The Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis

Both recreational and medical cannabis have become important categories in the ever-growing legal cannabis industry, available both online and in-person at local recreational and medical dispensaries. As the industry continues to evolve, the difference between medical and recreational cannabis is essential to understand in order to get your ideal benefits from the substance.

To better answer how is medical cannabis different from recreational cannabis, as well as legal considerations, product varieties, and user experience, we are breaking it all down below.

What Is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis refers specifically to cannabis sold exclusively to patients who have a medical cannabis card. To get a medical cannabis card, medical patients must first consult with a medical practitioner certified within their state’s medical program to recommend cannabis. This provider will then evaluate the medical patient to see if they qualify to be a medical cannabis patient and receive a medical card.

Once a healthcare provider decides whether you qualify to use cannabis for medical purposes, there is an application process to be completed to obtain a medical card. With this, medical patients can gain access to cannabis-specific medical use.

Purpose of Medical Cannabis

When it comes to medical cannabis vs recreational cannabis, medicinal cannabis is used specifically to alleviate symptoms associated with a medical condition.

There are many health benefits when opting to use a cannabis plant as a medical patient. Medical cannabis is said to help provide relief and enhance the well-being of individuals with varying conditions. This can include everything from helping manage pain, including chronic pain, reducing nausea, improving appetite, offering anti-inflammatory properties, and more.

When looking to purchase medical cannabis, medical professionals are essential in gaining access. No matter your condition, regulations require that you have professionals’ approval, as well as their oversight in prescribing and recommending medical cannabis. This will help ensure you get proper dosing for the right effectiveness for your unique condition.

With the help of a healthcare provider, cannabis for medical use can greatly improve the quality of life for those with qualifying conditions.

Legal Considerations for Medical Cannabis Use

While cannabis has been legal in the state of Illinois and many states across the US for a while now, the state law is essential to understand to follow legal medicinal cannabis use.

Laws around medical cannabis use vary from state to state. In Illinois specifically, obtaining a medical cannabis card is essential for legal access to medical cannabis. The state has clearly set legal requirements, including age restrictions, permitting those only older than 18 to participate in the medical cannabis program.

In addition, there are possession limits for medical cannabis patients, with laws permitting patients to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis within a 14-day period.

Last, but not least, there are cultivation regulations in place for patients, too. Patients can grow up to five cannabis plants for their own use.

Medical Conditions and Patient Eligibility

Patients interested in the medical program to consume cannabis can reap several benefits from the substance.

Medical cannabis use is recommended for a number of different conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and more. With a host of therapeutic properties, medical cannabis patients can help alleviate symptoms associated with their conditions, helping to achieve a better sense of well-being.

Medical Cannabis Products and Consumption Methods

As cannabis continues to be legalized across the states, there are many products available at local dispensaries tailored specifically for therapeutic, medicinal purposes.

When looking at medical cannabis vs recreational, medical cannabis products include everything from flowers to oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more. With this range of products, there is also a variety of levels of cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, to help address specific medical conditions.

A medical cannabis dispensary will also offer a number of cannabis products for different consumption methods, including smoking, vaporizing, oral ingestion, and topical application.

For medical cannabis users, the differences in product perks vary. Typically, smoking and vaporizing will provide faster effects, while oral ingestion will offer longer-lasting relief. Topicals, on the other hand, offer relief in targeted, localized areas.

For medicinal cannabis patients, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which product will be best to ensure better quality treatments.

What Is Recreational Cannabis?

On the other side of the cannabis medical vs recreational use debate is recreational cannabis. Recreational cannabis, also called adult-use cannabis, refers to any cannabis sold, grown, or consumed by residents of the state that consumption is specifically legal.

In many states, recreational cannabis can also be purchased by an out-of-state visitor, though there may be different possession regulations to be aware of.

No matter what state you are a resident in, recreational customers must be 21 years or older and have a valid ID in order to purchase cannabis for recreational purposes.

Discovering the Purpose of Recreational Cannabis

The main difference between medical and legalized recreational cannabis is why it is purchased.

Unlike medical patients, who must obtain specific authorization and will utilize cannabis for medicinal purposes, recreational cannabis consumers can purchase cannabis to help with everything from leisure to socialization and the enhancement of everyday activities.

For many recreational cannabis users, the products offer a way to unwind, relax, and relieve stress. In addition, the psychoactive effects can help promote recreational enjoyment and enhance the experience of everyday activities.

