CBD is everywhere: shops, social media, sofa conversations. But if someone asks you what it is exactly and how it differs from THC, you might only get halfway there. Today we explain it clearly and with no fuss.
What is CBD and how is it different from THC?
The cannabis plant has more than a hundred compounds called cannabinoids, but two of them take all the spotlight: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Both come from the same plant, which is why they get mixed up so often, but they behave very differently. The big difference, the one you care about: THC gets you high and CBD does not.
THC, the one that gets you high
THC is the psychoactive compound in weed, the one behind the buzz, the couch lock and that feeling you already know. It is also the reason the plant is a controlled substance: when we say something “gets you high”, we are talking about THC. If you want to go deeper into the nuances of the buzz, we cover it in What's the Difference Between Being High, Stoned or Baked?.
CBD, the one that does not get you high
CBD is the other heavyweight of the plant, and here is the key: it is not psychoactive. It does not get you high, it does not leave your eyes red and it does not send you to the sofa. That is why more and more people have it on their radar: you can enjoy the flavour, the aromas and the terpenes of the plant (that classic cannabis touch) without the THC buzz. It is the part of weed that tastes like weed but does not take you up.
Key differences at a glance
To sum up what matters: THC is psychoactive (it gets you high), it is a controlled substance and it is what you are after when you want the buzz. CBD is not psychoactive (it does not get you high), it comes from hemp with very little THC and people go for it for the flavour and the experience of the plant without the effect. They come from the same plant, they smell alike and they are even rolled the same way, but one takes you up and the other does not. Simple as that.
And what about the law?
Here things get more nuanced. THC is controlled as a narcotic; CBD is not controlled as a substance, which is why you see it on sale in so many formats. That said, the rules on CBD flowers in Spain keep changing and are still being debated, so the best thing is to stay informed and be clear that these products are sold with less than 0.2% THC and are neither food nor medicines. We are not going to attribute any properties to them: we tell you what they are and the rest is down to your own judgement.
What CBD looks like at High As
In our CBD section you have it in several formats. The CBD flowers are the ones that most resemble regular weed in looks and aroma, with greenhouse, indoor and hydroponic growing. The CBD hash is the pressed version, for anyone who prefers the resin format. And the full spectrum oils are the most discreet option, in different concentrations. All of it with less than 0.2% THC.
And if what is going through your head is leaning on CBD to shake up your routine with the plant a bit, we also mention it in If You Are Overdoing It and Want to Control Your Intake, Follow These Tips.
Is the difference clear now? Next time someone mixes up THC and CBD, you get to play teacher.
