Latest Articles

The Future of Sustainable Recruitment: Strategies Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce

Key Takeaways Discover innovative approaches that are revolutionizing recruitment practices in a sustainable manner. Explore the role of technology in shaping eco-friendly hiring processes. Learn about strategies...

The Art and Science of Achieving Natural-Looking Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures worldwide. While some patients desire dramatic results, many seek enhancements that look and feel...

The Best Roster Moves for Success in Madden NFL

Making the correct personnel decisions that position you for long-term domination is more important than simply winning games when building a great Madden NFL...

Sejda: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate PDF Editor

Sejda is a powerful online and desktop-based PDF editor that provides users with a seamless experience in managing their PDF documents. Whether you need...

5 Tips to Hire Mini Excavator Services for Your Project

Hiring the right mini excavator service can make your project completion easier. Whether you are clearing land, or preparing a construction site, the right...

Firearm Stores In Houston: Which One Is Right For You?

Locating the best gun shops in Houston may be difficult, regardless of your level of experience with firearms. From hunting rifles and self-defense pistols...

Exploring the Link Between Addiction and Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma and addiction are intricately connected, with many individuals facing substance use disorders as a coping mechanism for past painful experiences. Research suggests...

Is Twstalker the Best Twitter Web Viewer?

Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms, enabling users to engage with the latest trends, share thoughts, and follow influential personalities....

Streamline Your Plant-Based Diet with the Vegan Recipes & Meal Planner App

Adopting a plant-based diet is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and the environment. However, planning balanced, nutritious meals...

Estate Cleanout Experts: Comprehensive Property Solutions Across South Florida

Serving: Miami, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Kendall, Aventura, Miami Beach, Doral, Palmetto Bay, Coral Gables, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Nob Hill, Lauderhill, Lake...

5 Common SEO Mistakes for 2025 & How to Avoid Them

Search engine optimisation (SEO) continues to evolve rapidly, and businesses in the UK must stay ahead to ensure visibility and traffic. However, many make...

Discovery Plus Login Guide

How to Create a Discovery Plus Account and Log In Discovery Plus accounts unlock a wide collection of documentaries, reality series, and unique material. The...

Sotwe Review: Twitter Web Viewer, Trend Analyzer, and Downloader

Twitter has evolved into one of the most influential social media platforms, serving as a hub for real-time news, trends, and global discussions. However,...

Adventure Awaits: Discovering Koh Lanta National Park and the Journey to Krabi

Koh Lanta, with its pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. One of its must-visit...

8 Common Gardening Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Gardening should be rewarding, not frustrating. But if your plants keep struggling or your garden isn't thriving the way you'd hoped, you might be...
HomeHealth and FitnessExploring CBDWhat's the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?

What’s the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?

Do you have a medical condition, such as chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety? Are you looking for alternative ways that can help you cope with it?

If so, one of the options you’ve likely come across is medical marijuana. You may even know people who use it, considering that an estimated 8.3 million Americans say they do so under their doctor’s authorization.

At the same time, you may also know folks who use recreational marijuana. While they’re technically both from the same cannabis plant, they have several differences.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what those differences are. So read on, as what you learn here can help you make a more educated decision if you decide to use cannabis. 

What Exactly Is Medical Marijuana?

Medical marijuana (more appropriately known as medical cannabis) is state-regulated cannabis specifically intended for medical purposes. Regulations governing its use vary from one state to another.

For example, some states restrict medical cannabis for specific health conditions. Others allow prescribers to decide if it can help a patient’s health condition. Some states even dictate which type of healthcare professional can recommend its use.

Either way, most states mandate registration with their respective medical cannabis program. This applies to both the prescribing health professional and the person who wishes to use medical cannabis. The exact registration process also varies from one state to another. 

What Makes Medical Cannabis Different From Recreational Marijuana?

Recreational marijuana (now often referred to as adult-use cannabis) is cannabis anyone over the age of 21 can buy in states that allow its use. As of November 20233, non-medical or adult-use cannabis is legal in 24 states and D.C.

So, the primary difference between medical and adult-use cannabis is that the former is only for medical purposes. On the other hand, people can purchase and use the latter for reasons other than medical purposes. As long as they are of age, people who wish to buy adult-use cannabis can do so from legal dispensaries. 

Buying Requirements

You can only purchase medical marijuana with a medical card. You’d have to present this as proof every time you buy medical cannabis products.

By contrast, you would only have to show an I.D. proving you are of legal age when you buy adult-use cannabis. 

Buying Restrictions

Many states restrict medical cannabis purchases to residents. So, even if you have a medical card but are trying to buy medical marijuana in another state, you’ll unlikely be able to get some.

