CBD vs THC: Differences, benefits, and effects Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe A comparison of CBD and THCMedically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on July 19, 2022Cannabidiol, or CBD, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, are two of many different cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. In the body, CBD and THC interact with cannabinoid receptors to help treat or limit the effects of various conditions. Cannabinoids refer to substances in the cannabis, or Cannabis sativa, plant. Besides CBD and THC, researchers have identified more than 100 other cannabinoids that can influence the human body. Potential uses of these cannabinoids can include treating the following:painnauseacancerappetite loss and eating disordersepilepsyspinal cord injuryglaucomamultiple sclerosisTourette syndromeanxietypost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)sleep problems Though CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system, there have some important differences. Notably, unlike THC, CBD lacks the psychoactive effects that many people may associate with the characteristic high of cannabis. This article explains more about the differences between CBD and THC. Getting high Share on Pinterestoxygen/Getty ImagesDespite both being cannabinoids, CBD and THC interact with slightly different cannabinoid receptors in a person’s brain. Evidence notes that THC can bind to the main cannabinoid receptors as it has a similar chemical structure to anandamide. This chemical belongs to a group of cannabinoids that the body naturally produces, known as endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids. Due to this structural similarity, THC is able to interact with these receptors and cause the high people associate with using cannabis recreationally. Unlike THC, CBD does not create the high sensation that people associate with cannabis use. Experts are not exactly sure how CBD interacts with receptors but believe it binds differently to THC. Instead, CBD may increase the effects of other cannabinoids or binds to other receptors that researchers have not yet discovered. Where do they come from Both CBD and THC are naturally present in cannabis plants. However, different species of these plants may contain varying levels of cannabinoids. For example, when a person takes a CBD dominant version of medical cannabis, they are using CBD from hemp, which is a specific variety of the Cannabis sativa plant. The main difference between hemp and other cannabis plants is their amount of THC. The 2018 Farm Bill considers C. sativa plants with less than 0.3% THC as hemp. Other strains will typically contain more THC and less CBD. A 2016 analysis notes that the average potency of cannabis plants rose from roughly 4% in 1995 to 12% in 2014. From 2001–2014, the average CBD levels decreased from 0.28% to less than 0.15%. Learn more about hemp CBD vs. cannabis CBD here. Chemical structure Despite having different pharmacological effects, both CBD and THC share a similar chemical structure. They both contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, a slight difference in how the atoms are arranged accounts for the difference between CBD and THC. For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub. Benefits CBD and THC have similar effects on treating medical conditions. However, there is some variation in the uses of each substance. People typically use CBD to help treat the following:inflammatory bowel diseaseseizuresdepressioninflammationpsychosis or mental disordersmigraine THC has potential uses in treating some of the following:glaucomamuscle spasticitylow appetiteinsomnia People may use either to help treat:painanxietynausea Legality Many states in North America have approved of people having at least limited use of medical cannabis. Each state varies slightly on how they define and regulate the legal use, prescription, or sale of cannabis. There is no federal law allowing the legal use of medical cannabis. As a result, it is illegal to use or prescribe medical cannabis in any state that does not have a law allowing people to do so. Several states have approved the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. As with medical cannabis, recreational usage is not legal federally. A person should research the laws in their state before acquiring medical cannabis. If the state does not explicitly allow its use, a person could face legal issues for obtaining or using cannabis for medical or any other purpose. Laws surrounding the use of medical and recreational cannabis are changing rapidly. A person who is considering using CBD or THC should check their local laws regularly as they may change or be changing. Side effects There are very few side effects with either CBD or THC. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is generally safe and does not appear to have abuse potential or the ability to cause harm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds that potential side effects are likely the result of interactions with other medications a person may be taking. It may also have some impact on the liver and male fertility. A person consuming THC may experience some temporary side effects. These can include:dry mouthred eyesslower than average response timesa general feeling of being highmemory lossissues with coordinationincreased heart rate Teenagers, in particular, may experience adverse psychiatric effects from getting high. This may be because a teenager’s brain is still developing. According to some research, regular or large doses of THC can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia in some people with a predisposition to the condition. Neither CBD nor THC has any apparent side effects that are serious. Neither can be fatal when taken correctly. Also, people who use THC recreationally appear to have little risk of developing an addiction. Forms and ways to take Both CBD and THC are naturally present in cannabis plants. Many people choose to smoke or vape cannabis, but this may not be possible for people with certain conditions. Instead, people can also purchase many different products that contain these cannabinoids. CBD is available in a variety of forms. These include:oilsgummiescapsulestinctures THC can also come in different forms, including:smokable productsoilstincturesedibles, such as brownies CBD vs THC The following table summarizes some differences between these two cannabinoids.CBDTHCIs illegalno — see paragraph belowyes — see paragraph belowProduces a highnoyesInteracts with endocannabinoid systemyesyesHas side effectssomepsychoactive side effectsShows on drug testpossiblyyesRelieves painyesyesReduces nauseayesyesEases migraineyesyesReduces anxietyyesyesEases depressionyesnoDecreases seizuresyesnoIs anti-inflammatoryyesyesHelps with insomniayesyesHelps with psychosisyesnoIncreases appetitenoyesIs used for various other conditionsyesyes Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled. Summary CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Though similar in structure and what they may help treat, the most important difference is that THC will cause a person to experience a high while CBD will not. It is essential that people familiarize themselves with local laws before acquiring and using CBD or THC. Both CBD and THC are still federally illegal substances and are only approved for medication or recreational use in certain states. Last medically reviewed on July 17, 2022Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal DrugsCancer / OncologyPain / AnestheticsComplementary Medicine / Alternative MedicineCat 1cbd 18 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.(-)-delta9-trans-Tetrahydrocannabinol. (2022).https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/delta9-trans-TetrahydrocannabinolAbout cannabis policy. (n.d.).https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/about-cannabis-policyCannabidiol. (2022).https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/CannabidiolCannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know. (2019).https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-knowCannabis drug profile. (n.d.).https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/cannabis_enDrugs (psychoactive): Cannabidiol (compound of cannabis). (2017).https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/cannabidiol-(compound-of-cannabis)El Sohly, M. A., et al. (2016). Changes in cannabis potency over the last 2 decades (1995–2014): Analysis of current data in the United States.https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(16)00045-7/fulltextFederal laws and penalties. (n.d.).https://norml.org/laws/federal-penalties-2Hemp production and the 2018 Farm Bill. (2019).https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019How does marijuana produce its effects? (2021).https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-produce-its-effectsKendall, D. A., et al. (2017). Cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system: Their signaling and roles in disease.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2016.00294/fullMalone, T. (2021). CBD, marijuana and hemp: What is the difference among these cannabis products, and which are legal?https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2021/cbd-marijuana-and-hempMedical marijuana. (n.d.).http://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/medical-marijuanaScherma, M., et al. (2019). Brain activity of anandamide: A rewarding bliss?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6460372Segal-Gavish, H., et al. (2017). BDNF overexpression prevents cognitive deficit elicited by adolescent cannabis exposure and host susceptibility interaction.https://academic.oup.com/hmg/article/26/13/2462/3574683State medical cannabis laws. (2022).https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspxWhat you need to know (and what we're working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD. (2020).https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabisZou, S., et al. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on July 19, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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