As the trend towards natural drug alternatives continues to grow, many Floridians are turning to marijuana as an alternative drug. The legalized status of cannabis in some states in the US has allowed citizens to add this healing drug to their health plans. However, this growing trend also opens avenues for introspection regarding the difference between medical and street marijuana. Medical marijuana varies from street marijuana as it grows under controlled environments. On the contrary, street marijuana or recreational marijuana does not meet the safety protocols, and it often contains unwanted constituents. Moreover, the possession of a medical marijuana card Naples is crucial for legally utilizing medical marijuana.
This article will elucidate the difference between street and medical marijuana. Also, it will highlight the importance of speaking with a state-licensed doctor before using cannabis.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana refers to the use of the marijuana plant or its extracts to manage medical conditions or ease symptoms under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The plant contains various constituents, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds react with the body’s endocannabinoid system and affect multiple physiological functions.
Medical marijuana is effective for conditions like chronic pain, nausea, muscle spasms, and appetite loss, as it contains healing compounds. However, patients must follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and adhere to local laws regarding medical marijuana use.
Medical Marijuana vs. Street Marijuana
Medical and street marijuana differ primarily in their purpose, legality, and quality control. Firstly, medical marijuana is prescribed by healthcare professionals to help with specific health conditions. It offers medicinal benefits such as pain relief or sleep cycle regulation.
Medicinal marijuana adheres to quality standards and can be acquired through licensed marijuana dispensaries. On the other hand, street marijuana often lacks medical oversight and can be purchased without a prescription, posing legal risks.
Quality control remains an area of concern in the case of street marijuana, as it may contain contaminants or varying levels of cannabinoids. The key distinction lies in the regulated, therapeutic nature of medical marijuana versus the unregulated, recreational use of street marijuana.
Why is Street Cannabis not as good as Medical Cannabis?
Illegally cultivated street cannabis is grown in less regulated environments compared to the controlled conditions of medical-grade cannabis production. As a result, street marijuana may contain high levels of THC and other compounds, leading to more potent effects than those present in medical-grade products.
Moreover, street cannabis is less likely to undergo any form of testing or quality analysis before entering the market. Additionally, it poses a risk of contamination with harmful substances such as pesticides or fertilizers, which can have adverse effects on users’ health when consumed or smoked.
Beyond the potential legal consequences of illicit cultivation, there are various safety and health hazards associated with street cannabis. Moreover, potentially toxic chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers pose health risks.
Who Can Use Medical Marijuana?
In the Sunshine State, the Florida Department of Health controls the use of cannabis. Only those who have one of the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use are eligible. Thus, the illnesses that you can use cannabis for include the following:
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- Insomnia
- PTSD
- Depression
- Migraine
- Anxiety
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic pain
- IBD
- Sickle Cell anaemia
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
- Hepatitis C
- Crohn’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Muscular Spasticity
You must note that this list also includes conditions similar to the ones mentioned. Moreover, a qualified medical marijuana doctor can recommend cannabis if he finds the patient eligible based on their health symptoms.
Significance of Speaking with an MMJ Doctor
In Florida, you must speak with an MMJ doctor before adding cannabis to your medicinal plan. The role of an MMJ doctor is crucial to discuss your symptoms and know how cannabis can ease them. Also, the given reasons validate the importance of an MMJ doctor:
Legal protection
An MMJ doctor can assist you in legally using medical cannabis without facing any repercussions associated with street marijuana. They can offer guidance on the optimal use of this healing drug. Also, a doctor’s recommendation for cannabis serves as a legal validation for its use in compliance with laws.
Medical Assessment
Your marijuana doctor can check your symptoms and evaluate your health condition. They can tailor health plans to your health needs.
Dosage Guidance
MMJ doctors can offer help with different strains and dosages for your condition. You can book an appointment and learn about the varieties of medical cannabis available for your health condition. Medical marijuana is available in different forms, such as edibles, pills, patches, oils, gummies, and more.
Education regarding Marijuana
Speaking with a medical marijuana doctor can help to learn about the benefits and risks of using medical cannabis. Also, learning the risks of street marijuana can help make informed decisions regarding cannabis.
Despite the numerous benefits of cannabis, you must note that it is not the sole treatment for any condition. Moreover, having an active medical marijuana card is necessary for medical cannabis use.
Medical marijuana doctors can ease the steps involved in applying for an MMJ card in Florida.
Thus, after getting your card, you can buy cannabis from dispensaries such as Curaleaf and Green Dragon. We can guide your cannabis journey as we serve patients in Hialeah, Naples, Sarasota, Jacksonville, Melbourne, and St. Petersburg.
The Takeaway
Medical marijuana and street marijuana have several differences. They vary in their ingredients and health effects. However, if you are willing to understand the health benefits of medical cannabis, you must contact My Florida Green. We can guide you through the steps involved in acquiring an MMJ card. Conclusively, your best medical marijuana Doctor Naples plays a crucial role to use cannabis lawfully in Florida.
