, medical marijuana is considered versatile since it is associated with many medical benefits. Recreational marijuana is just used to get one high with no other purpose. In this case, it is only available to a small group of people instead of its counterpart.
Shopping Experiences
The way you shop for these two products is very different. Similarities might arise in states where recreational cannabis is legal, but the process differs. When you are shopping for medical cannabis, patients should give their ID and medical marijuana card. These help to ascertain that such people are authorized to buy marijuana. You will find medical marijuana in clinics where only one client is allowed to guarantee privacy.
On the other hand, you will get recreational marijuana in stores, and there will be no medical advice. It is assumed that buyers of recreational marijuana know what they are looking for. Therefore, they are not given any instructions by the seller.
Benefits and Perks
This one depends on the country and state. Patients looking forward to using medical marijuana for health conditions stand to benefit from the medical marijuana. The benefits aren’t available to consumers of recreational cannabis.
Some of the perks include enjoying low taxes and prices on these products, legal availability for minors, and access to high quantity doses based on the prescription. In some instances, medical marijuana patients are allowed to grow their own marijuana for therapeutic purposes.
User Intent
The purpose of the product again creates a difference. People shop based on their needs, with recreational users focusing on leisure as well as THC’s psychoactive effects. Medical marijuana users, on the other hand, are interested in the medical benefits of the product.
Conclusion
Summing it up, even though both recreational and medical cannabis originates from the same plant, there are very clear differences between the two. Medical use of cannabis is primarily based on CBD as opposed to THC. These are two active ingredients in marijuana.
On the other hand, recreational cannabis has a higher THC content for the psychoactive effect that most people look forward to for the high feeling. Before deciding what, you want to get, you have to keep all these differences in mind. Most importantly, make sure to follow the rules and regulations governing the use of marijuana in your area.
