CBD vs. THC – Where's the difference?
The key facts at a glance
The key differences between CBD and THC
In this section we look at the key differences between CBD and THC.
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Mixing THC and CBD: how the combination works
The two substances interact in complex ways. Discover more about it here.
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What do THC and CBD mean?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two primary cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis plants. They differ significantly in their chemical structure and their properties.
THC, the best-known cannabinoid, is mainly present in psychoactive cannabis varieties such as marijuana. It is traditionally associated with the use of cannabis. CBD, by contrast, is not psychoactive and does not produce any intoxicating effects.
Alongside THC and CBD there are other cannabinoids such as HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) that also attract research interest. Because of their different properties, legal status and forms of use, however, THC and CBD remain central topics in research and in the discussion about cannabis.
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The key differences between CBD and THC
Different modes of action
CBD and THC interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, but in different ways. How THC acts depends, among other things, on the THC content of the product consumed.
THC is known for its psychoactive effect. It binds directly to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which can lead to an intoxicating effect. This binding influences various neurological processes, which can contribute to changes in mood, perception and cognitive functions.
Compared with THC, CBD has no direct binding affinity to the CB1 or CB2 receptors. It tends to act indirectly, by modulating the activity of other cannabinoids, including THC. CBD is said to influence the uptake of certain endocannabinoids and to prolong how long they remain active in the body. It is also said to be able to attenuate the effect of THC by altering its binding to the CB1 receptors.
It is important to stress that the mode of action of CBD and THC, as well as their interactions with the endocannabinoid system, are the subject of ongoing research. These findings are crucial for understanding the full potential and the limitations of these cannabinoids. Their different modes of action form the basis for the discussion about their respective applications and effects, which remains a central topic in research and in public perception.
Legal situation
The legal classification of these substances varies greatly from country to country and depends on various factors, including the respective legislation and attitudes towards cannabis products.
Because of its psychoactive properties, THC is illegal or strictly regulated in many countries. The substance often falls under narcotics legislation, which restricts or prohibits the possession, sale and use of products containing THC. In some countries or regions, however, there are exceptions for therapeutic / medical or scientific purposes, subject to strict requirements and controls.
CBD, on the other hand, is regarded in many regions as less restrictive or even legal, especially when it is extracted from hemp. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that naturally has very low THC concentrations. In a 2018 letter [1], the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that CBD preparations be removed from the list of dangerous and less dangerous drugs, as long as the THC content is below 0.2 percent. In some countries this assessment has led to more liberal legislation regarding CBD.
Despite these general trends, the legal situation of CBD and THC remains complex. It continues to be shaped by new scientific findings, political decisions and social change. Users of products containing CBD or THC should therefore always find out about the current legal situation in their respective country or region. The legal differences between CBD and THC reflect the differing perception and classification of these substances and are an important aspect in the discussion about cannabis and its derivatives.
Intake
Both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) can be taken in various ways, each with specific routes of absorption and effect profiles.
THC is often consumed by smoking or vaporizing cannabis flowers. These methods allow the active substance to be absorbed quickly through the lungs into the bloodstream. THC is also available in various edible forms, such as baked goods or gummies, where it is absorbed through the digestive tract.
CBD is usually administered in the form of oils, capsules or topical creams. CBD oils are often taken sublingually (under the tongue), which can promote rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa. Capsules and edible CBD products offer a convenient dosing method. Topical applications of CBD, such as ointments or creams, are used for local effects and are applied directly to the skin.
It is important to note that the method of taking THC and CBD can influence not only the speed and duration of the effect, but also the experience and intensity of the effects.
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Mixing THC and CBD: how the combination works
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) interact with each other in complex ways when they are taken together.
A study in the European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience examined how the cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which occur in the cannabis plant, affect frequent and occasional cannabis users, both on their own and in combination. It was found that both substances are psychoactive, but only THC is regarded as intoxicating [2].
In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, the acute effects of THC and CBD, alone and in combination, were examined in participants who consumed them via vaporization. It turned out that, compared with the placebo group, CBD exhibits some intoxicating properties. Low doses of CBD combined with THC intensified the intoxicating effects of THC, while high doses of CBD reduced these effects. This intensification of intoxication by low doses of CBD was particularly pronounced among the occasional cannabis users.
It should be noted, however, that research into the combined effects of THC and CBD is still ongoing and that the results may vary. The exact mechanisms by which these cannabinoids work together and how this affects the body are still the subject of intensive research.
Users who are considering consuming THC and CBD together should be aware that the effect can vary greatly from person to person. It is advisable to find out about the legal situation and the safety aspects and, if necessary, to seek professional medical advice. The combination of THC and CBD is a fascinating field within cannabis research that offers new insights into the potential of these cannabinoids.
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Further questions
The interaction of caffeine with THC and CBD is an area that still requires further research. One study examined the effects of caffeine on the endocannabinoid system, particularly with regard to the modulation of synaptic transmission. It was found that chronic caffeine consumption sensitizes the GABAergic synapses to the presynaptic effect of cannabinoid CB1 receptor stimulation by exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids [3]. However, caffeine had no influence on the sensitivity of the cannabinoid receptors that modulate glutamate transmission.
When switching from THC to CBD, a reduction in psychoactive effects can occur, since CBD does not have the same intoxicating effects as THC. According to the article by Bertha K. Madras in the Neuropsychopharmacology Journal, THC and CBD can have different, even antagonistic, effects at the molecular, pharmacological and neuropsychiatric level [4].
Yes, both are cannabinoids that occur in cannabis plants, including Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica.
Sources:
[1] https://faaat.net/wp-content/uploads/ECDD-cannabis-final-outcome.pdf
[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-019-00978-2
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19027757/
[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-018-0217-3