Key Differences to Know About CBD vs. THC

In 2018, the Farm Bill was signed into law. It removed hemp (a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant) and derivatives of cannabis with low levels of THC (0.3% or less) from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.

CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

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CBD and THC are both found in cannabis plants, but the way they interact with your body is different.

As the legal use of hemp and other cannabis products grows, consumers are becoming more curious about their options. This includes cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), two natural compounds found in plants of the Cannabis genus.

Both compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, but they have very different effects.

Read on to learn more about these compounds. While they may have a lot in common, they have some key differences that determine how they’re used.

CBD can be extracted from hemp or cannabis. Hemp and cannabis come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Legal hemp must contain 0.3% THC or less. CBD is sold in the form of gels, gummies, oils, supplements, extracts, and more.

CBD does not produce the high sensation associated with cannabis.

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation. It can be consumed by smoking cannabis. It’s also available in oils, edibles, tinctures, capsules, and more.

Both CBD and THC have the same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms , 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. A slight difference in how the atoms are arranged accounts for the differing effects on your body.

Both CBD and THC are chemically similar to your body’s endocannabinoids. This allows them to interact with your cannabinoid receptors.

The interaction affects the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals responsible for relaying messages between cells and have roles in pain, immune function, stress, and sleep, to name a few.

Despite their similar chemical structures, CBD and THC don’t have the same psychoactive effects. CBD is psychoactive, just not in the same manner as THC. It doesn’t produce the high associated with THC.

THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain. It produces a high or a sense of euphoria. This high may be greater if the THC is inhaled rather than ingested, according to research .

CBD binds very weakly, if at all, to CB1 receptors. CBD needs THC to bind to the CB1 receptor and, in turn, can help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC, such as euphoria or sedation.

In the United States, cannabis-related laws are evolving regularly. Technically, CBD is still considered a Schedule I drug under federal law.

Hemp has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act, but the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still classify CBD as a Schedule I drug.

However, 37 states, plus Washington, D.C., have passed cannabis-related laws, making medical cannabis with high levels of THC legal. The cannabis may need to be prescribed by a licensed physician.

In addition, 19 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have made adult recreational use of cannabis and THC legal.

In states where cannabis is legal for recreational or medical purposes, you should be able to buy CBD.

Before you try to buy products with CBD or THC, it’s important to research your state’s laws.

If you possess cannabis-related products in a state where they’re illegal or don’t have a medical prescription in states where the products are legal for medical treatment, you could face legal penalties.

CBD and THC have many of the same medical benefits. They can provide relief from several of the same conditions. However, CBD doesn’t cause the euphoric effects that occur with THC. Some people may prefer to use CBD because of the lack of this side effect.

CBD

In June 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first prescription medication to contain CBD. It’s used to treat rare, difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy. (Epidiolex is not currently approved for any of the other conditions listed below.)

CBD is used to help with other various conditions, such as:

seizures
inflammation
pain
psychosis or mental disorders
inflammatory bowel disease
nausea
migraine
depression
anxiety

According to 2020 research , CBD may help with

social anxiety
schizophrenia
sleep disorders
post-traumatic stress disorders

THC

Two synthetic formulations of THC are approved by the FDA for treating specific conditions.

Nabilone (Cesamet) is FDA approved for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros) is FDA approved to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy drugs. It is also approved to stimulate appetite in people with AIDS or anorexia.

THC is often used to help with the following:

Recent studies are looking at the potential of THC to possibly treat the following:

obstructive sleep apnea
fibromyalgia
chronic neuropathic pain

CBD is well tolerated, even in large doses. Research suggests any side effects that occur with CBD use are likely the result of drug-to-drug interactions between CBD and other medications you may be taking. This may include liver damage.

CBD’s side effects may include:

appetite changes
fatigue
weight loss
dizziness
diarrhea
sleepiness and drowsiness
increased suicidal thoughts

THC causes temporary side effects, such as:

increased heart rate
coordination problems
dry mouth
red eyes
slower reaction times
memory loss
anxiety
tiredness
confusion
distress
low blood pressure
seizures and seizure-like activity

These side effects are part of the compound’s psychoactive properties.

Neither compound is fatal.

However, high THC use may be connected to long-term negative psychiatric effects. This may be especially true for adolescents who consume large amounts of THC.

Long-term cannabis use can cause amotivational syndrome in which people experience symptoms of depression along with low motivation, according to 2021 research . The same research notes that cannabis use has also been linked to psychosis, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.

However, there’s currently no conclusive evidence that using cannabis causes psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are stored in the body’s fat. They can show up on drug tests for several days or weeks after you use them.

Not every drug test will be able to detect CBD, but CBD-sensitive tests are available. Most standard drug tests will look for chemicals related to THC, so THC or cannabis use might appear on a screening.

Likewise, hemp can produce some THC in addition to CBD, so a test could be positive for THC even if you haven’t used it.

It’s important to note that products that claim to be THC-free may not be free of THC, so if you’re drug tested, you should not use any CBD or THC products.

CBD and THC are two of the most prominent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both cannabis and hemp produce CBD and THC.

