Know the Differences Between Marijuana and Medical Marijuana

While marijuana is popular as a recreational drug, it continues to be accepted for its medicinal properties especially for treating or alleviating the symptoms of certain conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and seizures, PTSD, and muscle spasms. Not all states have legalized medical marijuana, but you can now receive cannabis treatment in Florida. Understanding the differences between Florida medicinal marijuana and recreational marijuana can be helpful when considering treatment. Here are some of the basics you need to know:

Medical marijuana defined

Cannabis is considered ‘medical’ when it is recommended and administered by a licensed physician to treat a medical condition. The plant contains many different chemicals known collectively as cannabinoids, but each of them would affect your body differently. Two chemicals are applied in Florida medicinal marijuana: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

Understanding THC and CBD

THC is a psychoactive compound in cannabis; it is the ingredient that makes one feel ‘high.’ While medical marijuana contains THC, it usually has higher concentrations of CBD, which is non-psychoactive. Medical cannabis therefore won’t induce the same level of euphoria that is associated with recreational marijuana.

Defining recreational marijuana

Known as ‘pot’, recreational cannabis is used mainly without any medical justifications. Unlike Florida medicinal marijuana, the recreational counterpart contains more THC to help people feel ‘high.’

Medical marijuana isn’t entirely new

Marijuana has been used for centuries, even in ancient times. The first recorded use of medicinal marijuana is on 2737 BC in China. Ancient Greeks used it on wounded animals, like horses that have been hurt in battle, and it is believed that they were responsible for the use of cannabis in Arabic countries. Ancient Egypt is believed to have used marijuana to shrink tumors.

Medical marijuana is legal

Recreational cannabis is considered illegal, so you can get arrested if you use it for fun. Florida medicinal marijuana is administered in specialty clinics by reputable marijuana doctors.