Cannabis used recreationally is defined as being consumed for fun rather than for therapeutic purposes. However, because recreational marijuana and medical marijuana share identical chemical makeup, you can still get some of the health advantages of marijuana while smoking.
Recreational marijuana is legal in a handful of states. Learn about recreational cannabis, what it is, and how and why it is consumed differently.
What is Recreational Marijuana Use?
Recreational marijuana, like medical marijuana, is made from the buds and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant, cultivated legally in many states and countries. The leaves and buds are dried and either packaged and sold in dispensaries or put through an extraction process, which turns the extracts into products such as:
- Kief
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Budder
- Wax
- Hash
- Shatter
- Crumble
- Sap
- Pull and snap
Recreational marijuana usually contains a high concentration of THC and a low concentration of CBD. The reverse is true for medical marijuana — both cannabinoids or chemicals contained in the marijuana plant. Let’s talk about some of the differences between recreational and medical marijuana.
Recreational and Medical Marijuana Differences
There are differences between medical and recreational marijuana; some of these differences include the following:
- Must be 18 – You must be over 18 to purchase medical marijuana and have a medical marijuana license. There are exceptions where people under 18 can apply for a medical marijuana card. This varies from state to state; research to see if it applies in your location.
- Must Be 21 – You must be 21 or over to purchase recreational marijuana from a dispensary if you’re in a state where recreational cannabis is legal and you’re at least 21. You can walk into any dispensary, show your driver’s license, and purchase recreational weed. You can buy, grow, and possess marijuana within specific guidelines written by your state’s laws.
- High THC content – Recreational cannabis typically contains more THC than medical cannabis. This means people who consume it seek more of the “high airy” feeling than the medical effects.
- High CBD content – Medical weed typically contains more CBD than recreational weed. This means people who smoke or ingest medical cannabis are doing so for the health benefits of treating an illness or medical condition.
- Legal, medical cannabis – If medical marijuana is legal in your state. You can purchase it in a licensed medical marijuana dispensary.
- Legal recreational weed – If recreational cannabis is legal in your state. You can obtain it from a licensed marijuana dispensary, or the typical street dealer can often find it.
- Recommendation – You don’t need a doctor’s advice to purchase recreational marijuana. However, it would be best to have a qualifying medical condition, a doctor’s recommendation, and a medical marijuana license (that must be renewed regularly) before purchasing medical marijuana.
What are Cannabinoids?
More than 480 natural components make up the Cannabis sativa plant, which is where recreational and medical marijuana comes from.
THC is the most well-known (THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but recently, CBD (cannabidiol) has been getting much more attention. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam’s synthesized CBD has been found to help control life-threatening seizures in some children and adults.
Other cannabinoids currently being studied are:
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabichromenes (CBC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabidiol (CBDL)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
- Cannabielsoin (CBE)
- Cannabitriol (CBT)
Cannabinoids are chemicals in marijuana that interact with different receptors in the body and mind. Marijuana, although not new to many cultures, is being studied more for medical purposes.
People who indulge in recreational cannabis regularly generally prefer marijuana that contains higher levels of THC than CBD because THC produces the “high” feeling people associate with recreational marijuana.
The Difference Between Sativa and Indica
The two main types of cannabis plants are Indica and Sativa. Here’s how they are the same and different at the same time.
Effects of Sativa:
- Usually contains a higher THC percentage and lower CBD percentage
- The plant itself is skinny and taller
- It makes you feel euphoric
- It is mainly more of an “airy mind high.”
Effects of Indica:
- Usually contains a higher CBD percentage and lower THC percentage
- It is a shorter, denser plant stature
- It gives you more of a body high
- It makes you feel heavy and sluggish
Recreational marijuana consumers will go for the euphoric high sativa gives you, while medical cannabis users will go for the overall pain relief and relaxing effects common to India.
Why Do People Use Recreational Marijuana?
Simply put, recreational marijuana makes many people feel good. The high produced can calm people down, help them concentrate, or help them relax and let go of inhibitions.
Proponents of recreational marijuana also say it increases their sensory perception, makes them feel more positive, and increases their enjoyment of activities like musical concerts, group gatherings, and sex.
Recreational marijuana is now legal in a handful of states and Washington, D.C.:
- Washington
- Colorado
- Oregon
- California
- Nevada
- Vermont
- Maine
- Massachusetts
Although it has been legalized in many states and Uruguay, it is still on the list of federally illegal drugs in the United States and banned in other countries. Despite this, over half the states in the U.S. have approved medical marijuana, and the legalization of recreational marijuana has increased dramatically over the past ten years.
Other countries are on their way to recreational legalization. Still, most have decriminalized small amounts to reduce the burden on their legal systems and stop imprisoning people for using them.
How Do People Consume Recreational Marijuana?
Recreational marijuana can be consumed in different ways depending on what a user prefers, the laws of the state or country a person lives in, and the type of recreational marijuana product purchased.
Dried flowers or buds can be smoked, eaten, or infused into teas and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
Concentrates can be heated until just before combustion and inhaled or smoked. Cannabis oil may be placed under the tongue or in edibles (foods or drinks containing medical marijuana).
Tinctures can also be added to food and drink, and topicals can be applied directly to the skin. Sublingual sprays are used under the tongue.
Responsible Recreational Marijuana Use
Marijuana may cause cognitive impairment and is, therefore, illegal to use while driving. Other side effects of marijuana may include:
- Headache
- Dry mouth or eyes
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Coughing
- Paranoia
Before you use recreational marijuana, please check your state’s laws and ensure it is legal. You may have to obtain a marijuana card or use your state identification to buy recreational marijuana in a dispensary.
The laws differ in every state, so research and know your limits. If you’re new to recreational marijuana, the safest way to go is to try the minuscule amount available first and see how it affects you. After that, have fun and be safe!
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