Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis Overview
Cannabis, originally derived from the hemp plant, was seen as an essential tool for making sails and ropes back in the 17th century. Today, its uses have diversified to include seeds and oil, and it has become a rich source of dietary protein, minerals, and fiber. Cannabis has been used recreationally and medically for centuries. And while it has been portrayed as an intoxicating drug for years, cannabis has progressively been embraced in 30 states.
Medical use involves utilizing the whole unprocessed plant or the chemicals within it to lessen the symptoms of various conditions or diseases. The main players are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Below are some of the key differences between recreational and medical cannabis.
Medical vs. Recreational: The THC and CBD content
Some medical cannabis can contain higher levels of CBD than what is seen in recreational marijuana. When consumed, individuals do not experience the extreme “high” sensation commonly associated with the recreational type. Recreational marijuana typically contains higher levels of THC content compared to the medical variant and is often used for the “high” effect as opposed to its benefits.
While there’s no definite difference between the flowers and concentrates of both types, the potency of medical cannabis is usually high.
Medical vs. Recreational: The Need for a Recommendation
Obtaining medical cannabis calls for the need of an individual to have a medical cannabis recommendation based on qualifying conditions, and that is the underlying difference between recreational and medical cannabis.
Anyone can buy recreational cannabis over the required minimum age. No medical card is needed for this.
Medical vs. Recreational: The Attainment of Legal Age
To purchase medical cannabis from a certified dispensary, one must be over 18 years of age (and in many cases, over 21). In other circumstances, individuals under 18 can obtain medical cannabis if they have a valid medical cannabis card. Persons intending to buy recreational cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary must be over 21 years old. This means that a person can walk into a dispensary with their driver’s license and buy what they want.
The medical and recreational industries offer a wide range of opportunities and if you want your company to open the next dispensary in any of the aforementioned states, get expert advice from American Cannabis Company.
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