More people are interested in marijuana because it is legalized in more states. Although there is widespread use — with some people using it daily — others are still reluctant to try it. We may have the answer you are looking for if you are still unsure about recreational marijuana.
What Is Recreational Marijuana?
Recreational marijuana is often used for fun, without any medical basis. It is only for adult use; people aged 21 years old and above are the only people who can legally buy and consume cannabis from local companies for recreational use.
What Is the Difference Between Recreational Marijuana and Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana, as its name implies, is used to treat specific illnesses or relieve symptoms. Despite coming from the same plant as recreational marijuana, medical cannabis is different in several aspects like the availability of options and restrictions on their use and purchase.
A government-issued ID is enough to prove your legal age and to buy recreational marijuana. However, you are required to present a Medical Cannabis Card (or Medical Marijuana Identification) issued by the state to purchase and use medical marijuana. It proves that a doctor has prescribed someone medical marijuana to use.
It takes longer to obtain medical marijuana than recreational weed. Some people need more potent products depending on their medical condition. Legally, home cultivation is not allowed in most states. Only those who have medical marijuana cards or special approval are permitted to grow it.
Here’s a brief rundown from altitudeorganic.com of the difference between recreational marijuana and medical marijuana:
- Age – Medical marijuana is available for patients aged 18 and older. You must register someone as your caregiver if you are younger than 18 years old. All medical marijuana products must only be purchased at a licensed dispensary. You must be 21 years or older to purchase recreational cannabis in legal states, similar to the alcohol laws.
- Purchase – The amount of marijuana that recreational and medical users can buy simultaneously varies by state. Recreational cannabis consumers can purchase up to one ounce (with no more than five grams being concentrates/extracts). Arizona allows medical marijuana patients to purchase up to 2 1/2 ounces of cannabis every two weeks. However, they cannot exceed 10 ounces per month.
- Taxes – Tax rates can vary from one state to the next. Most states have minimal medical marijuana taxation. Arizona’s medical marijuana patients pay only local and state taxes. Adult-use states recreational tax marijuana at rates that are comparable to those for tobacco or alcohol. There is an additional 16 percent excise and state tax for recreational marijuana.
- Cultivation – Medical marijuana patients can grow cannabis at home if they live more than 25 miles away from a dispensary. People over 21 can grow recreational cannabis. However, no more than six plants per residence are allowed. Twelve plants are allowed in a home where more than two people of legal age live.
- Potency – There are state-specific restrictions on recreational and medical marijuana potency. Consumers are restricted to 10 mg THC per portion and 100 mg per pack when purchasing recreational cannabis edibles. Arizona allows medical marijuana patients to purchase cannabis products that contain higher levels of THC. This is to ease the symptoms of chronic conditions.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal?
Many countries have decriminalized marijuana possession and use and made it a non-criminal offense. Check your state’s local law to see if marijuana is legal. Additionally, you should review TSA marijuana policy if you plan to fly to another state.
What Are the Components of Marijuana?
Marijuana contains approximately 120 components, which are known as cannabinoids. These chemicals can be found in flowers, leaves, and shoots. The most popular cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD is the main ingredient in medical marijuana, while THC is used for recreational marijuana. CBD does not give people a high and can relieve symptoms and help with diseases. THC, however, gives you a “high.”
How Does It Feel To Use Marijuana?
Recreational marijuana has many positive effects on the body:
- It gives you a feeling of happiness and good health.
- It stimulates and unleashes creativity.
- It enhances your senses.
- It can help users deal with stress.
What Can Marijuana Be Used For?
Although smoking marijuana is the most popular way to use it, vaping, dabbing, and eating are also options you can try.
There are many ways to smoke marijuana using specific tools called pipes. Water and hand pipes are two of the most popular today. They come in different styles and have their own benefits.
Vaping works in a similar way to e-cigarettes, where the components are released via vapor. Many health-conscious users prefer vaping over smoking because it presents fewer health risks. The act of dabbing is to consume concentrated amounts of THC at high temperatures.
Marijuana can also be used as edibles like cookies, brownies, or capsules made with cannabis added to them.
There are many effects that marijuana can have on the body. Some people find recreational marijuana relaxing, while others feel anxious and confused.
To summarize, while both medicinal and recreational cannabis are derived from the same plant, there are significant differences depending on how the final product is intended to be used. The state and country determine everything. Patients who wish to use medicinal marijuana for medical reasons are eligible for a wide range of advantages that are not available for recreational users.
However, it is important that you purchase your marijuana from reputable dispensaries to ensure that the product you receive is safe and of quality.
