If you’ve been considering getting a medical marijuana recommendation from a physician, you’ve likely been wondering about the difference between medical and recreational marijuana.
You might be feeling a little apprehensive, however, there is a great wealth of evidence to show that cannabis can help in a variety of chronic medical conditions.

When people speak about medical marijuana, they’re talking about using the whole unprocessed plant or the chemicals contained within it to alleviate the symptoms of certain conditions or diseases.
The marijuana plant is comprised of over 100 chemicals known as cannabinoids, with each of these having different effects on your body. The two main chemicals used in the medicinal application of marijuana are: Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This is the psychoactive compound in marijuana — i.e. the element that produces the high. Cannabidiol, or CBD. This substance does not produce any psychoactive effects.

Medical marijuana has a higher CBD content, so when you’re taking it, you don’t feel the euphoria that’s associated with its recreational counterpart. Another benefit is that medical marijuana does not have to be smoked. It can be ingested or used in topical applications as well.