Today, cannabis comes in many shapes and forms. From medical to recreational to wellness. Yet their objectives, legal framework and effects are not the same. Let's take a closer look to better understand their specificities and avoid confusion.
Medical cannabis: strictly controlled use
Medical cannabis is a treatment prescribed for therapeutic purposes. Its aim is not to produce psychotropic effects or relaxation, but to bring relief in very specific cases, often for serious or chronic pathologies.
You can find medical cannabis in the treatment of neuropathic pain, certain neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy, or to relieve chemotherapy-related nausea. It is also sometimes used for anxiety disorders resistant to conventional treatments.
This type of cannabis is generally available on prescription, following medical advice. The doctor may prescribe different forms of the product, depending on what is most suitable. Dosages are precisely calculated, and products undergo strict quality control, often with a measured balance between THC and CBD.
Legislation varies widely from country to country. In France, for example, medical cannabis is currently being tested in certain hospitals. The cannabis in Germany or Canada is already fully integrated into the healthcare system. In each case, the framework is medical and access is regulated to avoid excesses.
You can't buy this type of cannabis freely. And even if you get a prescription, you can't share it or use it for any purpose other than that indicated by your doctor.
Recreational cannabis: for pleasure, not for treatment
Recreational cannabis, as the name suggests, is consumed for pleasure, sensory exploration, relaxation or euphoria. This is the most common use, and often the most controversial, as it relies on the high presence of THC, the main psychotropic component of cannabis.
THC acts on the brain, producing effects such as a "high", altered perceptions, euphoria or deep relaxation. In some people, it can also cause anxiety, confusion or an accelerated heart rate.
Recreational cannabis is often consumed as a joint, resin or raw herb, sometimes mixed with tobacco. Other formats exist, such as edibles or concentrates, but they are less common outside countries where cannabis is legalized.
And the legal framework changes everything. In France, for example, recreational cannabis is still illegal, even for personal consumption. In that case, you're liable to a fixed fine (up to €200) and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.
On the other hand, some countries such as Canada, Uruguay, Malta and some American states (California, Colorado, etc.) have opted for conditional legalization of recreational use. This means you can buy cannabis in approved stores, provided you are over 18 and respect certain quantities.
Legal does not mean risk-free. Frequent, unsupervised use can lead to psychological dependence, cognitive problems (especially in young people), sleep disorders and anxiety. Recreational cannabis must therefore be consumed conscientiously and in moderation.
Cannabis wellness: gentle relaxation and CBD products
In recent years, a third category has emerged: wellness cannabis. This is neither medical use with a prescription, nor recreational use for euphoric purposes, but rather the gentle use of hemp for relaxation, recuperation or improving daily comfort.
This wellness cannabis is based mainly on CBD-based products. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychotropic, does not make you "high", and does not induce addiction. Instead, it acts as a modulator of your nervous system. It can help you manage stress better, fall asleep more easily or relieve certain muscular tensions.
CBD is often extracted from industrial hemp, a variety of cannabis naturally low in THC. Finished products generally contain less than 0.3% THC (or even 0%, depending on local legislation), making them legal in many European countries.
On our Puffy online store, you can find legal cannabis in various forms:
- THC vapes (puff and cartridges) ;
- Gummies on THC ;
- THC cookies ;
- Syrups THC ;
- Edibles THC.
Before you buy, check the THC levels - they must remain legal for your location, the origin of the hemp, and the extraction method. Choose brands that offer clear laboratory analysis.