Colorado Recreational Weed vs Medical, What’s the difference?

Whether you are new to the marijuana scene or traveling to Colorado for the first time, things can be confusing. One topic that comes up repeatedly is the difference between Colorado Recreational Weed and Medical Weed? In this article today, we will go over the differences in products, purchasing, and more. 

Differences in Purchasing

Colorado Recreational weed has been legal for sale since 2014. Any adult over 21 with a valid government ID can purchase marijuana. With recreational sales, you are limited to purchasing up to one ounce at a dispensary per day. You are also limited to carrying up to an ounce (28 Grams) or equivalent on yourself. Colorado considered 8 grams of concentrates (wax, shatter, has, etc.) or 800 mg of edibles to be equal to one ounce of flower.

These limits are different for medical weed. For Colorado residents with a medical marijuana card, the purchase limit is two ounces or equivalent. 

For those who purchase cannabis medical products regularly, looking into obtaining a medical marijuana card can be beneficial. Presenting your medical card at Callie’s will grant you a 10% discount. 

Colorado Recreational Weed Quality and Potency

One of the most common questions we receive is whether there is a difference in quality or potency between recreational and medical weed. The short and quick answer is no. The quality between recreational and medical cannabis is the same. The Marijuana Enforcement Division highly regulates Marijuana products in Colorado dispensaries. This regulation makes sure you are receiving what you pay for. 

The one difference that you will notice is that medical marijuana edibles can come with higher levels of THC. Typically recreational products will come as packs of 100mg THC per pack. Medical cannabis edibles can contain 200 and 500mg THC per pack since medical users can purchase higher amounts of marijuana. 

Are their different products available for Medical or Recreational Weed?

For the most part, the products will be similar. There will be some differences, though, regarding the amount of CBD and THC. CBD, for one, does not have any psychoactive effects, while THC is what gives you that high effect. Medical products will often have higher levels of CBD as they are looking to alleviate the symptoms of diseases and conditions. Some of which can include endometriosis, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, and Multiple Sclerosis. While on the other hand, recreational products often are higher in THC concentration to give off the classic high feeling. 

Additionally, with medical and recreational weed, you will find a variety of different product types available. We are no longer limited to flower products for one to enjoy. 

Taking a quick look at the Callie's Shoppe menu online, you will find tradicional flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, and topical products. These types of products are available for Colorado recreational weed and medical products. 

Don't worry if it all feels overwhelming. You can trust your local Callie's Shoppe to guide you in the right direction. 

Where Can You Enjoy Colorado Recreational Weed?

It is often assumed that because marijuana is legal in Colorado, one can smoke marijuana anywhere. This is not true, and there are laws dictating where you cannot smoke. 

The one place you are legally allowed to smoke is in private residences. If you are above the age of 21, you can smoke freely in the privacy of a home. 

When it comes to transporting marijuana:

• You can transport marijuana in your car as long as it is stored in a closed container. 
• You also cannot cross state lines with marijuana in your vehicle. 
• You cannot smoke while you are in your car. 

You cannot smoke in the dispensary you purchased your product from or any other dispensary. Which brings us to another great difference between recreational and medical weed. In most Colorado dispensaries, you will find a medical and a recreational side. Customers with a medical marijuana card can purchase from either side. Recreational shoppers are required to stay on the recreational side. 

You are also not allowed to smoke in any public areas. Remember, public areas include bars, restaurants, movie theaters, playgrounds, parks, concerts, and more. Remember that Federal Parks are property of the federal government and not the state. It is a crime to possess marijuana on any federal land. It does not matter that you are in Colorado, or that the weed product was purchased legally. 

Hotels are a mixed option for tourists looking to enjoy Colorado Recreational Weed. In a public space in the hotel, you won't be able to smoke, but rooms are private. Since rooms are private, the law states that it is up to the hotel to decide if smoking in private rooms is allowed. Make sure to check with your hotel before booking. If you search online, you will find many hotels and Airbnb-style properties advertising that they are weed-friendly. Making sure you are safe to smoke will save you many headaches while on vacation in Colorado. 

Can one grow Colorado Recreational Weed?

You need to be a Colorado resident aged 21 years old or over to grow weed in your home. You are limited to three flowering plants at a time. All plants need to be kept out of view and secured so minors cannot access them. Plants are not allowed to be grown outdoors. Make sure to check all local laws as well.

As you can see, there is not much of a difference between Colorado Recreational Weed vs. Medical Weed. The biggest differences come in the levels of THC and CBD along with pricing. For Colorado residents that are eligible for a medical marijuana card, using that for discounts is a benefit, at least at Callie’s. For tourists who are looking to enjoy the best marijuana found on earth, recreational weed is always a great option to enjoy. 

Whether you are looking for Colorado Recreational Weed or Medical Weed, Callie's Shoppe has you covered. Make sure to check out our menu online and visit your local Callie's Shoppe for all the latest marijuana products. Also, don't miss out on our reward program, where you earn one point for every dollar spent at Callie’s.