As the use of medical marijuana grows in Florida, understanding its differences from street marijuana is essential for making safe and informed decisions. While both come from the cannabis plant, they serve very different purposes. Medical marijuana is carefully regulated, prescribed by healthcare professionals, and designed to treat specific health conditions with controlled dosages. On the other hand, street marijuana is unregulated, lacks medical oversight, and is often used recreationally. Knowing these distinctions is crucial if you are considering adding Medical Marijuana in Naples to your health and wellness plan.
This article digs deep to explain the key difference between medical and street marijuana. Moreover, we will emphasize the importance of expert consultation for using medical marijuana.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a natural drug alternative derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Despite its marijuana high, due to THC constituents, it can pose medicinal effects on the human body.
In Florida, medical marijuana use is regulated by the Florida Department of Health. After Amendment 2 was passed in 2016, MMJ received a surge in demand for health purposes. However, the complex legal framework safeguarding its use requires consideration. Thus, those who intend to utilize the medicinal benefits of MMJ must speak with a doctor and explore the eligibility criteria for its use.
Moreover, you must know the qualifying conditions for compliant MMJ use in the Sunshine State. The conditions include:
- Cachexia
- Anorexia & Eating Disorders
- Lyme Disease
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Cancer
- Severe Nausea
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
- Anxiety
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Muscle Spasms
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Severe & Chronic Pain
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Migraine Headaches
- Crohn’s Disease
- Spasticity
- Parkinson’s Disease
- HIV/AIDS
This list includes other similar conditions or those diagnosed by an MMJ doctor. Thus, you must seek guidance from a medical health expert if you want to use MMJ for your symptoms. However, you must note that medical marijuana varies from street marijuana, which can be unsafe for consumption.
Street Marijuana- Explained
Street marijuana refers to cannabis obtained illegally, often for recreational use. It involves the use of marijuana for recreation, relaxation, and altering the state of mind. Moreover, street marijuana is obtained through illegal sources and may pose harmful health consequences.
Read More: What is the difference between Medical and Street Marijuana?
Medical Marijuana vs. Street Marijuana
Medical and street marijuana are not the same. They vary in their purpose of use, legality, and quality standards. Medical marijuana is recommended to eligible patients only and is used to address specific health conditions. On the contrary, street marijuana can be harmful and addictive.
1. Quality Check
In marijuana-legal states, such as Florida, medical marijuana is carefully grown and sold at licensed dispensaries. It is regulated to ensure quality and safety. On the other hand, street marijuana is unregulated, which means it could be dangerous. It might contain contaminants or have unpredictable levels of THC, the chemical with sedative effects.
2. Professional Support
Medical marijuana is recommended by healthcare experts who carefully assess your health, past medical records, current symptoms, and ongoing treatments. Moreover, they ensure that the strain you use or the cannabinoid content in your MMJ product aligns with your health needs.
On the contrary, street marijuana use lacks professional guidance and support as it is unregulated. Thus, users are often unaware of how to consume or the optimum dosage. This increases the risks of misuse or even aggravated health problems.
3. Level of THC
The THC content of street cannabis can vary widely. While street marijuana may be cultivated to have high THC levels, this is not always the case. A significant concern with street marijuana is the lack of testing.
Unlike medical marijuana, it is not subject to quality control measures, raising the risk of contaminants like pesticides or fertilizers that can be harmful to health. Medical marijuana, on the other hand, is typically grown in controlled environments with regulations to minimize these risks.
Risks and Benefits
Although medical marijuana may have potential side effects, it is generally safe when used under medical guidance. Moreover, it offers potential benefits for various health conditions.
On the contrary, street marijuana carries an increased risk of contaminants and unknown potency. Thus, patients must comply with laws regulating marijuana use for safe and legal utilization of this drug.
Read More: Top Reasons to Buy Medical Marijuana at a Licensed Dispensary
How to Evaluate the Quality of Your Cannabis Product?
To check the quality of your medical cannabis product, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Purchase from Regulated Dispensaries
You must purchase cannabis for health from state-regulated medical marijuana dispensaries. You can even consult your primary care physician or marijuana doctor for suggestions. Among some well-known dispensaries in Florida are Green Dragon and The Cannabist.
2. Check the Label
If you are interested in MMJ use, looking for clear ingredient lists, expiration dates, and manufacturer details on regulated products is best. This information is often mentioned on the packaging and can help determine product quality.
3. Consider Safety
Medical marijuana is a regulated drug, and its use requires an expert’s discretion. If you or a loved one is willing to buy any form of medical cannabis for health, you must speak with a medical marijuana doctor and get an MMJ card. Nonetheless, self-medication can be harmful as you might not know the correct dose or quality of the product purchased.
Use a Medical Marijuana Card
A medical marijuana card is your legal authorization to use cannabis for health without having to face any legal risks. Moreover, your medical marijuana doctor can assess your health and recommend cannabis if your health issue aligns with the Florida Department of Health’s eligibility criteria. Thus, by getting a recommendation and applying for your marijuana card, you can begin using cannabis.
Conclusion
Medical and street marijuana have their distinct attributes. They vary in quality, growing environments, potency, etc. For safe and effective use of medical marijuana, you must book an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor. My Florida Green experts can educate you about the benefits of medical cannabis use. Moreover, we can ease the application process for your medical marijuana card in Naples through our expertise. Thus, you can integrate medical cannabis into your medical routine with convenience.
