WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CANNABINOID THC AND CBD?

CBD and THC both belong to the so-called ‘cannabinoids’. Although CBD and THC both come from cannabis, these two substances are very different from each other. However, these substances are regularly confused. After reading this blog, you will know exactly what effect both substances have and what the differences are. Happy reading!

The cannabis plant

The cannabis plant, a plant with many different active substances. Also called ‘cannabinoïden’ mentioned. These cannabinoids contain several miraculous and medicinal properties. The effects of the cannabis plant are becoming increasingly visible and increasingly popular. Of all the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, ‘CBD’ (cannabidiol) and ‘THC’ (tetrahydrocannabidol) the best known and most popular. CBD and THC are two similar substances with many similar molecular structures, yet they both contain completely different properties.

It is therefore not surprising that many people confuse the materials. After reading this blog, you will be amazed at the big differences, and you will no longer confuse the fabrics. Below, we discuss the 5 biggest differences.

THC gets you high, CBD doesn't

Perhaps the most important difference. THC is a psychoactive substance, which means that you get high when you ingest this substance. THC is therefore often used recreationally. The most popular is therefore smoking a joint.

CBD is a substance that absolutely cannot get you high. CBD oil, for example, is a very well-known product among CBD products CBD-oil can contribute to many medical complaints. The University of Nottingham conducted research into CBD oil. They found that cannabis oil not only acts on the central nervous system, but can also reduces inflammation in joints. 

CBD is legal, THC is not

Because THC is a psychoactive substance, it is not legally available in the Netherlands. CBD is non-psychoactive and can therefore be obtained legally. If you research CBD very in-depth, it may be the case that there is still a very small percentage THC in it. This can confuse the legal/non-legal status. To be legal, the THC content in a CBD product must be below the legal limit. This lower limit differs per country, but usually comes down to 0.2% in Europe and 0.3% in the United States.

In principle, CBD is just legal, provided it stays below this small percentage of THC. These kinds of rules are determined by the Dutch Opium Act. This law describes lists of prohibited substances (soft and hard drugs). And because THC is psychoactive, this substance is listed on List 1 of the Dutch Opium Act.

CBD comes from the hemp plant, THC from the cannabis plant

As we mentioned earlier, the cannabis plant contains both THC and CBD. Only two different cannabis plants can be distinguished: the cannabis plant and the hemp plant. Like THC and CBD, these plants are also often confused. There are therefore a number of important differences between these two types of cannabis plants.

The hemp plant contains hardly any THC, but relatively much CBD. That is why most CBD products come from the hemp plant. The cannabis plant, on the other hand, has a high percentage of THC. It contains on average between ten and thirty percent THC.

The percentage of THC in the hemp plant is much lower. After the plants are produced, there will always be less than 0.3 percent THC left – So you absolutely cannot get high from this. Such a low amount of THC is seen as waste and is far below the threshold that makes the products legal in many countries. The actual production of CBD products is not yet allowed in the Netherlands, this is happening abroad for the time being.

CBD is available everywhere, THC is not

CBD products are seen as a dietary supplement – nowadays even as a superfood. That is why you can buy CBD products at many different pharmacies and health stores. Pretty crazy, because THC also contains special and medicinal properties. This can only be prescribed by a doctor and the amount of THC of the product is therefore strictly examined.