Understanding the Legal Landscape of Recreational Use

In Illinois specifically, where recreational cannabis has been legalized, it’s still important to understand the specific laws surrounding the recreational use of cannabis.

For residents in Illinois, you must be 21 years of age to possess cannabis, and you are only permitted to have up to 30 grams of the cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and up to 500 milligrams of THC in cannabis-infused products.

In addition, age restrictions permit only adult use and purchase of recreational cannabis. This is essential for both Illinois residents and visitors to understand, as non-compliance, such as the possession of cannabis at age 18, is illegal and can lead to legal consequences.

Whether you are a resident in Illinois or a visitor, being knowledgeable about who can purchase and consume cannabis, as well as how much you can have, is essential to understand prior to visiting a dispensary.

Balancing Responsible Cannabis Use with Potential Risks

When considering responsible use, consider practicing moderation and mindfulness whenever you consume cannabis. This plant can have a host of different effects, including potential side effects that are important to be aware of before utilizing the substance.

To ensure responsible use, individuals should understand their tolerance for the plant, avoid mixing substances, and consume cannabis in a safe environment. To do so, stay informed on factors such as dosage, effects, and legal regulations in order to have the best results.

Recreational Cannabis Products and Consumption Methods

With the legalization of cannabis in Illinois and other states, offering increased access to and quality of cannabis products, the number of recreational cannabis products is immense.

Recreational cannabis products today include everything from flowers to concentrates, edibles, and more. In addition, consumption methods span everything from smoking and vaping to dabbing and edibles.

Key Differences Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis

While both medical and recreational cannabis come from the same plant, there are key differences between the two that help achieve different effects and objectives, and understanding the difference will help you pursue the dispensary with ease.

From the medical cannabis prices vs recreational prices to the intended use and accessibility, there are many key differences between medical cannabis vs recreational. To better understand the differences and how they can each be used to your benefit, we are exploring more about each below.

Accessibility and Legal Requirements: Varied Access for Medical and Recreational Users

Medical cannabis is only available to individuals with qualifying conditions and requires a medical cannabis card to purchase.

Recreational cannabis, however, can be purchased by adults of the legal age, with much fewer restrictions and requirements. That being said, medical cannabis comes in a wider range of options, tailored specifically for health conditions.

Pricing and Taxation: Economic Factors Impacting Medical and Recreational Cannabis

When thinking about the cost of recreational vs medical cannabis, medical cannabis tends to be much more affordable than adult-use cannabis.

Patients with the medical program can avoid the 34.75% tax recreational users have to pay in order to purchase the same products. This makes a large difference in the long run when purchasing at a dispensary.

Are There Any Similarities Between Medical vs Recreational Cannabis?

While the main reason to use cannabis is different when looking at medical vs recreational purposes, there are similarities between the two. In fact, except for a very few exception–it’s literally the same product!

Both medical and recreational cannabis originate from the same plant species, cannabis sativa or cannabis indica. In addition, they share common compositions of cannabinoids, too.

In addition, medical and recreational cannabis can be consumed using similar methods, with edibles, tinctures, joints, and vapes, available for both use practices.

Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis: How to Determine What Is Right for You?

Deciding between medical vs recreational cannabis use is an entirely personal decision dependent on your needs and preferences. While understanding the reason to use both is essential, here are a few factors to consider when deciding between the two options.

Consider Your Personal Health Conditions and Treatment Goals

When deciding between medical and recreational cannabis use, consider your personal health conditions and treatment goals. If you have specific symptoms that can benefit from cannabis use, looking into getting a medical card may be of great benefit to you.

Think about the Legal Accessibility and Requirements

Another important factor is legal accessibility and requirements. Since regulations vary based on the state you are in, look if you meet the criteria for a medical cannabis card in your state, and evaluate the legal limitations if you cannot.

Consult with Medical Professionals

If you’re torn on the difference between medical and recreational use and which is right for you, consult with a medical professional. They can not only help evaluate if you’re a candidate but help make recommendations for what items will be best for you and your needs.

Explore the Finest Medical and Recreational Cannabis Products at Windy City Cannabis

Whether you are looking into getting a medical cannabis card or are happy sticking to recreational cannabis use, understanding the difference between medical and recreational cannabis is essential to ensure you are choosing the best, high-quality cannabis products for your needs.

At Windy City Cannabis, we are proud to offer a wide range of cannabis products for both recreational and medical use, as well as assistance in obtaining a cannabis medical card. To learn more about our offerings contact us today.