How is medical marijuana different from recreational marijuana?

How is medicinal/medical marijuana different from recreational marijuana? Although the terms medical marijuana and medicinal marijuana mean the same thing, there are reasons why we are talking about medicinal marijuana. Over the past few years, a lot of attention has been paid to the topic of medical use of cannabis.
In Poland, it began with changes in regulations at the end of 2017, which previously prevented the import of cannabis-based drugs. The change in the law has opened up the possibility of conducting medical research on cannabis.


In Poland, pharmaceutical companies began their first research on medical marijuana before the end of 2018. Changes in the law make it possible to access medical marijuana. Initiation of treatment with medical cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for therapeutic applications, under certain conditions.
Poland is not alone in these changes. Until recently, the use of cannabis or marijuana-derived drugs was banned or restricted in many countries around the world. There is a clear cultural change that allows more trials and research to be taken on legal marijuana.


There has been a change in the perception of marijuana. Governments and medical authorities continue to use the phrase medicinal marijuana, with individuals and journalists occasionally using the term “marijuana.” This can mislead people who are just starting a discussion about pharmaceutical products based on medical cannabis, especially when they are looking for reliable information.
So what is the difference between medical marijuana and recreational marijuana? Let’s take a closer look.

What are the names of marijuana

Medicinal, medical and recreational marijuana. Basically, the terms medical marijuana and medicinal marijuana can be used interchangeably. Both refer to the use of pharmaceutical products (or drugs) that use cannabis (often referred to simply as marijuana).

In Australia, the term medical marijuana is preferred. So as to help distinguish between the medicinal aspects of this plant and the use of marijuana as an illegal recreational drug.
The name of medicinal marijuana comes from the scientific name of the plant genus, hemp. It also refers to the chemicals in the plant, which are known as cannabinoids.
Nevertheless, medical marijuana is a term that has appeared in the public consciousness. This is a popular term used in the United States, where cannabis-based therapies have been around long enough. It also refers to the more familiar name of the cannabis plant when it is smoked or eaten to get a high.

What is medicinal marijuana

There are significant differences between cannabis-derived pharmaceutical products and cannabis consumption to get high. Hemp contains more than 500 cannabinoids, including THC, a cannabinoid associated with the psychoactive effect associated with recreational marijuana smoking. The second important cannabinoid from a therapeutic point of view is CBD. For a given cannabis species to work, not only THC CBD is needed but all other compounds cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids.


The use of marijuana in Poland remains illegal. When pharmaceutical products derived from hemp are often associated with the isolation of useful cannabinoids and the improvement of their production. These pharmaceutical products may contain different levels of cannabinoids depending on the condition in which they are used. The safety of cannabinoids is much higher than opioids.


The search for medical uses of cannabis is similar to the way of studying medicinal popy to develop pharmaceutical products such as morphine.

What is hidden under the name of medical marijuana

Medicinal marijuana, medical marijuana, these two terms mean the same thing, but the words have connotations that go beyond their strict definitions.

Hemp has always been the scientific name for this plant, while marijuana is derived from the Mexican-Spanish and is associated with the cannabis plant. The term marijuana has been used many times, and it is still a word that remains closely associated with the illegal use of recreational marijuana. He has weak associations in society.

Taking into account the already complex legal and social aspect, which is negotiated by doctors, researchers and legislators. Using cannabis as its preferred term makes the debate focus on the potential medicinal benefits of marijuana.

Cannabis patients looking on the Internet for information and advice on medical marijuana treatment, they come across public opinion about medicinal marijuana.

Considering the big differences between cannabis-based drugs and what is consumed, i.e. recreational marijuana. Distinguishing between them by using the language used is a small but important thing.

Hemp medicinal products

You cannot produce your own marijuana for medicinal purposes. This is illegal in Poland.
Home medicinal cannabis products have unknown concentrations of the active ingredients THC and may contain potentially harmful contaminants. Homemade marijuana is easily targeted at the illegal drug market and cannot be legally used.

Hemp medicinal products must be, pollution-free and high-quality, for doctors to make decisions about prescribing medical marijuana. What plays a key role in conducting cannabis therapy.