On the other hand, adult-use cannabis shops are typically open to anyone, including out-of-state buyers. 

Uses of Medical Cannabis

According to the CDC, the most common reason people say they use medical cannabis is to help manage pain. It further states that some studies found that it may be helpful for neuropathic pain. The latter is a type of chronic pain condition resulting from nerve damage.

In another study, the primary reason cited by U.S. adults for medical cannabis use was to help with anxiety. Many reported using it to help with their insomnia and depression, too. For others, it’s because they have chronic pain.

Researchers are also studying the potential uses of medical cannabis for other conditions. These include the following:

  • Spasticity related to multiple sclerosis
  • Nausea
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma
  • Degenerative neurological conditions

It’s important to note that while the existing findings are promising, researchers say that more studies are necessary. 

Uses of Recreational Cannabis

While adult-use cannabis is often associated with “getting high,” many people use it for more than recreation. For instance, some people use or smoke marijuana for spiritual practices and traditions. Others consume it for stress relief, relaxation, motivation, or creative inspiration. 

How Can You Buy Medical Cannabis?

While the exact process varies from state to state, most require a medical card to purchase medical cannabis. To get this, you must speak with a doctor whom your state has authorized to “recommend” medical marijuana use. Once you find one, talk to them about your condition and if cannabis can help. 

If your doctor recommends medical cannabis, they’ll issue an official approval. You’ll use this to register with your state’s medical marijuana registry. Many states where medical cannabis is legal let you do this online.

You’d likely have to pay a fee to get your medical marijuana card. Depending on your state, this can range from $50 to $200. 

Where Can You Buy Medical Cannabis?

You can buy medical cannabis from your local licensed marijuana dispensary.

Please ensure you verify the dispensary’s licensure because unlicensed shops are rampant. Unfortunately, these illegal dispensaries may be selling unlicensed weed that can do your health more harm than good. For instance, their products may contain harmful contaminants like E. coli, Salmonella, and lead.

Unlicensed dispensaries may also sell marijuana strains with very high weed potency. If you consume this, you could have too much THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in your system. This can be dangerous, as THC is the primary psychoactive substance in cannabis.

Excessive levels of THC can result in paranoia and full-blown psychosis. 

What Cannabis Products Can You Purchase?

In most states, you can buy medical and adult-use cannabis products in plant form. These are usually dried buds for smoking. However, you can also purchase cannabis in the following forms:

  • Oral solutions
  • Topical creams
  • Oils and sprays
  • Pills 

Some cannabis products, such as those containing other cannabinoids but not THC, are neither medical nor “recreational.” These include cannabidiol (CBD) products and many white label cannabinoids derived from hemp. While hemp is still cannabis, it’s legal at the federal level because it contains 0.3% or less THC. 

Speak to Your Doctor Before Using Medical Cannabis

Now that you know how medical marijuana differs from recreational or adult-use cannabis, you can make a more educated choice on which one to get.

If you think that medical cannabis can help with a condition you suffer from, it’s best to speak with your doctor ASAP. This way, they can help determine if it could benefit your health.

For more on the latest news on health, check out our recent articles and blog posts!

Trending

Common Roofing Problems and How to Fix Them

The Importance of Identifying and Addressing Roofing Problems Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, protecting your family, belongings, and...

Wood Shake Roofs in Calgary: Installation Tips for a Rustic Elegance

In the heart of Canada, Calgary stands out not just for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its unique architectural styles...

Finding the Best LCD Itel Supplier for Your Mobile Device Needs

Introduction: In today's fast-paced digital world, mobile devices have become an essential part of our lives. Whether it's for communication, entertainment, or work, having...

Customizing your Custom Boxes,

our first need is to satisfy your needs as a whole. We will generally value your requests and needs. It makes a more grounded...

The Role of Software Testing Services Companies in Product Development

In the fast-paced world of technology, where software products are constantly evolving, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products has become a paramount concern for...

Donating to Veteran Aid Programs

Are you planning to donate to a veteran aid program? Veteran donations help soldiers overcome challenges they face while serving their country, such as...

How to Pair Fresh Flowers In A Bouquet for Better Results? – Amir Articles

Pair Fresh Flowers In Bouquet to make a space even more inviting, and no normal human being can ever afford to deny this fact...

20 Best Total War Attila MODs Completely free

Read a short introduction about Total War Attila MODs & also download links for everyone to access original files to play. There are some...

Why are Invisible Braces the Right Choice in 2022?

What are invisible braces? It is not uncommon to think that invisible braces have gone from having a use and reason solely for health to...

LED Home Lighting – A Buyer’s Guide

Whether you are charmed by the new Driven home lighting items showing up in many stores, or are quick to contribute in the battle...