Understanding Medical vs Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensaries

In the Cannabis Act, both adult-use and medical cannabis have been legalized in Canada, making many Canadians take advantage of the country’s new freedom. The new rule legalizing cannabis has made some Canadians wonder the difference between recreational and medical cannabis. It has become a popular discussion topic external and within the cannabis community.

It’s worth noting that while determining the difference between adult-use and medical cannabis, you should also know that the intended effects and consumption, comes down to the choices and intent of the cannabis consumer.

However, before jumping towards the nearest weed dispensary, ensure you know the difference and also where they get their cannabis.

Many Cannabis dispensaries in Canada source their weed from Online Dispensary Canada, but there are larger dispensaries that prefer growing their cannabis. This guide will help you get the best out of your hard-earned money, whether you are there for adult-use and medical cannabis.

The Cannabis Act

This Act features the federal laws governing the use of adult-use or recreational cannabis, that was to effect across the nation on 17th October 2018. Both municipal and local laws affect recreational cannabis. In most cases, they give additional restrictions like increasing the legal age for consuming cannabis in their specific areas and opting out of the adult-use cannabis retail shops.

According to the federal law in the Cannabis Act, the legal consumption age in Canada is 19 years, but in Quebec and Alberta, 18 years is the minimum legal age for both consumption and purchase.

The ACMPR

The ACMPR (Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation) was the law governing medical cannabis in the nation before 17th, October 2018. After the legalization of cannabis, the ACMPR was consumed by the Cannabis Act.

However, there were no changes done to the old laws of medical cannabis. Besides, Health Canada committed to running the ACMPR program within the Cannabis Act, but there are plans to review within 5years.

The Individual’s Intent to Use Cannabis

Although it is difficult to define the difference between recreational and medical cannabis in people’s eyes, differentiation is genuinely in the individual’s intent.

Medical cannabis

Medically, cannabis provides many positive benefits to your body, including reducing anxiety, pain relief, relieving insomnia, inflammation and depression. As of now, cannabis is highly regarded and under research for its ant-cancer and anti-seizure properties.  

Therefore, those consuming cannabis medically regularly will get a long-lasting positive effect of the cannabis as it cooperates with your endocannabinoid system to bring change.

Recreational cannabis

Those taking cannabis for recreational purposes are pursuing the intoxicating or psychoactive effect of cannabis. Ultimately, while using cannabis recreationally, the user may also experience the benefits of cannabis simultaneously.

However, if you are self-medicating using adult-use cannabis for therapeutic or medical intent, you should seek proper medical practitioners’ guidance. To benefit the most out of cannabis, you need the right strain and specific dosing.

Growing Cannabis in Canada

There are only two legalized ways of growing cannabis for cannabis users. One of them is ACMPR whereby users are given the privilege of growing their own medicinal cannabis.

Moreover, under the approval and review of Health Canada, patients estimate the amount of cannabis they can grow legally and store as per the requirements in their medical recommendation.

On the other hand, you are only allowed to grow four cannabis plants in a household, according to the Cannabis Act except in Quebec and Manitoba. However, this privilege can’t be shared between homes and users. If you are located in Manitoba or Quebec, you may have to apply for a personal production license to grow cannabis.

According to the 420expertadviser.com, you should only get your cannabis seeds from reliable canadian dispensaries only.

Where can I Consume Cannabis?

The consumption laws of recreational cannabis are extremely confusing. According to the Cannabis Act, recreational cannabis can be consumed anywhere tobacco is consumed; nevertheless, several provinces in Canada have tightened the restrictions. In states like New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territory and Yukon Territory cannabis consumption is limited to private residences.

On the other hand, for medical cannabis, you may use it anywhere, whether you are smoking or vaping. Vaping is one of the most trending industries in the cannabis market. It is allowed in all areas where tobacco is permitted such as sidewalks, outside buildings, parks and even designated smoking areas.

Cannabis for medicinal purposes is given more leeway when it comes to restrictions, but you should always have cannabis medical documents with you while purchasing from any cannabis store. In some states you can only enjoy adult-use cannabis at the dispensary or at home.

Conclusion

While trying to differentiate between adult-use and medical cannabis, there are different criteria, and it also narrows down to the user’s intent. The Cannabis Act has allowed Canadians to choose cannabis use by passing the law for cannabis to be enjoyed by all legal age wishing to consume.

Furthermore, if you want to pursue a medical cannabis recommendation, look for a medical practitioner in your state, so that you can take cannabis like the tobacco users.