Depending on where you are in the country, chances are that medicinal or adult use marijuana is either on the way to, or already becoming legal. This also means that it will or is now being sold in outlets in your area. However, it’s very important to know that the procedure and experience differs greatly between medical dispensary and adult use ones. This is why you should get familiar with it so you can enjoy your experience, and actually get out with what came in for. Let’s take a closer look at some of these differences between the two so you’ll be better prepared.
What is a Medical Dispensary?
The goal of medical marijuana dispensaries is to provide patients with resources and high quality cannabis to treat specific health conditions. You’ll instantly notice a difference in atmosphere between the two types of outlets as soon as you come in.
Medical dispensaries tend to be much more clinical than adult use outlets, and more emphasis is being put on care and information. Prices will also usually differ, as both are taxed differently. And, if you want to get served in a medical dispensary, make sure that you have your documentation and as many questions related to your health issue as possible.
Another notable difference between the two is that minors can actually get medical marijuana in certain states, while adults use cannabis, as its name implies, is limited to adults in all states where it is legal.
Adult Use Outlets
Adult use cannabis stores, also known as recreational cannabis stores, have much less restrictions than medical marijuana dispensaries. Many adult use stores have also started to remove the name “dispensary” from their name to distance themselves from any medical connotations.
You need to be over the age of 21 to buy in these stores, and you’ll need a valid state ID to prove it. If in doubt, a valid passport can do.
What You Should Know when Picking Product
Don’t make the mistake of going for the product with the highest THC level or the priciest. After all, would you buy wine simply based on how strong it is?
It’s always better to do your research about any product before you buy. Also make sure that you’re familiar with different types of marijuana, like sativas, hydrids, or indicas. All three will have significant differences as far as the high goes, and might be better for some people than others.
Indicas are usually what people think about when they think about a weed high. This is the typical couch lock, body high that many people look for. Sativas tend to be more cerebral and are better if you want to be active, do some creative work, or engage in social activities. However, it is not always the best one for anxiety. Hybrids, on the other hand, will combine the attributes of the two, but will usually be sativa or indica dominant.
CBD content will also make a huge difference. CBD is a non-psychoactive component that is found in some cannabis plants that can give a sense of calmness and alertness. It’s always good to have a little bit of CBD in your flower if you want to counteract some of the negative effects.
And be careful before you start delving into the edibles. These can get very tricky, and you have to know your dosage before you start. Start with small doses at first, even if it means going with half the recommended dosage so you can learn your sweet spot.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about medical and adult use cannabis, make sure that you do your homework, and find the strain that is the best for you. The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to unlock cannabis’s full potential and benefits.