Medical cannabis is as controversial as recreational cannabis. The topic brings several questions. Is it safe? Is there any scientific evidence? Should it be legal? Is it addictive? What are its benefits? Is it as magical as described by its marketers? Or is it only a trick to ensure the overall legalization of marijuana?
Yes, and the list of questions does not end here. There are endless questions and uncountable doubts about medical marijuana. However, the article focuses on two of the most asked questions: what are its benefits? And how is it different from recreational ones?
Benefits of Medical Cannabis
When it comes to medical cannabis, CBD is the least controversial one. CBD, also known as a cannabinoid, is usually taken for medical purposes. The amount of THC in it is only 0.3% which is insufficient to make you high.
Although most of the benefits of medical cannabis are based on anecdotal experiences, there are few studies. Here is a list of effects people often get from taking medical marijuana.
- Might Reduce Pain
You might not believe it, but cannabis has been used as a pain reliever for as long as 2900 BC. Recently, a study found out that there are many compounds present in cannabis that offer pain-relieving effects.
The human body possesses an extensive network of the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for various body functions, such as sleep, pain, immune, appetite, etc. The cannabinoids present in cannabis couple with the receptors and stimulate them. Thus, the functions become active.
- Might Reduce Anxiety
In a study organized in Brazil, 57 men received either placebo or oral CBD one and a half hours before appearing in a public speaking test. We found that 300-Mg of Sunday Scaries CBD effectively reduced anxiety during the test.
So, suppose you have a meeting or presentation, and your anxiety level is not allowing you to focus. In that case, you might take medical marijuana and get back your lost concentration and confidence.
- Might Alleviate Cancer Symptoms
Studies show that CBD is effective in various cancer-related symptoms, such as nausea, pain, and vomiting. A study looked at the impact of CBD and THC on cancer patients who did not get benefits from pain medications. About 177 patients treated by-products containing both the compounds experienced a relief in their pain.
CBD might also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as vomiting and nausea. Although, there are drugs that can help you. They usually have side effects and sometimes are ineffective. Thus, people are now turning to medical cannabis.
Besides, there are several other effects of medical cannabis that might benefit you. Some of them are antipsychotic effects, substance abuse treatment, diabetes prevention, anti-tumor effects, promoted heart health, solves digestive issues, treats insomnia, solves acne issues, etc. A point to note is that there are negligible side effects of medical cannabis.
But now the question is how do medical marijuana different from recreational ones. More importantly, you should know how to distinguish between the two. It will help you to ensure that you are consuming the one that you need.
Medical Marijauana Vs Recreational Marijauna
There are specific parameters that differentiate medical marijuana from recreational one. Here are some of them.
- Based on THC and CBD Levels
The topmost difference between the two types of marijuana is the level of THC and CBD. The feeling of high that people get from recreational marijuana is because of its high THC content. On the contrary, high CBD content is responsible for the possible health benefits of medical cannabis.
Some researchers believe that THC also contains medical benefits. However, giving psychoactive effects is not ideal for people who consume cannabis solely for medical benefits.
Both recreational and medical cannabis contain CBD and THC. But if you are interested in only the medical benefits of cannabis, then go for a product with a high CBD ratio.
- Based on Legal Issues
Legality plays a vital role in the market of recreational and medical cannabis. Although both the products have been on the market for a long time, controversies are surrounding them. Recently the farm bill legalized hemp-derived CBD, with less than 0.3% of THC. It is a part of medical cannabis.
In simple words, you can say that now more and more people accept medical marijuana, including the federal agencies. It is federally legal but illegal in some of the states. On the other hand, recreational marijuana is federally illegal and legal only in a few states, such as Colorado, Alaska, California, Maine, Nevada, Guam, blue cookies Arizona, Montana, etc.
- Based on Accessibility
Medical marijuana is easy to access as it is federally legal. You can also order it online through a wide range of sites offering various CBD products. Similarly, it is not easy to access recreational marijuana.
If you consume recreational marijuana at an illegal place, you might have to pay heavy fines or spend some time in jail. Also, in states where medical marijuana is not legal, you can only consume it in places under the federal government. Consuming it in state-building or places can put you in legal issues.
- Based on the Purpose
People prefer versatile products. For instance, medical marijuana might offer you a wide range of benefits, such as relief from pain, insomnia, anxiety, and stress. People of almost all ages consume medical cannabis for different kinds of benefits.
On the other hand, recreational cannabis is limited to an age group. Most people who seek personal satisfaction and social enjoyment prefer recreational cannabis.
So, these are the significant differences between the two cannabis categories. Here is a table summarizing all the differences.
| Types of Cannabis | Medical Cannabis | Recreational Cannabis |
| Level of THC and CBD | Have low THC content and high CBD content. | The ratio of THC is higher than the ratio of CBD. Thus, gives the feeling of high. |
| Legality | Federally legal, illegal in some states. | Federally illegal, legal in few states. |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible. | Not so easily accessible, because of its legal status. |
| Purpose | Versatile use | Mostly used only for enjoyment and pleasure. |
So, these are the significant differences between medical and recreational cannabis.
Conclusion
While most people are showing their confidence in medical cannabis, its long term effects are unknown. More research, surveys, and studies can help to discover the unexplored parts of medical cannabis. Until then, you can enjoy the already known benefits of medical cannabis.
