What Is The Difference Between Medical And Recreational Weed
Have you ever wondered what the distinction is between medical and recreational marijuana? Do you want to know what distinguishes medicinal cannabis from recreational marijuana? The answer is here in this article. Although they share similar origins and are generally seen as one and the same item, there are considerable differences between them that say otherwise.
Let’s take a quick look at some of these significant variables.
Is Medical Marijuana Stronger than Recreational Marijuana?
When the question of whether medical marijuana is stronger than recreational marijuana is asked, the factor that is mostly being focused on is the concentration and potency of THC. In this regard, since medical weed contains more CBD than THC, then you can say that recreational weed is stronger than medical weed. Both are beneficial to the body in different ways.
However, if you’re asking about the medicinal strength, medical marijuana is stronger than recreational marijuana.
The difference in their Legal Status
Federal: In the eyes of the US federal law, both recreational weed and medical marijuana are considered illegal. Cannabis is classified as a schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, a drug with no presently recognized medicinal purpose and a significant abuse potential that is not to be possessed or used by anyone.
State: Despite the position of the federal law, many states have, as of this moment, legalized the use of marijuana, either for recreational or medical use. In some states like Alaska, Arizona, California, and a few others, weed has been legalized for both recreational and medical use. However, in some US states like Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and a few others, cannabis is only permitted for medical use. If caught attempting to use it illegally, you could be punished by the law.
How to stay protected from the law
People tend to abuse recreational weed a lot. Despite the difference between federal and some state views of weed, the government has chosen to allow state laws to be in charge. This infers that in permitted states, weed could be used for either recreational or medical use, depending on the provision of the state law. Nevertheless, to buy cannabis for medical use, you are required to have your Medical Marijuana card (MMJ card) and a doctor’s prescription to prove that you are not breaking the law. This will keep you protected from jail and embarrassment.
If you would like to learn more about how to get your MMJ card, contact Dr. Weedy today.
The difference in Biochemistry
Medical marijuana is different from recreational weed in biochemistry. Are you surprised to learn this? Keep reading to learn more.
Marijuana contains over 400 chemical entities. Of these, the two main active chemical compounds present are Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While the former, CBD, is responsible for most medicinal and healing uses of cannabis, THC, on the other hand, is the compound behind the psychoactive effect or high.
So, is medical weed stronger than regular weed? Regarding the ability to produce ‘high,’ the answer is no! The strains used in producing medical marijuana have high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. The reverse is what you will see with recreational weed.
Can you Buy Medical and Recreational Cannabis the same way?
The answer is a big NO! and this is another difference between the two. In the states where cannabis has been legalized for recreational use, you can easily purchase it from any weed dispensary. It is always best you go for good-grade marijuana. You do have to be up to the legally permitted age of 18 or 21, depending on the present laws.
However, you can only buy medical cannabis only in special dispensaries and clinics. To do this, you’ll need more than reaching the age limit to qualify. You must have a proven qualifying medical condition and a written recommendation from a licensed doctor, confirming your need for marijuana. You need to have an MMJ card and personal ID with you to be eligible to buy medical weed.
To get your MMJ card without delay, call Dr. Weedy to receive professional guidance.
Medical Vs. Recreational Weed — Price Difference
The cost of medical weed is cheap compared to recreational weed. The price of weed varies from state to state and according to type. Since it is used for medical purposes, medical weed is distributed at more affordable rates than recreational weed. In some states, like Alaska and Utah, the cost is similar, and it is under $50. In some other states, rates get as high as $200. Nevertheless, MMJ cardholders save lots of money on marijuana.
Another difference between the prices is that medical weed tax is lesser than recreational marijuana. Let’s compare:
- the smallest difference is in Massachusetts, where you’ll pay 0% of taxes for medical marijuana vs 6.25% plus local taxes for recreational one;
- the biggest difference is in Washington, 0% vs 37%!
The luckiest people live in Alaska, where the tax rate is zero for both. California has 7.25% tax rate for recreational pot. In dollars, it makes more than a thousand dollars of savings per year.
What is the difference between the Uses of Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?
Regarding usage, recreational weed is used primarily for recreational purposes, to get high. It is smoked or added to food for reasons ranging from fun and achieving ‘highness’ to enjoying its relaxation and calming effects.
The medicinal potency of medical cannabis is incredibly beneficial to the user. This is why it is approved in some countries and states for use in the treatment and control of different diseases and health conditions, including chronic pain, seizures, vomiting, appetite disorders, sleeplessness, glaucoma, and heart and bone diseases. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in medicinal marijuana that provide therapeutic advantages.
Do Recreational and Medical Marijuana have similar effects on the body?
The effects of medical marijuana are more direct and straightforward. The reason for this unique biochemistry of medical marijuana strains. Due to the high CBD and low THC content, medical marijuana will not induce a major highness but rather deliver the intended therapeutic effect. For example, Indica strains are highly effective in relieving physical stress, whilst Sativa strains are known to improve mental wellness.
Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, needs to be used with caution, as the more you smoke, the more you experience the psychoactive effects. There will be hunger, nausea, pleasure, and so on.
How to Use Weed Responsibly and Safely— Recreational Vs. Medical
Whether medical or recreational, weed remains a controlled substance. To use weed responsibly and safely, you must pay attention to the following points:
- Always buy your marijuana from legal stores.
- Never use recreational weed in the hope of achieving a medical goal; it is not grown for that purpose.
- Try your best to avoid buying from illegal vendors.
- Get your MMJ card.
- If you are traveling, get familiar with the state and airport laws, including the permissible quantity.
- Do not sell illegally.
- Always follow the doctor’s instructions and dosage.
- Never share your weed with minors.
Conclusion
Whether medicinal or recreational, weed is a controlled substance classified as a class 1 drug under the US CSA act. They have their own uses and unique characteristics. To be on the safer side, it is always best to have your own MMJ card and obey all state laws concerning the product.
Having your own MMJ card gives you many benefits, including the following:
- It allows you to get medicinal cannabis at a lower cost.
- With an MMJ card, you may have access to a variety of items, including exotic, seductive strains.
- With our MMJ card, you can legally purchase up to 7 oz. of marijuana at a time (see your state’s purchase limits).
- It increases your possession restrictions by allowing you to carry up to 8 ounces of the medicinal substance (see your state’s possession limits).
