Does medical marijuana get you high?

Does medical marijuana get you high?

With 40 states legalizing medical marijuana, the American Medical Association considers the plant a valuable medicinal tool, and more people than ever before are using it for medicinal purposes.

Here is a list of states with medical marijuana programsD Laws on legal recreational cannabis

Medical marijuana has been shown to help with nausea, pain relief, sleep disorders, depression and cancer treatment, especially during chemotherapy. There are more than 4 million registered patients and many more trying cannabis on a smaller scale. But does medical marijuana get you high?

Before legalization, medical marijuana users had to rely on supplies of cannabis from friends or dealers and then figure out for themselves how best to consume it.

Joints and brownies were the most popular, but these methods of consumption made it difficult to regulate the amount of THC. This sometimes made patients feel physically better, but they were too high and therefore unproductive, unable to maintain a normal lifestyle and carry out their daily duties.

Regulating the amount of THC you consume is a difficult balancing act with medical marijuana, as you want to reap its benefits but don't want to get completely high.

The chemical structure of THC is similar to the brain chemical anandamide. The structural similarities allow the body to recognize THC and alter normal brain communication. They affect areas of the brain that affect pleasure, memory, thinking, attention, movement, coordination, and sensory and temporal perception. Because of this similarity, THC can dock with and activate molecules called cannabinoid receptors on neurons in these brain regions, disrupting various mental and physical functions. THC, acting through cannabinoid receptors, can also activate the brain's reward system, which includes areas that control responses to healthy, pleasurable behaviors like sex and eating.

In states where medical marijuana is legal, the packaging should indicate how strong the product is. Edibles, oils, and vaporizers tend to be the most popular forms of medical consumption.

The FDA does not regulate medical marijuana in the same way it regulates prescription drugs. While states monitor and regulate sales, they often do not have the resources to do so. This means that the strength and composition of medical marijuana can vary widely depending on where it is purchased.

Additionally, there are numerous reports of cannabis products being tested and not detecting the amount of THC and other cannabinoids stated on the packaging, so make sure you get your products from a reputable dispensary and brand.

Speak to a knowledgeable person at the retailer, explain your needs and ask any questions. If the first product only partially helps, please seek additional help and advice. People react differently to different consumption methods and cannabis products.

It is important to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking cannabis for medicinal purposes. Marijuana can interact with your current medications or there may be other concerns you should be aware of.

Do you need a medical marijuana card?

A medical marijuana card allows you to legally purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary in your state. This is the only way to legally purchase marijuana in states that have not legalized recreational marijuana.

Your medical marijuana card may also offer reciprocity benefits, allowing you to purchase at establishments in other states. Note that reciprocity is a complex set of rules, so if you're traveling, be sure to check the rules first.

You will also find that medical marijuana is significantly cheaper than purchasing recreational cannabis without a medical card. The tax on recreational cannabis can be over 28%. In comparison, medical cannabis can be taxed at just 1 or 2%.

Medical marijuana valued at $100 may cost only $105 with sales tax, whereas the same item without a medical marijuana card could cost $130.

A medical marijuana card may also allow you to grow your own cannabis in some states. In Illinois, patients who use medical cannabis are allowed to grow up to five plants for personal possession and consumption at any time.

FAQ

How do I get a medical marijuana card?

For more information on obtaining a medical marijuana card, see our previous article on the subject.

Is recreational cannabis more effective than medical marijuana? Medical Marijuana Cards

A 2020 study published on ncbi.nlm showed no real difference between the THC content of medical and recreational cannabis. While medical marijuana dispensaries may be better able to advise consumers on the best strain, the potency of cannabis advertised for medical and recreational use was comparable.