Lit City D.C: The Difference Between Medicinal and Recreational Cannabis

More recently there has been a peak in the use of marajuana throughout the DMV area, especially since recently becoming legal for the state of Maryland, it is used in a medicinal sense for a lot of things. Recreational marajuana, however, is used by patrons without any medicinal needs. Cannabis used for medicinal reasons has numerous benefits to those who may suffer with different ailments that cause chronic pain. They both are consumed by different people for various reasons. This Lit City D.C blog is to inform you of the differences between Medicinal and recreational cannabis, to learn and understand the use of it medicinally for pain and discomfort as well as recreationally for fun and pleasure. They are both created from the cannabis plant, but each used for different reasons.

What's The Difference  

The biggest difference between medicinal and recreational cannabis is the CBD and THC content. Cannabidol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the main ingredients in marajuana, recreational cannabis has more THC, the ingredient that gives you the high feeling, than CBD, which is mainly the active ingredient in medicinal cannabis. Although THC can be used in a medical sense it contains psychoactive properties that may not be ideal for health conditions. When consuming cannabis for medicinal reasons a high THC content isn't necessary, you will receive more benefits from CBD use because it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory as well as anti-anxiety properties and more. Here you will be enlightened on the differences between medical and recreational cannabis use, and the benefits of their use both in a medical sense and for fun.

Medicinal vs. Recreational

Purpose:

-Medicinal Cannabis is used for therapeutic reasons to help alleviate symptoms or offer treatment to different types of medical conditions. It has a variety of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which can offer relief from pain and reduce swelling from certain medical conditions, as well as increase appetite and assist in managing different symptoms that accompany a variety of illnesses.

Recreational Cannabis is mainly used for personal enjoyment, relaxation and during social interactions. It is primarily used for the psychoactive effects it gives from the THC content. This can give feelings of euphoria, relaxation, altered perception and a sense of well being.

Legal Status:

-The legality of medicinal cannabis changes across countries and jurisdictions. In some areas it's legal for medical use only and requires a doctor's written prescription  or special authorization from medical professionals. Programs that are involved with medicinal cannabis distribution often have strict regulations and must be licensed to ensure the safety of the patients.

Legally the status of recreational cannabis use varies world wide, some countries and states have legalized its use for those over the age of 21. This allows for the use and purchase of cannabis for the sole purpose of personal use and enjoyment without having to have a medical prescription. In some places where recreational cannabis use remains illegal, it has been decriminalized resulting in lesser charges for possession or personal use.

Access and Distribution:

-In order to access medical cannabis a prescription or recommendation is required from a qualified healthcare professional. Patients need to register with authorized programs to obtain a medical cannabis card that will allow access to specific dispensaries to purchase. The different types, potency, and various forms of products can be tailored to exact medical conditions.

- in the areas where recreational cannabis use is legal it is available for purchase through cannabis dispensaries. Customers have to meet the legal age requirement and may be limited on the amount that can be purchased at one time. Products that are offered include various strains and concentrations of edibles, flowers and other cannabis-infused products.

Product Composition:

-Medicinal Cannabis products may be crafted with exact amounts of cannabinoids like THC and CBD to assist with different symptoms and conditions. CBD-dominant products are often used because of their therapeutic benefits without inducing psychoactive effects. Products that are more THC-dominant may be prescribed for pain management and relief for nausea symptoms.

-Recreational Cannabis products are primarily designed for use to induce a recreational pleasurable experience. They may contain higher levels of THC giving stronger psychoactive outcomes when used. You can get different flavors and aromas as well as potency levels to cater to consumer preferences.

Conclusion

 In conclusion, medicinal and recreational cannabis are derived from the same plant but can be used in two different ways. Medicinally, CBD products are best used for various ailments and chronic physical conditions that require a medical professional’s prescription to obtain from a licensed dispensary. Recreational cannabis is used more in a social setting or for pleasurable enjoyment and contains more psychoactive products, which are a part of the ingredients used to give a high feeling. Anyone over the legal age limit of 21 can use recreational cannabis, people use both medicinal and recreational cannabis for many reasons medically and socially and neither category is higher in quality than the