STONER’S DIGEST / EDITORIAL
THC vs. CBD: Two Cannabinoids, Two Different Stories
Get to know THC and CBD, how their effects differ, and what to check when a cannabis product contains both.
Ganja Glossary
THC and CBD share shelf space, but they are not interchangeable. Both are cannabinoids: compounds found in cannabis. Their differences matter when you are reading a label or deciding what a product is meant to contain.
THC: the familiar high
When people say THC, they usually mean delta-9 THC. It can cause intoxication and affect memory, coordination, reaction time, and perception. The experience varies with the amount, the product, and the person.
CBD: a different profile
CBD does not produce a high on its own. That does not mean every product with CBD on its label is THC-free: some contain both, and labels can be inaccurate. CBD can also cause side effects and interact with medications, so ask a healthcare professional if you take medication or have questions about its use.
What does a ratio mean?
A THC:CBD ratio compares the amounts of the two compounds. For example, 1:1 means equal amounts, not that a product is weak or strong. Check the actual milligrams or percentages too, along with the serving size. Ratios do not tell you exactly how the experience will feel.
What about health claims?
The FDA has approved a prescription form of purified CBD for specific seizure disorders. That approval does not extend to every CBD oil or claim on a shop shelf. Be cautious of products promising to diagnose, treat, or cure conditions.
The takeaway: THC can intoxicate; CBD alone does not. Read the whole label, including the amount of each cannabinoid and the serving size.
Sources & further reading
CDC: About CBD · CDC: Cannabis health effects
Featured image: original AI-generated editorial illustration for Stoner’s Digest.