The Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis and Which One to Choose
While cannabis is certainly a good way to relax, for as long as people have used it, cannabis has also been a tool for wellness. From seeds discovered in ancient China , to balms in ancient Egypt, to spiritual cocktails in ancient India , the list is as curious as it is extensive, especially given our modern view of the plant. Today, cannabis is either sold on the black market or highly regulated, and no matter why you use it, it’s harder to get hold of than other (often far more dangerous) substances that people love.
At the time of this writing, 37 states allow the sale of cannabis for medical purposes, and 21 states allow adult use (also known as recreational cannabis) . In these last 21 states, both medical and recreational options are available. With so many buying options to choose from, which one is right for you? Why bother getting a medical card in a state where you can just walk into a recreational dispensary?
It depends on how you use cannabis, but consider this: Even if you eat an edible to help you sleep, or some topical post-workout pain reliever, you are using the plant for its intended medicinal purposes. The fact that you are free to buy products to meet these needs does not change that fact. If you’re calming something that’s bothering you, whether it’s mental or physical, consider reframing your “indulgence” as a medical or wellness aid.
When to Consider a Cannabis Medical Record
Obtaining a medical card for cannabis use can be beneficial for several reasons, the first of which is access – in many states where adults cannot use medical records, medical records are allowed for a long list of less serious conditions. Another less obvious benefit: sticking to a man (sort of). Government-funded research on cannabis is limited, making it difficult for the plant to be fully accepted by the mainstream. If you want to know exactly why it helps you sleep peacefully, being in a patient care program helps states (and eventually the feds) better understand actual usage. Having a real count that contrasts with years of careful use can also help influence cannabis policy.
Another less visible benefit: Medical cannabis cards and programs can help older users who grew up surrounded by severe drug stigma see weed as a legitimate treatment for their problems.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis
While getting a medical card requires additional steps compared to buying from a recreational store, choosing a medical route has inherent benefits, including greater access in states where you don’t live. In some states, such as Hawaii, there is a so-called reciprocity where your health record from State X is fair game in State Y – a boon for people who need the constant and reliable access that medical facilities can provide.
Other states no longer have separate stores for certain types of shoppers, including California, which reformed its program in 2016 after decades of medical dominance. But medical shoppers are still treated differently, at least at the checkout: Today in California, adult retail stores serve patients with the same items as recreational shoppers, but are exempt from some city and state taxes. These costs can be significant, and for regular medical users, the savings are worth the cost and extra steps.
In New Jersey, cardholders can skip the pharmacy line and choose from a guaranteed supply and use a dedicated checkout, while adult users must wait and pray that the products they want don’t sell out. Similar rules exist for ownership in states like Oregon, where health card holders may have more or have permission to grow their own.
Establishing yourself as a registered patient right now could help you in the future if health programs start considering cannabis as a legitimate treatment – perhaps one day it will be eligible for rebates, insurance coverage, or even flexible spending bills.
How to get a medical cannabis card
If there is a legitimate medical need—because the definition of “legitimate” varies from state to state—it’s usually easy to get your paperwork in order for a medical use card. Many states only require a doctor’s note, not a physical card issued by the state or county. Laws and regulations certainly differ from state to state; while New York may contact you by email if you are missing documents, some counties in California will consider any missing part an automatic waiver if you do not have a sympathetic employee. what you need to get a card, as long as you qualify and the doctor they put you in agrees that cannabis would be a good treatment option. Sites such as NuggMD, VeriHeal, and others can connect you with doctors who have experience with patients who use cannabis if your own doctor doesn’t feel comfortable prescribing it.
But when dealing with a site like one of the above, it’s important to remember that the company generally can’t communicate with the government on your behalf, so you usually have to be the one to send the recommendation, your ID, proof of residence. and any other necessary information to your state or county agency in order to obtain final approval and obtain a physical card.
When to Use Recreational Marijuana Instead of Getting a Medical Card
Should you get a health card if you only use it occasionally, like when you’re suffering from a sleepless night? It really is your choice. If you are happy, keep doing what you are doing. But if your usage requires an increase in usage for any medical reasons such as pain, sleep, or anxiety, consider enrolling. If you have the right condition and just want to be able to, or perhaps hope to be able to shop in other states, start the process.
An important additional note: if you are buying cannabis for another person who uses it for medical purposes, you can get a caretaker card to better cater to their needs so they don’t have to go to the store at all. It’s up to you to decide how you want to shop, but options are evolving in many states and hopefully one day federal law will follow suit.