Cannabis comes in two primary forms: medical and recreational. Both offer unique benefits, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a brief overview to help you understand the differences between medical and recreational marijuana.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, is used to treat specific symptoms or illnesses. It includes various forms of cannabis, often with highly purified components for targeted medical conditions. The main compounds in medical cannabis are CBD and THC. THC causes the “high,” while CBD provides therapeutic benefits without intoxication.
What is Recreational Marijuana?
Recreational marijuana is used for personal enjoyment. It’s chemically similar to medical marijuana but differs in intent and regulation. Legal for adults over 21 in some areas, recreational marijuana is regulated like alcohol and tobacco.
Differences Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana
- Purpose: Medical marijuana is prescribed for specific health conditions, while recreational marijuana is used for enjoyment.
- Regulation: Medical marijuana often has lower taxes and may be grown at home by patients. Recreational marijuana is taxed similarly to alcohol.
- Access: Medical marijuana can be prescribed to individuals under 21. Recreational marijuana is restricted to adults over 21.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana
- Pain Management: Effective for chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Muscle Spasms: Reduces muscle spasms from conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Glaucoma: Helps lower intraocular pressure to prevent optic nerve damage.
Benefits of Recreational Marijuana
- Mood Enhancement: Improves mood and reduces anxiety.
- Creativity: Increases creativity and focus for some users.
- Sleep: Improves sleep quality for many users.