The world is slowly opening up to the many health benefits of medical marijuana as more and more states allow its use. While medical marijuana is legal in many countries worldwide, recreational use is still only possible in a few states. Even if you live in a state where you can enjoy marijuana whenever you want, many people still need permits to use it for medicinal purposes.
Getting a medical marijuana card is always a good idea as you’ll get a specific strain of cannabis that helps your specific problem. Keep reading, and we’ll give you more details about how everything works.
The Difference Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana
The status of marijuana in the US has changed in the past few years, but it’s currently still registered as a Schedule I drug on a federal level. That can be a little confusing since marijuana is fully legal in a few states, including Colorado, California, and Oregon. That means that the laws and regulations differ from state to state. Those states where marijuana is still illegal to have strict laws and regulations that control medical marijuana use.
On the other hand, there are states where marijuana is fully legal, and anyone can buy it in stores. Those states don’t make a difference between recreational and medical marijuana. Before you can start using medicinal marijuana, you must first research the laws in your state.
That will give you a better idea of what type of weed is safe for use. For example, medical marijuana in Maryland can be obtained in a few different ways, but they all require a medical marijuana card.
The biggest difference between medical weed and recreational cannabis is that the first type is made to help treat diseases. It’s an alternative to drugs that either produces all kinds of unwanted side-effects or they are not effective enough. It’s a specific type of weed that helps with all sorts of symptoms of diseases such as epilepsy, MS, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
Medical marijuana is, just as the name says, medical. It’s designed to be used as any other drug, but without the side-effects.
Medical Marijuana Needs Regulations
With that said, marijuana still has a psychoactive compound called THC. Medical or not, it affects users, especially when you consider the fact that it has high levels of THC and CBD content. Without these compounds, medical marijuana wouldn’t provide users with any benefits. Not only that, but all strains that are grown for medical purposes also go through extensive testing that ensures their content and purity.
People using medical marijuana need proof that it really helps them cope with their symptoms and doesn’t come with any negative side effects. Since the only way to do so is through government laws and testing, it’s only logical that you need a medical marijuana card to get your therapy.
You can’t just go to the nearest dispensary and buy the weed you need. You first have to go to the doctor’s office, and if the doctor prescribes you with medicinal marijuana, you will be able to get it using the card issued by the government.
Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, is not supposed to help people treat diseases. It’s not a drug; it’s supposed to allow users to have fun and enjoy themselves. As such, this type of weed doesn’t go through government testing, and it’s not prescribed as medical marijuana.
Generally speaking, recreational marijuana comes in many different strains, potencies, and all kinds of THC and CBD levels. In other words, recreational users don’t have access to pure strains with ultra-high levels of THC and CBD, which is why they don’t need a medical marijuana card to buy some.
Medical Marijuana and Recreational Cannabis Stores
Since recreational and medical marijuana is not the same, the stores they are sold in are different as well. Only a few stores offer both types of weed, but most of them sell either one or the other. Since medical marijuana is issued solely for users who have the required card, it’s almost the same as a prescription drug.
That means that the stores that sell it are somewhat like pharmacies. People working there are highly trained and know how to explain the differences between each strain and its effects. They will sometimes ask you questions about your symptoms until they find the best option to treat them.
Recreational cannabis shops, on the other hand, are much more flexible. You only need to prove that you’re over 21, and after that, you can choose whatever strain you want. Sure, the people working in these shops can help you find something you’re looking for, but they are not health professionals.
So, if you’re looking to treat some illness with medical marijuana, you should get a card, no matter in which state you might live in.
The Future of Marijuana Seems Bright
Only a decade ago, marijuana was recognized as a dangerous drug, but today, people see many benefits it provides. Apart from helping people cope with all kinds of health issues, marijuana can help users feel better daily. While its effects are still undergoing extensive research, it’s almost certain that this plant will become fully legal across all states in the near future.
Leave a Reply