However, cannabis has a higher concentration of THC. Hemp has a higher concentration of CBD.

The average cannabis strain before 2014 contained about 12 percent THC. Current levels may be closer to 15% to 30% and may also vary by location, according to 2020 research. CBD oil may contain small amounts of THC because it’s present at low levels in the hemp plant. CBD can have no more than 0.3 percent THC to be legal at the federal level.

CBD and THC both have medical benefits. They’re also both considered safe, but consider the possibility of side effects and interactions with other drugs you’re taking. Talk with your doctor or a qualified cannabis or CBD clinician before use and if you have any questions.

Want to learn more about CBD? Click here for more product reviews, recipes, and research-based articles about CBD from Healthline.

CBD	THC
Is illegal	No (See below)	Yes (See below)
Produces a high	No	Yes
Interacts with endocannabinoid system	Yes	Yes
Has side effects	Some	Psychoactive side effects
Shows on drug test	Possibly	Yes
Relieves pain	Yes	Yes
Reduces nausea	Yes	Yes
Eases migraine	Yes	Yes
Reduces anxiety	Yes	Yes
Eases depression	Yes	No
Decreases seizures	Yes	No
Is anti-inflammatory	Yes	Yes
Helps with insomnia	Yes	Yes
Helps with psychosis	Yes	No
Increases appetite	No	Yes
Is used for various other conditions	Yes	Yes

Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.

Last medically reviewed on September 14, 2022

Key Differences to Know About CBD vs. THC

Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are distinct compounds found in cannabis plants that each affect different receptors in the brain.

THC is psychoactive, meaning that it affects your mood, perception, and other mental processes. It produces the “high” effects of marijuana.

CBD is not psychoactive. It won’t get you high, but it can still have side effects, like making you feel relaxed.

In 2018, the Farm Bill was signed into law. It removed hemp (a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant) and derivatives of cannabis with low levels of THC (0.3% or less) from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.

Read on for more information about CBD and THC, and what to keep in mind about these substances.

Clarifying Terms

There are many misconceptions and much misinformation circulating. When reading about CBD and THC, it’s essential to know what various terms mean. Without knowing what different terms mean, it’s easy to get confused.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the naturally occurring substance in the cannabis plant that produces the “high” or the effects of marijuana.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant. It does not produce a high because it does not have THC in it. It can produce relaxation or sleepiness. It has antioxidant (neutralizes destructive oxygen free radicals in cells) and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD vs. THC Chart
CBD	THC
Source	Aerial parts of the cannabis plant (stalk, leaves, flower), can be derived from low-THC hemp.	Leaves and the flowering part of the cannabis plant
Psychoactive Effects	There is no high, but it can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and depression.	Euphoria, heightened senses, changes in time perception
Medicinal Effects	Anti-seizure effect, pain relief, reduces inflammation	Tachycardia (increased heart rate), increased appetite
Legality	Technically legal federally, state legality depends on the state	Not legal federally, state legality varies by state
Detected on Drug Test	Cannabidiol is not detected, but if the preparation has any THC in it, that could be detected.	Yes

Hemp vs. Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are technically the same kind of plant—cannabis. However, hemp plants have no more than 0.3% (by dry weight) of THC. Marijuana has 5%–20% THC. Hemp cannot get you high.

Psychoactive

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a psychoactive substance is a substance that, when consumed, impacts mental processes (thinking, mood, perception, consciousness). This definition doesn’t necessarily only refer to recreational drugs—it can also include substances like nicotine or caffeine.

Synthetic vs. Natural

Synthetic CBD is made in a lab with chemical or biological ingredients. Natural CBD is taken from cannabis plants.

Chemical Differences

Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids from the plant Cannabis sativa. They both have the same chemical makeup: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. However, the arrangement of the atoms differs. The body reacts to them as two different substances.

Effects of CBD vs. THC

The effects of CBD and THC on the body are quite different. Knowing the difference between the two can help you know what to expect if you use these substances.

Medicinal

CBD can have many different medicinal effects, and has multiple mechanisms of action—at least 20 have been identified thus far. It has been found to:

Mediate antiepileptic effects: It binds to a protein called GPR55 that triggers seizures.
Mediate pain signaling and inflammation: It acts on receptors in these pathways.
Relieve neuropathic pain and have an antidepressant effect: It acts like selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs), which are medications used to treat depression.
Decrease psychotic symptoms: This effect may be seen in people with schizophrenia (a mental health condition in which there is an altered perception of reality). It may have an additive effect when used with traditional antipsychotic drugs (when used together, there may be better control of hallucinations and delusions).
Reduce anxiety symptoms

More studies are needed to evaluate CBD’s mechanisms of action and whether its effects are clinically significant consistently.

Drugs with cannabinoids (CBD and/or THC) can be helpful in treating nausea and vomiting in people undergoing cancer chemotherapy, and weight loss and loss of appetite associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS. They may also help with chronic pain and symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Recreational

CBD is not used as a recreational drug like marijuana is. While it can help you feel more relaxed or less anxious, it doesn’t make you “high.”

