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- As of now, more than thirty-five have legalized the use of medical cannabis for a variety of medical illnesses. Although many states have also legalized the use of recreational marijuana also known as recreational weed, they both come with different sets of taxation and laws. Both medical and recreational marijuana comes from the exact same plant source; they are classified differently. Here in this blog, we will walk through the major differences between medical and recreational weed and which one is the best for you.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Marijuana has been used for ages to treat numerous medical health conditions. Presently, medical marijuana has gained a lot of popularity, with many scientists calling it a ‘miracle drug’, as it has been used for a variety of conditions, from PTSD to cancer-induced vomiting. However, it is still considered an illegal drug at the federal level which has also prohibited to perform any scientific research on the subject. Nevertheless, many states have already legalized its use. As a result, millions of Americans use cannabis to treat conditions like multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.
Medical cannabis laws differ from state to state. Some states, such as California, enable medical patients to purchase the same goods as are sold in recreational establishments. Other states, such as New York, prohibit patients from purchasing smokable cannabis products.
If you are thinking of using medical marijuana for your health condition, you can do so by applying for a medical marijuana card online.
Despite its increasing acceptance, medical marijuana remains unregulated in the same way that prescription medications are. The FDA has not authorized any of the items available at medicinal cannabis shops. Only one cannabis-derived drug, 'Epidiolex,' has been licensed by the FDA as a treatment for a rare form of infantile epilepsy. This drug is only available with a medical physician's prescription.
States Where Medical Marijuana is Legal
Medical Marijuana is legal in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia.
Is Medical Marijuana The Right Fit For You?
Mentioned below are all the health conditions for which you can consume medical marijuana:
- Severe chronic pain
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Severe nausea
- Extreme weight loss and weakness
- Severe muscle spasms
- Multiple sclerosis
- Seizures and epilepsy
What is Recreational or ‘Regular’ Marijuana?
Adult-use of recreational marijuana regulations allows anybody over the age of 21 to purchase marijuana. Regular marijuana for adult use is presently legal in 19 states. The regulations regard marijuana similarly to alcohol, allowing individuals to purchase the material without a doctor's prescription.
Adult-use Cannabis is frequently used for its pleasurable mind-altering properties. Tetrahydrocannabinol is also referred to as a component found in the majority of adult-use marijuana products. THC contains mood-altering properties and may hinder thinking and coordination. THC has multiple medical applications. However, people drink it for the "high" feeling it provides.
States Where Recreational Marijuana is Legal
Recreational weed use has already been authorized by states including Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, New York, New Mexico, Colorado, and Virginia. Other states are set to pass adult-use laws, among them Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Rhode Island.
Is Recreational Marijuana The Right Fit For You?
If you are looking for a drug to legally and safely enhance your mood, help you while exercising or throwing a great party, and are not suffering from any medical conditions, you can use recreational or ‘regular’ marijuana in states where it is legal. You do not need a physician’s recommendation to do states. One of the states that is famous for using recreational weed is California.
Final Thoughts
Medical marijuana and marijuana for recreational use are two distinct legal classifications of identical substances. A physician's prescription or recommendation is required for medical cannabis. Anybody over the age of 21 can buy recreational cannabis. People use cannabis for medical and recreational weed for a wide range of purposes. And no category is either safer or better than the other.
Knowing the regulations in the state you live in or the place you're visiting is the most crucial step you should consider prior to buying medical cannabis or recreational cannabis. This will give you a good indication of what you can buy, how much you can buy, and, for medical marijuana patients, whether you can buy in another state using the medical cannabis card. Obviously, if you have any questions, you may consult the cannabis professionals at a dispensary. Experts will be able to guide you through the laws you will need to follow in order to ingest marijuana.
