Medical Marijuana vs. Recreational Use: Understanding the Key Differences
Cannabis has shifted from being in the “other” category of health care to becoming a mainstream topic of discussion and investigation, particularly for individuals seeking relief from medical symptoms. In many places, rapid legalization has greatly reduced the stigma surrounding its use.
As states and governments move toward legalizing cannabis, questions have arisen about the distinction between its medical and recreational use. The methods and intentions behind medical versus recreational cannabis are quite different, as is the jurisdiction governing how each will be regulated.
Knowing these distinctions can assist you in determining how to use Cannabis appropriately according to your needs and circumstances.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
The basics of a Medical Marijuana treatment are provided by a physician’s prescription or recommendation. While the product itself is an important element, the process of using Medical Marijuana includes the development of a structured medical plan to manage specific, qualified health conditions.
For example, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. and some of the side effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy.
From a medical perspective, there are three things that define the path to Medical Marijuana.
1) A medical evaluation – Medical use of cannabis begins with a medical evaluation and a visit to your physician. At this time the physician evaluates the patient history, creates a record and makes sure that traditional medical treatments have been considered. Your doctor also must determine that your medical condition is “qualified” according to local or state law.
2) Individualized treatment plans – As the use of Medical Marijuana is not “one size fits all,” it is imperative that the physician and pharmacist develop a plan of treatment for each individual. Medical providers will assist patients in finding the appropriate amount of cannabinoids (CBD and THC) for maximum benefit. Depending upon the patient’s situation, the intent is to provide “therapeutic relief” with minimal impairment while providing the lowest effective dose of medication.
3) Regulation & Testing of products – The use of Medical-Grade Cannabis is strictly controlled, manufactured and distributed within specific state guidelines. Through the use of strict regulations, it is imperative that patients are aware of what they are purchasing, where it is produced, how it is tested and the amount of contaminants that may exist in each product.
What is Cannabis for Recreational Use?
Recreational use of cannabis (also known as “adult use”) is defined as using cannabis for non-medical purposes. Recently, it has gained popularity in certain areas, although the recreational use of cannabis will have a very different role in your life than that of the medical treatment option.
Characteristics of the recreational use of cannabis include:
Personal Use: A person who uses cannabis for recreational or “adult” purposes makes the decision on how much and how often to consume the product based on his/her preferences and desires rather than based on a physician’s recommendation.
Non-Medical Monitoring: The majority of persons using cannabis for recreational purposes do not have a medical professional monitoring their use, which means that they are not receiving any medical advice regarding possible drug interactions with other substances or any underlying medical conditions that could cause harm when using marijuana.
General Use: People who use cannabis for recreational purposes typically use it for socializing or pure relaxation, whereas medically recommended uses would be specifically to alleviate the symptoms of a particular disease or disorder.
Distinguishing between medical and recreational use of cannabis is imperative. When someone uses cannabis for therapeutic purposes under the supervision of a health care provider, that person forms a therapeutic alliance with that provider. The therapeutic relationship allows for monitoring of the patient’s progress and for safely adjusting the dosages based on the patient’s needs over time. Patients receive the most protection with the medical model’s professional guidance because most people will not receive the same level of protection or guidance when using cannabis recreationally.
The lines between recreational and medical usage can feel blurred because the general population is becoming increasingly “cannabis curious.” Conversely, those who are truly interested in finding a way to heal will find that a treatment path led by a physician will provide the best chance of safety and efficacy.
Therapeutic Cannabis and Adult Use Cannabis
Many individuals consider cannabis in terms of “it’s cannabis and that’s all you need to know.” However, when we look at this from both medical/legal perspectives, we see how important it is for patients and their care providers to be well informed about the differences between these two forms of marijuana to provide safety according to the law, health benefits and methods for tracking progress of a patient’s treatment progress through medical marijuana.
The Differences between Medical and Non-Medical Use of Cannabis
The distinction between medical use of cannabis and non-medical use of cannabis lies in an individual’s purpose of use of either cannabis.
