SUBSCRIBE

FULL SPECTRUM: ALL ABOUT CBD

CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC,
CHT on May 20, 2019 — Written by Kimberly Holland

Chemical structure Psychoactive components

Legality in the United States Medical benefits Side effects
Drug testing Further clarification At a glance

Overview
As the legal use of marijuana 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.

CBD can be extracted from hemp or from marijuana. Hemp plants are
cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3 percent THC, while marijuana
plants are cannabis plants that contain higher concentrations of THC. CBD
is sold in the form of gels, gummies, oils, supplements, extracts, and
more.

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

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 vs. THC: Chemical structure

Both CBD and THC have the exact 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 own
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, sleep, to
name a few.

CBD vs. THC: Psychoactive components

Despite their similar chemical structures, CBD and THC don’t have the
same psychoactive effects. In fact, CBD is a nonpsychoactive compound.
That means 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 sense of euphoria.

CBD binds very weakly, if at all, to CB1 receptors. In fact, it can interfere
with the binding of THC and dampen the psychoactive effects.

CBD vs. THC: Legality

In the United States, cannabis-related laws are evolving regularly.
Marijuana and THC are on the list of controlled substances, so they’re
prohibited under federal law.

However, many states and Washington, D.C. have passed cannabis-

related laws making medical marijuana with high levels of THC legal. The
marijuana may need to be prescribed by a licensed physician.

In addition, several states have made recreational use of marijuana and

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

Before you try to buy products with CBD or THC, get information about
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 vs. THC: Medical benefits

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.

In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved  Epidiolex, the
first prescription medication to contain CBD. It’s used to treat rare,
difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy.

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

seizures

inflammation
pain

psychosis or mental disorders

inflammatory bowel disease
 nausea

migraines

depression
anxiety

THC is used to help with conditions such as:

pain
muscle spasticity

glaucoma

insomnia
low appetite

nausea
anxiety

CBD vs. THC: Side effects

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.

THC causes temporary side effects, such as:

increased heart rate

coordination problems
dry mouth

red eyes

slower reaction times

memory loss

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 is especially true for adolescents who consume
large amounts of THC.

The effect on the brain is more profound for teens. Using the compound
increases the risk for some psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.

CBD vs. THC: Drug testing

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 marijuana use might show up on a screening.

Likewise, hemp can produce some THC in addition to CBD, so a test

could be positive for THC even if you’ve not used it.

Why do people talk about THC content in CBD oil

if THC and CBD are two different compounds?
CBD and THC are two of the most prominent cannabinoids found in the
Cannabis plant. Both marijuana and hemp produce CBD and THC.

However, marijuana has a higher concentration of THC. Hemp has a

higher concentration of CBD.

The average marijuana strain today contains about 12 percent  THC. CBD
oil may contain small amounts of THC because it’s present in the hemp
plant. CBD can have no more than 0.3 percent THC to be legal at the
federal level.

Takeaway
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 if you have any questions.
 CBD THC

Hemp-derived YES NO

Marijuana-derived YES* NO

Illegal NO (See below) YES (See below)

Produce a “high” NO YES

Interact with endocannabinoid

YES YES
system

Psychoactive side
Side effects Almost none
effects

Shows on drug test Possibly** YES

Pain reliever YES YES

Reduces nausea YES YES

Eases migraines YES YES

Reduces anxiety YES YES

Eases depression YES NO

Decreases seizures YES NO

Anti-inflammatory YES YES

Helps with insomnia YES YES

Helps with psychosis YES NO

Increases appetite NO YES

Used for various other

YES YES
conditions

* CBD can be extracted from hemp (cannabis plants that contain less than
0.3 percent THC) or from marijuana plants (cannabis plants with higher
concentrations of THC).

** CBD isn't detected in hemp products, but hemp products may contain
trace amounts of THC. THC may show up in high enough concentrations
to produce a positive drug test.
Is CBD Legal? Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal
level, but are legal under some state laws. 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. 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.

 8 sources

 v   FEEDBACK: 

READ THIS NEXT

Weed-Infused Gum and 5 Other Surprising

Marijuana-Based Items to Help with Chronic
Pain
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

Check out these marijuana-based products that are perfect for people
who want the benefits of cannabis for their chronic pain, without having to
smoke.
 READ MORE

Trying Medical Marijuana for My Chronic Pain

For Leah Campbell, smoking pot isn't about getting high. It's about
managing the pain that accompanies her chronic condition and simply
getting…

READ MORE

I Tried Medical Marijuana for My MS

Meg tried everything to help with her MS pain, but it wasn't until she tried
medical marijuana that she started seeing long-term results.

READ MORE

Why I Tried Medical Marijuana for My

Condition
Many people are trying medical marijuana to help them manage the side
effects of their chronic conditions. We asked our readers to share their
stories.
 READ MORE

Can You Use Cannabis to Restore Your Natural

Sleep Cycle?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

Is cannabis an answer to entering the land of sleep? From strains to

timing, here’s what you need to know about cannabis as a nightcap.

READ MORE

Get our wellness newsletter

Fitness and nutrition tips, health news, and more.

Enter your email

SUBSCRIBE

Your privacy is important to us


v  z  
About Us Health Topics

Health News Contact Us

Advertise With Us Advertising Policy

Newsletters Careers

Privacy Policy Terms Of Use

Find An Online Doctor

© 2005 - 2019 Healthline Media. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and
products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical
advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.