If you plan to use cannabis to treat a medical condition, it is important to understand the difference between medical-grade cannabis and recreational marijuana.

The Difference Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana

The use of medical-grade marijuana has been an option for Oregon residents with specific health conditions for many years, and recently, the state passed a law that permits recreational use of marijuana beginning on July 1. While medical and recreational cannabis may seem similar, the fact is that there are some key differences that you should be aware of. Before you visit a medical marijuana store in Portland, think about these factors.

The Qualifications For Medical Marijuana

After July 1, 2015, anyone age 21 or older may walk into a dispensary to purchase recreational marijuana in Oregon, but only those with a medical ID card can purchase medical cannabis. There are various types of cannabis as well as qualities, and each will vary in terms of cost and potency. With even high quality cannabis available to recreational users, you may wonder why you need a medical ID card. You will need to qualify for a card by obtaining a doctor’s authorization and by requesting the card through the state. There is a process for this, but when you go through this process, you will enjoy some benefits under the law that recreational users do not have.

Laws Regarding Possession

It is also important to note that there are different rules in place regarding possession based on whether you have a medical marijuana ID card or not. This includes rules regarding how much cannabis you can carry on you in public, how much you can have at home and the number of plants that you can grow at home. You should review the rules that apply to you carefully to avoid getting into legal trouble when using and possessing marijuana.