The main differences between recreational and medical cannabis (medical marijuana) are:

• Ratio of TCH to CBD in the cannabis
• Why the cannabis is used
• Necessity for a medical document (prescription) for medical cannabis
• Medical cannabis must be bought from a Health Canada licensed seller; or the individual must have authorization from Health Canada to grow their own or have someone grow it for them

Regulations regarding THC and CBD content

Health Canada has updated its Cannabis Regulations to include the following new requirements for THC and CBD content in both recreational and medical cannabis:

• Cannabis oils which may fall into the class of cannabis extracts, cannot exceed 1000 mg per immediate container, “taking into account the potential to convert THCA into THC.”
• Cannabis oils administered orally cannot contain more than10 mg of THC in total.
• Licensed producers of dried and fresh cannabis can’t add THC or THCA (the non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is converted into THC when heated).

Medical cannabis use

Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana as it is more commonly known, is prescribed by doctors for health reasons, to treat chronic pain and serious illnesses, such as MS; or improve symptoms such as nausea or insomnia.

Medical marijuana tends to have a higher ratio of CBD (the chemical found in the cannabis plant that is responsible for creating a more relaxing or calming effect) to THC. Because of this, medical marijuana is much less likely to produce the psychoactive effects of recreational cannabis caused by a higher concentration of THC, such as euphoria and intoxication.

How is medical cannabis consumed?

Medical cannabis can be administered through many methods, including:

• ingesting oil directly on the tongue, or in edibles or beverages
• oral capsules, sprays or lozenges
• dermal patches
• ointments or lotions applied topically to the skin
• vaping or smoking dried cannabis buds
• ingesting raw cannabis leaves or buds (mixed in a juice or smoothie)

For more information, refer to For what conditions can medical marijuana be prescribed?

Recreational cannabis use

As opposed to treating more serious health issues, recreational cannabis is primarily used so the individual can experience a sense of mild euphoria and relaxation, often referred to as a “high” caused by the psychoactive chemical THC found in the cannabis plant. Therefore, recreational strains of cannabis tend to have a higher ratio of THC to CBD.

Recreational marijuana can legally be purchased from licensed retail or online sellers.  For more information, view the Where can cannabis be sold? section of Cannabis Law.

How is recreational cannabis consumed?

Recreational cannabis is most often consumed through smoking, vaping, or in edibles.  For more information, view What is the difference between smoking, vaping and ingesting cannabis? 

Get help

To erase your criminal record for simple cannabis possession or any other criminal charges, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our preferred criminal defence expert, Calvin Barry Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at 1-866-961-4963 .

								
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