CBD and THC: the similarities and the differences

CBD and THC are both extracted from the cannabis plant

First the most important similarity, and with it the reason for so much confusion. Both cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. That is why they are also called cannabinoids. CBD and THC are the best known, but CBC, CBN and CBG, for instance, are cannabinoids that are widely used in food supplements too.

CBD and THC are extracted from different types of cannabis

All cannabis plants naturally contain all the cannabinoids, so CBD and THC as well. The ratio in which these compounds occur in the plant differs enormously from variety to variety, though. An important difference between the cannabis sold in the coffee shop and the cannabis CBD oil is made from is therefore the CBD and THC content. Coffee shop cannabis is also called marijuana and is rich in THC. That is in contrast to hemp, which CBD oil is made from: it contains barely any THC and is instead very rich in CBD.

Both compounds act on the endocannabinoid system

A further similarity between THC and CBD is that they both bind to the endocannabinoid system. This is a system in our body that was discovered in the nineties and that plays an important role in numerous bodily processes, such as memory, temperature regulation, emotions and appetite. Because THC and CBD closely resemble compounds that occur naturally in our own body, they are recognised as such by the endocannabinoid system. In that way they interact with a wide range of processes in our body.

CBD is not psychoactive, THC is

Despite the fact that CBD and THC are absorbed by the body in a similar way, their effect is completely different. THC is psychoactive and CBD is not. In plain language: THC can get you high and CBD cannot. Besides a euphoric feeling and a change in consciousness, THC can also cause red eyes, a dry mouth, memory loss and a decrease in reaction speed. THC is also known to be something people can become addicted to and that can cause mental problems in the long term.

CBD does not get you high and does not have the psychoactive side effects of THC. CBD can cause other side effects, though, such as drowsiness or a dry mouth. In 2018 the World Health Organization concluded that CBD has no potential for dependence. If CBD makes you drowsy, do not drive. You can read how CBD and driving work out in our separate article.

CBD is legal, THC is not

CBD is legal in the Netherlands, THC above the legal limit is not. As long as the percentage of THC in CBD products stays below 0.05%, it is completely legal to buy, possess and use. That is in contrast to products with more than 0.05% THC, such as marijuana and THC cannabis oil: these are in principle prohibited, although the sale and possession of a small amount is tolerated in our country.

Abroad, similar rules apply to the legality of CBD and THC. In the vast majority of countries, products with a lot of THC are banned, while CBD is permitted. CBD is in any case legal in most countries within the EU and in North America. Going on a trip and want to take the CBD on the plane? Then check the rules of your destination. They differ per country, also within the EU: France, for example, bans edible CBD.

Frequently asked questions about CBD and THC