Recreationally, effects of THC can include:

Alteration of the senses
Alteration of your sense of time
Mood changes
Trouble with body movement
Impaired memory
Trouble thinking or problem-solving
Hallucinations or delusions
Psychosis (losing touch with reality): Risk is highest when regularly using high-potency marijuana.

Industrial and Cosmetic Uses of CBD

CBD can offer relief for various conditions, including skin and cosmetic disorders such as eczema (an inflammatory skin condition) and psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition).

The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps with bodily homeostasis (maintaining a steady state). It helps to maintain skin homeostasis, and when it is dysregulated (out of balance), hyper/hypopigmentation (skin patches with increased or decreased color), atopic dermatitis, hair growth or loss, itch, and acne can occur.

Because CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help with disorders that cause inflammation and/or itching, like atopic dermatitis. More research needs to be done, but CBD may also help with acne because it may inhibit bacterial growth and the production of more oil-making skin cells.

Although CBD shows promise for cosmetic uses for the skin and hair, more studies need to be done to evaluate its effectiveness.

What’s Legal?

Although CBD is not a psychoactive substance, it isn’t legal in every state. In order for CBD to be legal in your state, it needs to be legal at both the federal and state levels.

While the Farm Bill legalized the production of any part of the cannabis plant with a THC concentration of 0.3% or lower, states have the final say.

CBD Legal States

Even though CBD cannot get you “high,” it is not legal in every state. While some states have no restrictions on CBD, others have legalized CBD only for medical purposes. Some regulate it depending on whether it was derived from hemp or marijuana. Others have not legalized it at all.

Laws continuously change. Before you purchase or use any CBD product, even without THC, it’s best to check your state laws. One resource to do so is the National Conference of State Legislatures, on their State Medical Cannabis Laws page.

THC Legal States

Laws regarding THC are actively changing. It is important to check the most current laws in each state. Some state laws vary in the level of THC that is legal, or for what purpose THC can be consumed.

The National Conference of State Legislatures State Medical Cannabis Laws page may be helpful, as is the state information at the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) website.

On a Drug Test

Drug tests specifically look for THC and its breakdown products. CBD should not produce a positive test.

While CBD shouldn’t show up on a drug test, some CBD products do have THC, so it may cause a positive THC result on a drug test. Many CBD products are not regulated, so you don’t know what exactly is in them or how much THC they contain.

The bottom line is that if CBD or THC is illegal in your state or is forbidden in your workplace, it’s best to not use them or limit your usage.

Side Effects

As with any ingested substance, there are potential side effects to both CBD and THC. Additional side effects of CBD than the ones already listed can include:

Changes in alertness, usually drowsiness
Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or lack of appetite
Mood changes like irritability or agitation

Side effects of THC (in addition to the recreational ones) may include:

Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
Red eyes
Increased risk of mood disorders
Lung irritation with chronic usage

Types of CBD and THC

There are different types of CBD and THC. Knowing the differences can help you make a choice about which is best for you.

The types of CBD include:

Whole plant CBD: Uses all of the hemp compounds but is usually too thick for general use
Full spectrum CBD: Contains none of the waxes or oils from whole plant CBD, but has traces of THC
Broad spectrum CBD: Contains no THC but has other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids
Pure CBD (isolate): Contains only CBD, no THC, and no other compounds

The types of THC include:

THC-a: This is the most common type of THC in cannabis, and is the precursor to the other kinds. It does not produce psychoactive effects.
Delta 9 THC: This is responsible for producing the typical psychoactive effects of marijuana, and also helps relieve bodily tension and increases appetite.
Delta 8 THC: This makes up less than 1% of the cannabis plant and is supposed to be half as psychoactive as delta 9.
THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol): This is said to have approximately 33% more potency and strength than delta 9 but medicinal benefits are unknown.
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin): This is not as effective in binding to receptors. In large doses it can be psychoactive, but not in low doses.

Summary

While CBD and THC are from the same plant, the cannabis plant, they are very different. Both can increase relaxation and sleepiness, improve mood, and relieve pain, but CBD does not have the same psychoactive properties that THC does.

There are different kinds of CBD. It’s good to know what kind you are using because some may have traces of THC in them. Knowing more about CBD and THC can help you make informed decisions about what you choose to consume.

A Word From Verywell

While CBD and THC may be legal in some states, in other states there are restrictions on both. Before ordering or using these substances, it’s always a good idea to check the laws in your state about both CBD and THC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smoking a product containing THC (like a marijuana “joint”) or vaping CBD oil can start relieving pain in a few minutes. Creams and edibles can take a bit longer, even up to a few hours for edibles, since they have to go through the digestive tract.

The effects of delta-8 THC are more potent than CBD. Whereas CBD does not get you high, delta-8 does. It is similar to delta-9, which produces the high and side effects of marijuana than it is to CBD.

Everyone’s experience with THC or CBD is different. While THC in low doses tends to reduce anxiety, THC has been shown to increase anxiety in high doses. CBD has been found to decrease anxiety at multiple doses.

Should you tell your healthcare provider you use CBD or THC?

It’s good to let your healthcare provider know if you use CBD or THC. They can interact with certain medications and may cause physical health issues, so your healthcare provider should know if you use these substances.