Finding the right medical dispensary in Los Angeles can be a challenge. You’re dealing with hundreds of other stores that offer different kinds of products. And if you’re someone taking a look at this industry for the first time, that can be quite daunting. So for someone who has no clue about the medical marijuana industry and the dispensaries that sell products, how do you know which one to go with? Are there specific criteria to follow? What should you be looking for? These are all valid questions that aren’t that easy to answer. But this article should give you an idea of what to expect during your first visit.
Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis
Looking at it at face value, it’s easy to differentiate between medical and recreational cannabis. The former is more about the therapeutic effects, while the latter focuses on the psychotropic trip that marijuana is known to bring. But let’s dive in a little further: medical cannabis is all about the endocannabinoid system. It’s a widespread system throughout the body that serves numerous vital functions, from regulating food intake to stabilizing metabolism. To make a long story short, the main goal of the ECS is to help correct any form of imbalance that may be happening in the body during that specific period.
Is medical cannabis all about CBD?
Short answer: no. First, CBD (a.k.a cannabidiol) is the non-psychotropic cousin of THC, the cannabinoid that gets us “high.” It is known to contain the many therapeutic benefits that cannabis is known for. For those who don’t want the mind-altering effect, pure CBD is a much-chosen option. However, there is also a benefit of having both THC and CBD work together. In the medical field, this is known as the entourage effect. According to research, having these two cannabinoids operate as a team can potentially help relieve symptoms and complications of chronic pain, anxiety, seizures, and inflammation. But of course, the THC levels in this area are on the lower end of the spectrum to keep things stable.
Qualifying As a Medical Marijuana Patient
While it is much easier to procure any cannabis product of your choosing, being a medical marijuana patient still has its special perks. The most important one is the accessibility of such products in states where there are tighter cannabis restrictions. Keep in mind that marijuana remains to be a Schedule I drug alongside heroin. That means the federal government still deems it to have no medicinal value, and therefore, illegal.
But if you are a medical marijuana patient, you can have your doctor provide you with recommendations upon your arrival to a state where cannabis laws are stricter. Now, the next question would be along the lines of “who is qualified to receive a medical marijuana prescription?” Anyone with a chronic illness fits that bill, but ultimately, the final call will still come from your doctor.
Do I need a medical marijuana card?
These days, having a card on you isn’t necessary. All you need is a written recommendation from your doctor, which will nonetheless be verified by the dispensary personnel upon your arrival. However, it still pays to have a medical marijuana card for easier verification during travel.
Visiting a Medical Dispensary in Los Angeles
To those looking for a reliable medical dispensary in this part of Southern California, visit us at Roots LA. We’ve partnered up with many brands that specialize in medical cannabis products, from topical creams for body aches, to gummies and oil tinctures to battle insomnia. We’re located along Sherman Way in Sun Valley, but you can also check out our other branches across LA County. For more information, visit our website or call us at (818) 210-0095.