On the verge of a possible regulation of the use of therapeutic cannabis, more and more doubts are arising about the different types of consumption. Learn what the differences are between medicinal and recreational cannabis thca flowers.
The report’ Monography and cannabis 2022. Consumption and consequences’, recently presented by the Spanish Observatory of Drugs and Addictions (OEDA) and the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs (DGPNSD), has highlighted that cannabis is the illegal substance most consumed by Spaniards. It is only surpassed by alcohol and tobacco, but both are legal for use.
This Tuesday, June 21, Congress voted on the final report that allows the therapeutic use of cannabis to be regulated. The proposal has gone ahead thanks to the votes in favor of PSOE, Unidas Podemos, Ciudadanos, PNV and PDeCAT, the abstention of ERC and Bildu, and the vote against PP and VOX.
Despite an increase in complaints of illicit consumption or possession and an increase in the price of marijuana and hashish, this drug continues to be the favorite of Spaniards, and more and more doubts are arising about its uses.
What is cannabis consumption like in Spain?
The average age at which consumption of this drug begins is 14.9 years , much lower than other illegal substances. Marijuana is the most consumed form . These data are followed by the combined use of marijuana and hashish, which make up 33.5% of drug users.
87.7% of people mix it with tobacco, and those who have smoked cannabis in the last 30 days admit to smoking an average of 3.3 joints a day. This makes it the fourth most consumed psychoactive substance by the population under 64 years of age, and its maximum number of users reached 37.5% for the first time in 2020.
The group with the highest prevalence of consumption in the last month is those between 15 and 24 years old , with 15.9% of active users. These data decrease with age. The perception of the risk of consuming cannabis continues to decline: 52.2% of adolescents between 14 and 18 years old felt that it could have important consequences for their health. This is almost twenty points less than the data for 2006.
What are the differences between medical and recreational consumption?
The difference between both uses isthe reason why it is consumed. Varieties may contain a different amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), but all can be consumed for medicinal and recreational purposes.
The CBD compound is the most appreciated cannabinoid given its medicinal properties. While THC is the main active ingredient, CBD is increasingly in demand, and that is why today many varieties with a high percentage are created . The medicinal uses are varied: the psychoactive effect is very small or even non-existent and they can reduce very complicated epileptic symptoms.
The exterior appearance of the plants is always the same . The leaves can be larger or smaller, the plants taller or shorter, and most are green with flowers and mature leaves of many colors. The real difference is in the moral and legal context between medicinal and recreational use.
People who decide to use cannabis to have a good time do so because of its psychotropic effects . Furthermore, its use can be associated with a high risk of alteration of psychomotor and cognitive functions, but cannabis can also be an ally when it comes to relieving the symptoms of different diseases such as chronic pain, cancer, insomnia or stress.
How is cannabis used?
In the case of recreational uses , a quick and intense effect is sought , while people seeking medicinal relief will use a smaller amount on a more regular basis.
There are four main methods of administration in medicinal therapies:
Sublingual administration: One of the most popular methods. Drops, sprays, or pills administered under the tongue are used. The effects last several hours and begin to be noticeable after 40 minutes of application.
Topical application: Creams, oils, lotions or balms are good options to apply to a specific area of the body. The effect can last up to 5 hours. It is used in cases of muscle pain or joint conditions.
Ingestion: It can be consumed through edible products, drinks or capsules and lasts between 4 and 6 hours from ingestion.
Inhalation: It has a very rapid effect, but only lasts a few minutes. The vapor is inhaled through the respiratory tract, reaching the bloodstream through the lungs. It is usually the method selected for recreational consumption.