Medical Purpose vs. Non-Medical Use
Medical cannabis is part of a comprehensive treatment plan and can be thought of as just one of many tools that help someone achieve a desired medical outcome. In other words, medical cannabis is not just about symptomatic relief; it also includes other aspects of treatment, such as reducing inflammation, controlling/ending seizures, and helping someone return to normal sleep after a traumatic episode.
The non-medical use of cannabis has no such medical goal, nor the benefit of being tracked by health care professionals, so non-medical cannabis use falls into the category of adult-use cannabis.
Physician Oversight
Physician oversight is an essential aspect of medical marijuana use and is defined by the interaction between the patient and the healthcare provider.
Professional evaluation of the patient’s health history and current medications are performed to ascertain that no dangerous interactions will occur with using medical cannabis products.
Medical patients receive continuous education and follow-up care, which is not available to recreational users. Medical patients and their physician will evaluate the patient’s reaction to the medical products, adjusting treatment protocols if the patient develops any side effects or if their condition changes.
Product Quality and Consistency
Local regulations will impose more stringent regulations on medical-grade cannabis products compared to recreational products. The most notable difference in the products is that the medical products are subjected to rigorous testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and mold.
Medical product users require consistency in their dosing. For instance, a patient who takes 5mg on a Monday needs to know that their 5mg dose will have the same potency on Friday. In contrast, recreational products may also be tested; however, they tend to be marketed based on their strength rather than their therapeutic consistency.
The legal rules, structures, and regulations governing the access to cannabis differ based on how a person intends to use cannabis.
Legal Access
Cannabis for Medical Purposes: A patient may use cannabis for medical purposes under the state’s marijuana regulations (i.e., medical marijuana program). To legally obtain cannabis for medicinal purposes, patients typically need to obtain a medical marijuana card. The medical programs offer some legal protections for patients which recreational cannabis users do not receive, for example, higher possession limits or lower age restriction for particular conditions.
Adult-Use Cannabis Laws: Adult-use cannabis laws are primarily driven by commerce and personal freedom rather than the health care needs of the patient. Adult-use cannabis laws are also subject to the different tax structures, regulations, and restrictions than medical marijuana laws are, including more restrictions on the amount of cannabis that can be purchased or where it can be purchased from in comparison to medical marijuana laws.
Why You Should Seek Medical Help?
If you are self-medicating using any drug or substance, there is inherent risk in doing so. That is why it’s best practice for you to seek professional help for the following reasons:
Correct Diagnosis: While both chronic pain and anxiety can be relieved by using cannabis products, a doctor will first make sure any underlying medical issues causing these symptoms are addressed.
Reduced Risk: By receiving a medically prescribed dosage, patients are much less likely to experience an over-medication reaction, which can cause some patients to have an elevated heart rate, anxiety, or issues with their motor skills.
Adverse Effects: A physician will assist a patient in selecting the best products, based on strain type (indica, sativa, hybrid), so that they do not end up using marijuana products that will make their condition worse.
Patient Responsibility & Compliance
Patients who choose to go the medical route now have responsibilities associated with being a medical patient. To remain compliant and safe, patients are required to:
Follow the Medical Advice Provided: Patients should use their products only as directed by their physician or pharmacist.
Know the Local Laws: Patients should familiarize themselves with local laws about where and how both to consume and transport their medical marijuana.
Integrate Cannabis into Their Overall Health Plan: Patients should treat cannabis as a part of their entire wellness plan versus being the only option available, as well as maintain open lines of communication with their health care professionals.
Conclusion: Finding a Healthier Way to Use Medical Marijuana
In conclusion, Medical Marijuana should be treated as a valid medical solution instead of just “medicinal” lifestyle. Scientific research supports this idea. The way people view Cannabis within society is changing, but when it comes to cannabis in the medical setting, science, safety, and symptom management continue to be the main points.
Finding a well-informed, responsibly used, physician-controlled method will lead you to a more predictable and easier recovery process than trying various types of cannabis until you find something that works. Always consult with your medical doctor regarding your health reasons for using cannabis to ensure your path is safe, legal and effective.