Recreational cannabis and medical cannabis are two terms you’d often hear used to describe different types of cannabis. But what do these terms really mean and how do they differ from each other? In this article, we will answer these questions, focusing on the difference between both types of cannabis and what the law has to say about them.
Before we get into the differences between these two terms, however, there’s the need to correct a certain misconception.
Medical vs Recreational Cannabis — Two Different Categories of the Same Plants
Oftentimes, when we hear the terms “medical cannabis” or “recreational cannabis” we are tempted to think that these are different types of cannabis. While they are significantly different categories of cannabis, it is important to understand that they aren’t necessarily different types of the cannabis plant. In truth, the major difference between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis is simply their intended use, not the type of plant itself.
Here’s what we mean.
Recreational cannabis, as the name suggests, is simply cannabis cultivated, distributed, and consumed purely for recreational purposes. Also referred to as adult-use cannabis, it is cannabis intended to be consumed, not for the medicinal benefits of the marijuana plants, but for its many psychoactive effects. These can range from feelings of relaxation to euphoria, altered sensory perception, and improved mood.
Medical cannabis, on the other hand, is cannabis consumed primarily for the medical benefits of the cannabis plant. It is cannabis used for managing or treating medical conditions due to its pain management, seizure control, mental health support, cancer relief, sleep aid, or other medical benefits.
The difference between these plants isn’t necessarily in the type or species of cannabis consumed, but instead, in the intent behind its consumption.
If a cannabis product is prescribed by a licensed Colombian cannabis doctor to be consumed for medical purposes, then it is medical cannabis. If it is meant to be consumed for personal pleasure, recreation, or in social settings, without the involvement of a presciption by a doctor, then it is recreational cannabis.
Where the Distinction Came From
The distinction between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis comes as a result of the global effort to decriminalize cannabis. Just under a century ago, cannabis was illegal in most of the world and some countries even had strict penalties for the possession, distribution, and consumption of the plant. In the later part of the 20th century, however, various reports from scientific research conducted on the marijuana plant began showing positive reports in the treatment/management of various medical conditions.
These reports proved that cannabis was effective at managing chronic pain, controlling seizures in epileptic patients, fighting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, combating insomnia, alleviating symptoms of nausea and loss of appetite in cancer patients, and so much more.
With scientific evidence proving the many benefits of the plant, the need to decriminalize the new “miracle” drug became obvious. However, while governments all over the world began seeing reasons to legalize the use of cannabis for its medical benefits, many still felt like the use of the plant for its recreational benefits—which had been the major purpose of its consumption in the past—should still remain illegal. From this need came the separation of the two; cannabis for recreational purposes and cannabis for medical purposes—two halves of the same whole.
You may also be interested in this article: Is Marijuana Legal in Colombia?
Medical vs Recreational Cannabis — What the Law Says
One of the biggest differences between medical cannabis and recreational cannabis in Colombia is how these two classifications of cannabis are perceived in the eyes of the law.
In Colombia, medical cannabis is completely legal i.e. individuals are free to buy, sell, possess, and consume cannabis prescribed for medical purposes. Recreational cannabis is only partially legal, however. While individuals are allowed to possess and consume cannabis in Colombia, selling cannabis for recreational purposes remains illegal.
Despite the legality and partial legality of medical and recreational cannabis respectively, there remain restrictions on both categories of cannabis in the country. These restrictions include:
Restrictions on Medical Cannabis in Colombia
- In Colombia, medical cannabis only comes as cannabis-based products, not the raw cannabis plant.
- Medical cannabis in Colombia can only be purchased with a prescription.
- Only certified suppliers are allowed to sell medical cannabis.
Restrictions on Recreational Cannabis in Colombia
- Commercialization of recreational cannabis is illegal in Colombia.
- There is a limit to how much recreational cannabis can be found in your possession. Anything more than 20 grams is considered illegal under Colombia’s cannabis laws.
- Self-cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes in Colombia is restricted to 20 plans per individual.
Medical vs Recreational Cannabis — Composition
Another major difference between medical and recreational cannabis is their composition. In Colombia, this difference is further increased by the fact that medical cannabis in the country never comes in the raw form and is instead provided as processed cannabis-based products.
Medical cannabis typically features varying ratios of CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), depending on the condition being treated. The ratio is tailored to the therapeutic needs of the patient rather than a fixed concentration of one over the other.
Note: CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its wide range of therapeutic benefits, while THC, though psychoactive, also offers numerous therapeutic applications, such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction.
In Colombia, medical cannabis, often provided as processed cannabis-based products, is prescribed with specific CBD/THC ratios suited to the medical condition. Unlike recreational cannabis, which generally contains higher THC levels, medical cannabis compositions are purposefully designed for their therapeutic effects, emphasizing a balanced approach rather than a dominance of either compound. Recreational cannabis in Colombia, on the other hand, doesn’t have as varied a concentration ratio since recreational cannabis in the country comes in the raw cannabis form with limited bio-engineering and the intention of using this kind of cannabis is to achieve feelings of highness, this type of cannabis usually possesses a higher concentration of THC than CBD.
Conclusion
Recreational cannabis and medical cannabis are two different categories of the cannabis plant distinguished by the intention for which they are used; recreational cannabis for its psychoactive effects and medical cannabis for the treatment or management of medical conditions. In Colombia, the laws regulating the use of these different categories of cannabis vary. While medical cannabis is fully legal and regulated, recreational cannabis remains only partially legal. The sale of recreational cannabis is prohibited, and strict limits are imposed on the quantity an individual can legally possess at any given time.
Before indulging in cannabis in Colombia, it is important to know what type of cannabis you are going to consume and what the law has to say about it. For more information about Colombia’s cannabis laws pertaining to medical or recreational cannabis, schedule a consultation.
