More than 46 states have legalized cannabis in one form or another, whether for medical or recreational purposes. Its many benefits for medical conditions are now available to millions of patients. Those in need were forced to purchase so-called “street” marijuana from unlicensed vendors prior to legalization because many people lacked the luxury of purchasing lab-tested medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
The main distinction between medical marijuana and street marijuana is whether the product’s manufacturing, distribution, and processing are legal. This can have an impact on the product’s quality, cost, and the legal protections afforded to patients who use it. We always advise consulting a marijuana doctor before adding marijuana to your treatment plan. A doctor will decide if marijuana is right for you and will give you advice on how to use it safely.
What Is Medical Marijuana?
Legal medical marijuana refers to marijuana plants and products that are cultivated, prepared, and distributed as part of a state-legalized medical cannabis program. At least 46 states in the US have legalized the use of medical marijuana. However, laws governing various aspects, such as product type and allowed purchase amounts, vary by region.
Understanding How Medical Marijuana Works
Like other cannabis plants, medical marijuana benefits patients by influencing several homeostasis-related processes and interacting with their endocannabinoid system. Numerous qualifying conditions can be treated with cannabis due to this interaction.
Common Uses of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana has been shown to be beneficial for a number of medical conditions, including:
- Pain
- Anxiety/Depression
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome
- Anorexia
- Insomnia
- Glaucoma
- PTSD
- Seizures
- Nausea
The Potential Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary has been intentionally cultivated and produced with a medical user in mind. This shows that the grower was legally allowed to cultivate the plant and that they met all state-mandated laboratory testing and quality assurance requirements. Plants are consistently clean and safe for human consumption.
The end user is fully informed about the cannabinoid levels in each product, including the amount of THC, terpenes, and CBD, and knows exactly what to expect from their medication because every batch of medical marijuana comes with lab test results. Purchases of medical marijuana are also entirely legal in states with active medical programs, and patients are entitled to all associated protections.
The Potential Risks and Drawbacks of Medical Marijuana
Regulated marijuana can sometimes be more expensive than marijuana sold on the street due to taxes. Due to a shortage of dispensaries and product purchase restrictions in some states, getting medical marijuana can be challenging or even impossible for some people who are managing a serious condition. Furthermore, each state has different testing requirements, some of which are stricter than others.
If you don’t have a qualifying condition listed in your state’s medical program, you may not be eligible for a medical marijuana recommendation. While some states provide low-income patients with cost reduction grants, others may find certain state card application processes to be unaffordable.
What Is Street Cannabis?
As the name suggests, street marijuana is cannabis that is offered for sale on the black market, which is the illegal market, by growers or dealers. States that prohibit the use of cannabis for medical purposes are typically associated with it. However, black markets also thrive in states with legal adult use laws, such as Colorado or California, where access to medical marijuana dispensaries is limited and taxes are high.
How Street Cannabis Affects the Body
Like medical marijuana, street marijuana acts on the endocannabinoid system, interacting with various physical and psychological processes.
However, because it is illegal, street marijuana is not always subject to the same regulations as medical marijuana. Its overall quality and cannabinoid content may be much lower than that of legal cannabis. It may have been grown with pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful chemicals that are not allowed in legally grown marijuana.
Common Uses of Street Cannabis
People often turn to street marijuana when there is no affordable or legal way to obtain legal cannabis. In states without medical programs or where the cost of cannabis makes its medical use impractical, people turn to street marijuana to treat a range of illnesses:
- AIDS/HIV
- Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)
- Anorexia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Chronic Pain
- Cancer
- Seizures
- Nausea
They also use marijuana on the street because it makes them feel good all around.
The Potential Benefits of Street Cannabis
It can occasionally be lucky to use marijuana on the street. Even if they don’t have the money to start legal operations, quality growers can still produce cannabis with a high cannabinoid and terpene content in clean conditions. Since you can purchase marijuana on the street without a medical marijuana card, it is simpler to obtain if you reside in a state without a medical marijuana program. Additionally, because street marijuana is tax-free, it is often far less expensive than medical marijuana.
The Risks and Drawbacks of Street Cannabis
There is no guarantee of quality when it comes to street cannabis; even its cannabinoid content can differ significantly. Users are unaware that their cannabis may contain heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants because street marijuana is rarely tested.
It’s also illegal to use cannabis on the street. Despite having all the protections that come with being a medical marijuana patient, not being one can result in jail time and heavy fines, depending on where you live. Street marijuana can even be expensive depending on where you live, which would offset any potential affordability benefits.
Comparing Medical Marijuana and Street Cannabis: Similarities and Differences
Cannabis encompasses both medical and recreational marijuana. They both work in the body by affecting the endocannabinoid system and share many of the same health benefits. In both legal and illicit markets, they are available in a number of forms, such as edibles, topicals, concentrates, tinctures, and flowers.
Legality, cost, and quality assurance are the three primary differences. Medical marijuana is more expensive than street marijuana because it must meet strict quality control and lab testing requirements set by their state’s regulations.
When you use medical marijuana, you don’t have to worry about breaking the law by illegally possessing cannabis. State and federal prosecutions for illegal activity may be brought against products that are purchased, owned, or used in violation of state laws, and marijuana is still illegal on a federal level.
Final Words!
It is strongly advised that you only buy medical cannabis. You can be certain that the cannabis comes from sources that are fully licensed and compliant and that you know what’s in it thanks to lab testing. It isn’t worth risking your health to save a few bucks by using street marijuana, so even though medical cannabis can be more expensive, you won’t have to worry about consuming anything dangerous.
If you’re ready to start your journey, get a medical marijuana card in Paterson by registering online with MD Ganja Clinic.
