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What’s the difference between CBD and THC?

Anya Overmann

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most prominent cannabinoids in cannabis plants. These cannabinoids have the same chemical makeup – 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. 

What’s different is their chemical arrangement. As a result, our bodies receive them as two compounds that we react to differently. These cannabinoids bind to neurotransmitters in the brain and affect mood, memory, sleep, and pain differently.

CBD

Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC has been federally legal since 2018

  • Does not produce a “high”

  • Could show on drug test

  • Relieves pain

  • Relieves nausea

  • Eases migraines

  • Reduces anxiety

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Helps with insomnia

  • Eases depression

  • Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD 

THC

  • Federally illegal, legal in many states

  • Does produce a “high”

  • Has some psychoactive side effects

  • Shows on drug test

  • Relieves pain

  • Relieves nausea

  • Eases migraines

  • Reduces anxiety

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Helps with insomnia

  • Increases appetite

  • Cannabis has a higher concentration of THC

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol – or CBD – is one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis sativa plants. There are three cannabis sativa plants:

  1. Type I cannabis sativa: contains more than 0.3% THC and less than 0.5% CBD.

  2. Type II cannabis sativa: contains more than 0.3% THC and 0.5% CBD.

  3. Type III cannabis sativa: contains less than 0.3% THC and more than 0.5% CBD.

The first two types are considered marijuana, and type III is categorized as hemp. 

CBD can be extracted from hemp or cannabis, but it’s only currently legal in the US to extract it from hemp. It’s sold in gummies, oils, gels, supplements, extracts, and many other products. CBD does not produce the high sensation associated with cannabis.

What is THC?

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for creating the “high” feeling. It can be consumed in various ways, including inhaling, orally, sublingually, or via edibles.

Psychoactive Components

Contrary to popular belief, both CBD and THC are both psychoactive. The difference is that CBD is not intoxicating and does not impair function.

The high from THC comes from binding with CB1 receptors. Since CBD doesn’t attach to those receptors, it does not produce the same effect. But when consuming CBD and THC together, CBD binds to receptors and blocks THC from binding with them, reducing some of the THC's effects, such as euphoria or sleepiness. 

Legality

US cannabis laws are regularly under revision. Hemp-derived CBD that contains no more than 0.3% THC is federally legal. But THC is still technically a Schedule I drug under federal law. However, many states have passed cannabis-related laws so that 70% of the US population can access legal cannabis and THC. In states where cannabis is legal – like California – you can purchase CBD. These are the states where cannabis is either medically or recreationally legal.

Drug Testing

THC and CBD are stored in the body’s fat, meaning they can show up on drug tests up to several days or weeks after consuming them. Not all drug tests can detect CBD, but THC is more likely to be detected. 

Keep in mind that products that claim to be free of THC may not actually be free of THC. Hemp can produce some THC and CBD, so you could test positive for THC even if you haven’t consumed it. If you’re getting drug tested, you may not want to use either CBD or THC products. 

Side Effects

Neither CBD nor THC has fatal side effects. The body tolerates CBD well, even in large doses. 

CBD side effects:

  • Appetite changes

  • Fatigue

  • Weight loss

  • Diarrhea

  • Dizziness

  • Sleepiness and drowsiness

THC temporary side effects:

  • Dry mouth

  • Red eyes

  • Increased heart rate 

  • Slower reaction times

  • Memory loss

  • Memory loss

  • Anxiety/distress

  • Sleepiness

  • Confusion

  • Low blood pressure

Medical Benefits

CBD and THC have many of the same medical benefits, but here is how they differ. 

CBD can help with: 

  • Epilepsy

  • Seizures

  • Inflammation

  • Pain

  • Psychosis

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Nausea

  • Migraine

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

Recent research suggests it could help with:

  • Social anxiety

  • Schizophrenia

  • Sleep disorders

  • PTSD

THC can help with: 

  • Pain

  • Muscle spasticity

  • Glaucoma

  • Insomnia

  • Lack of appetite

  • Nausea

  • Anxiety

Recent research suggests it could help with:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Chronic neuropathic pain

There has been research that shows cannabis use has been linked to psychosis, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

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