What's The Difference Between Medical & Regular Marijuana?

While conflicts between federal and state law may lead you to think otherwise, figuring out cannabis (and the difference between medical and recreational marijuana) isn’t that complicated at all. Today, CannaMD‘s board certified doctors will walk you through everything you need to know! What is “regular” marijuana? For legal purposes, non-medical (or “regular”) marijuana is referred to as recreational marijuana. Unlike medical cannabis, residents in states with legalized recreational marijuana do not need to prove they suffer from a qualifying medical condition - or any medical condition at all! For now, let’s take a look at some of the major differences between the two types of products. What is medical marijuana? What is the difference between medical and recreational marijuana? The short answer comes down to what the product is used for and the laws of the state in which the plant is used. However, marijuana is only considered “medical” if it’s dispensed to a state qualified patient from a medical marijuana treatment center (MMTC), also known as a medical marijuana dispensary. MMTCs are the only businesses in Florida authorized to dispense medical marijuana to patients and caregivers.

NOTE: While Florida law states that edibles are allowed, no rules have been developed for their use. At this time, they remain unavailable to patients. How is recreational marijuana different? Recreational marijuana is defined as any form of marijuana used without medical justification. This type of product is traditionally associated with strains containing a high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Although products used by recreational marijuana consumers and medical marijuana patients are derived from the same plant species, they are generally utilized for different purposes (i.e., to get high/alter one’s current state of being vs. Accordingly, recreational and medical users often seek different marijuana products with various constituent compositions based on the desired effect. Recreational marijuana users often seek products high in THC, the main psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant. And, while medical patients may also choose products with high THC levels, they often seek products high in other potentially therapeutic cannabinoids. Now that we know how they’re defined, let’s take a closer look at the major differences between purchasing medical and recreational marijuana in the state of Florida.

In Florida, patients need to get an official recommendation for medical marijuana from a certified doctor - and that’s where CannaMD comes in! CannaMD‘s state-licensed, board certified physicians specialize in providing eligible Florida patients with medical cannabis recommendations. To receive a recommendation, patients must have a qualifying medical condition. To find out for FREE if your condition qualifies, complete a quick online application or call CannaMD today at (855) 420-9170! After qualifying, patients are issued a medical marijuana card. This ID card can then be presented at any state-licensed dispensary to purchase medical marijuana products. For more on Florida’s qualifying process, see: What Type of Doctor Prescribes Medical Marijuana? In states like Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal, anyone over 21 can buy recreational marijuana from a dispensary with a valid photo ID. However, at this time, recreational marijuana is not legal in Florida. Purchasing, using, and or administering marijuana without a valid Medical Marijuana Use Registry card is illegal throughout the entire state. While derived from the same plant and fundamentally the same, medical marijuana and recreational marijuana often elicit different effects due to the type of products that are manufactured and sold to the two consumer bases. Though there is no consistent difference between the marijuana sold by recreational and medical dispensaries, the strains of marijuana sold in medical dispensaries are typically richer in cannabidiol (CBD). CBD-dominant strains do not elicit the psychoactive effects associated with THC and are more common among medical marijuana patients. To learn more about cannabinoids and CBD-dominant strains, check out: Sativa vs. Indica: What’s the Difference? Recreational marijuana strains are typically more THC-dominant. THC produces psychoactive effects and the “high” associated with marijuana.

These are few and far between. My patients usually need to take a multi-leg bus, train, and subway ride, or a costly car service. While the distance to a dispensary might pose an irritating hurdle for people with solid finances, it’s an overwhelming barrier for those on limited budgets. As a result, some of my patients skip the licensed dispensaries and buy cheaper, more readily available street marijuana through unregulated sources. Purchasing street marijuana is not only illegal, but it also means that I do not know exactly what patients have purchased, how they are using it, or how it may affect their health. Other patients with chronic pain continue to take opioids, as there are few barriers to buying prescription opioid medications. Most patients spend nothing, or a small copay, to fill a prescription for opioids, and they can pay with a credit card. The experience of the patients in our clinic points to a new mandate: make it easier and more affordable for all qualified individuals to obtain medical cannabis. It’s time to advocate for a new federal classification for cannabis, so insurance companies can cover it, just as they cover the costs of drugs to treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. At the same time, we need to consider subsidies or discounts for low-income patients and expand the number of licensed dispensaries for medical cannabis.

What is medical cannabis? Cannabis (marijuana) is a plant that contains biologically active substances in its leaves, flowers, and buds and their extracts (for example, oil and concentrates). Medical cannabis can help treat symptoms like pain, nausea, and lack of appetite. It may be used by people who have conditions like cancer, AIDS, or multiple sclerosis. The two most biologically active chemicals in cannabis are THC and CBD. THC affects how you think, act, and feel. It can make you feel intoxicated or "high." CBD may lessen pain and other symptoms. There are many types, or strains, of cannabis. Each plant has specific THC-to-CBD ratios. Because of this, some strains have different kinds of effects than others. For example, if a strain of cannabis has a higher ratio of THC to CBD, it's more likely to affect your judgment, coordination, and decision making. Your health care provider may be able to tell you about the different strains you can try for your health problem and their possible effects.