Medical Cannabis and Recreational Cannabis: What’s the Difference?


The difference between Medical and Recreational Cannabis is that one is used for medicinal purposes; it can only be obtained with a prescription. Recreational, on the other hand, is legal to use by adults in states where it is permitted; but not necessarily for medicinal reasons.

Cannabis Class Should You Start Smoking Weed - The Stone
Cannabis Class Should You Start Smoking Weed – The Stone

Cannabis has been used as medicine for thousands of years across many cultures. It was made illegal in the United States in 1937. Studies have since proven that it can relieve symptoms like chronic pain. It can also help treat a wide range of illnesses like cancer, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.

Medical marijuana is legal in some capacity. It has been legalized on the federal level for medicinal use in over half of the United States. In the states that have legalized it, a prescription by a medical doctor is required to purchase weed.

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Nevada
  • Oregon
  • Vermont, and
  • Washington
  • The District of Colombia.

Adults over 21 years old are legally allowed to possess, consume and grow recreational Cannabis in these areas. So far, the legalization of recreational use has not affected the state’s medical marijuana programs. Recreational weed is not available on a prescription basis; it can only be bought at dispensaries with a valid ID proving that the buyer is of age.

However, as of the 2016 Election – four states have legalized recreational marijuana:

  • California
  • Massachusetts
  • Maine
  • Nevada.

Many more will likely follow suit in the coming years. In 2018 alone, eight states are putting a recreational cannabis legalization measure on their ballot, Arizona being one of them.

The most significant difference between these two types is the legality when purchasing it.

Cannabis Class Are there Any Cannabis Health Benefits - The Stone
Cannabis Class Are there Any Cannabis Health Benefits – The Stone

A doctor can prescribe Medical Cannabis to treat certain illnesses and symptoms. It’s available in dispensaries with your physician’s approval. Recreational marijuana, on the other hand, cannot be purchased without the required legal age that varies from state to state.

When it comes to purchasing medical marijuana, the difference between these two types of Cannabis can be complicated. Medical is used to treat symptoms and illnesses such as chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer, and even anxiety. Recreational Cannabis, however, isn’t sold in a store but rather at dispensaries that have a license from the state they reside in, allowing them to sell marijuana to adult consumers.

The most significant difference between these two types of marijuana is that medical can be purchased with a valid prescription from your doctor.

Recreational, on the other hand, is only available at dispensaries where you must be over 21 years old to buy it. It is also important to note that Medical Cannabis has been legalized in more states than recreational use. As of right now, it is legal in 29 states.

One of the most significant differences between Medical marijuana and Recreational Cannabis is that medical Cannabis can be bought at dispensaries with a valid prescription –. In contrast, recreational marijuana cannot be purchased legally anywhere but at certain state-licensed stores (known as dispensaries).

Learn how to get your Medical Marijuana Recommendation



Featured - Medical Cannabis and Recreational Cannabis: What’s the Difference?

What do you need to know about Denver Dispensaries?

If you’re looking for a dispensary in Denver, Colorado, you have many options. Denver has more dispensaries than any other city in the state. So what do you need to know before you visit a Denver dispensary?

First, be prepared to show your ID. Dispensaries are required by law to check IDs, and they will not sell cannabis or cannabis products to anyone who is not of legal age.

Second, be aware that Denver dispensaries have different hours of operation. Some dispensaries are open late, while others close at 6 pm or earlier. Be sure to check the dispensary hours you plan to visit before you go.

Third, be prepared to pay taxes on your purchase. Denver dispensaries must charge a sales tax on all cannabis and cannabis products. The current sales tax rate for Denver is 8.31%.

Fourth, be aware that dispensaries can only sell a certain amount of cannabis per customer per day. Denver dispensaries are limited to selling one ounce of cannabis flower or its equivalent in other cannabis products per person per day.

Finally, remember that Denver dispensaries cannot sell cannabis to those under 21 years of age. If you’re looking for a dispensary in Denver, make sure you visit one that is 21+ only. Doing so will ensure that you’re following the law and won’t be disappointed when you try to make a purchase.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check out our other articles about Denver dispensaries.

Experience Excellence at The Stone Dispensary

We warmly welcome you to explore our highly acclaimed strains, concentrates, and edibles. Serving recreational clients with pride is our passion.

At our dispensary, you'll find a professional yet inviting atmosphere that prioritizes your comfort and privacy. Feel free to stop by at your earliest convenience to experience it for yourself. We can't wait to serve you!