What’s the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?
Updated May 27, 2021
The most important distinction between medical marijuana and recreational marijuana is legal: they’re designed for different uses, and depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to get access to one but not the other.
That said, while they’re derived from the same plant, the fact that they’re designed for different uses means there are some important distinctions to be aware of if you’re switching from one to the other.
How Different Are Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?
The truth is, both recreational and medical users have access to the very best marijuana available on the market at OG Medicinals, and if you look carefully, you should be able to find the level of potency and THC/CBD you’re comfortable with, regardless of your reason for smoking.
These general differences come down mainly to market forces: since recreational users are more likely to use marijuana products to get high, more of the recreational products are designed to get you high. It’s as simple as that.
What Are The Differences Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana?
The biggest distinction between medical and recreational marijuana comes down to THC vs CBD. While both compounds interact with your endocannabinoid system, they have very different effects.
THC is the intoxicating compound that many recreational users want to have. It does this by binding to your brain’s receptors and giving you a rush of serotonin.
CBD can’t get you high, which is one of the biggest reasons why it’s available in all 50 states. Instead, it’s a pain-reliever that’s used to treat a variety of different chronic conditions. One of the most important is certain kinds of childhood epilepsy, which are otherwise difficult to treat. But it can be used for everything from migraines to psychosis.
Its antioxidant properties explain why it’s often used in a variety of different beauty products. It’s not just soothing for the skin. It can also help protect your skin from the harmful effects of things like pollution.
Are There Different Purchase Limits for Recreational and Medical Marijuana?
Yes, the purchase limit for medical marijuana is twice as high as the limit for recreational marijuana. While recreational shoppers are able to buy up to 28 grams of flower, medical users are able to purchase up to 56 grams. If you’re trying to determine how that applies differently to flower, concentrate, and edibles, make sure to speak with a trusted expert.
Age Limits
One of the bigger distinctions between recreational and medical marijuana is age restrictions. You must be at least 21 years of age in order to buy recreational marijuana.
Colorado residents who are less than 21 years of age may be prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor. If they’re a minor, they will need permission from a parent or guardian. As always, minors should check the law in order to determine their rights.
Looking for Medical or Recreational Marijuana in Denver, Colorado?
OG Medicinals is Denver’s marijuana dispensary of choice. Westword went so far as to choose us at Denver’s best medical-only dispensary, and we’ve since added recreational weed to our offerings.
Looking for medical or recreational marijuana? Make sure to check out our products page.