Despite medicinal cannabis being legal in Oregon since 1998 and recreationally since 2014, many people have only a vague idea of what differentiates the two. Medicinal cannabis is often associated with easing symptoms of cancer and its treatments, while recreational marijuana frequently stirs mental images of lazy couch potatoes.
However, like many stereotypes, such descriptions are a vast over-simplification. So, seeing as Greeley Gallery is a medicinal and recreational cannabis dispensary, we thought we’d explain what each entail to help you choose what’s right for you.
Medical Cannabis
Our ancient human ancestors have used cannabis for medicinal purposes since at least 2,800 BCE, making it one of the oldest known medicines in the world. Even today, thousands of years later, millions of people just within the United States use medicinal cannabis to help manage conditions like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and, yes, chemotherapy-inflected nausea. However, the most common ailments researchers have identified for why people turn to medical cannabis is anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds, many of which remain mysterious, but cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most well-known. Both are associated with medicinal properties. However, THC produces the “high” that’s associated with marijuana, while CBD does not. Because of this, medicinal cannabis typically contains higher CBD content so that people can gain all of the health benefits without the psychoactive effects.
Despite its name, medicinal cannabis products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the way pharmaceutical medications are. Instead, each state creates its own regulations.
In Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority requires that all cannabis products produced in the state (whether medicinal or recreational) be analyzed by an ORELAP-accredited laboratory and pass testing requirements for pesticides and other contaminants before being offered to consumers. You can see more of Oregon’s marijuana regulations here.
To purchase medicinal cannabis in Oregon, you must first attain a healthcare professional’s approval to get a medicinal cannabis card from the state. Additionally, only state-regulated and licensed cannabis dispensaries can sell medicinal cannabis. We’re proud to count Greeley Gallery as one such dispensary, offering high-grade medicinal cannabis products – along with recreational options, too.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer questions or make product recommendations; however, as they are not medical professionals, they cannot provide diagnoses or prescriptions. As such, we encourage all of our customers to be safe and use caution when consuming cannabis – and that goes for recreational cannabis, too.
Recreational Cannabis
Medicinal cannabis may be one of the oldest medicines in the world, but humans have enjoyed the psychoactive effects of cannabis for nearly as long, or since at least 2,500 years ago.
While medical cannabis favors the medicinal qualities of CBD, recreational cannabis consumers enjoy the mind-altering effects THC offers. Often, using cannabis to get high or “stoned” is associated with being lazy couch potatoes and binge-watching Netflix. However, while such a scenario can be pleasant, there are many other activities people enjoy doing under THC’s influence – such as going for a hike or being creative.
In Oregon, both recreational and medicinal cannabis are state-regulated. However, unlike medicinal cannabis, you don’t need a card or special approval to purchase recreational cannabis. Instead, in states like Oregon, where recreational weed is legal, it’s often treated more like alcohol, where the only requirement to purchase it is being at least 21 years old.
Also, like alcohol, it’s essential to know your tolerance. Consuming too much can result in unpleasant effects, such as heightened anxiety or feelings of paranoia, which is why we always recommend that consumers start low and build slowly to avoid unwanted effects. In other words, if you’re unsure what your tolerance is, find out by consuming small amounts first, then gradually increasing over time until you find your ideal dosage.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it!
Aside from regulations and obtaining a medical cannabis card from the Oregon Health Authority, the biggest difference between what’s considered medicinal and recreational cannabis is its CBD and THC levels. Cannabis products containing more CBD, or CBD only, whether dried flower or Angle Hemp CBD tinctures, are typically considered more medicinal. Meanwhile cannabis products with high THC content, such as some WYLD gummies or Keef sodas, are meant for recreation.
Of course, there’s no rule stating you must choose either recreational or medicinal cannabis products. In fact, many times, the best results come when products contain CBD and THC both. And as an accredited recreational and medicinal cannabis dispensary, Greeley Gallery is proud to offer a selection of high-quality and locally produced cannabis products, including dried marijuana flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, and beverages for our customers to choose from. Stop by our north Portland dispensary on the corner of Rosa Parks Way and Greeley Ave, near the University of Portland, to take a look!
Written By: Katrina Paulson
