THC vs. CBD: What’s the Difference and How Do They Work?

THC and CBD are the best-known cannabis compounds, but it can be easy to confuse them or misunderstand what each does. This article breaks everything down so you can determine which compounds best align with your needs and goals.

If you’ve ever visited a medical marijuana dispensary or recreational cannabis store, you may have noticed ads highlighting the effects of CBD and THC. These compounds appear in everything from skin ointments to carbonated beverages, but if you aren’t familiar with them, it’s normal to wonder what they are and how they differ.

At MediCalm, which serves residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey via convenient telehealth appointments, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, often educates her patients on this very topic.

Here, we explain THC and CBD in simple, patient-friendly terms, highlight their key differences, and describe how they can work together.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the best known psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it’s responsible for the “high” you experience when you smoke or ingest marijuana.

Some people use THC recreationally for relaxation or social enjoyment, but it also offers medicinal benefits. For example, it can be used to relieve pain, stimulate appetite, or manage chemotherapy side effects like nausea.

Because THC produces a high, it is prohibited at the federal level and allowed only in some states. With a medical marijuana card, you can purchase it legally in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. It still interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various bodily functions. However, it does so more subtly than THC, so it doesn’t cause a high.

Unlike THC, CBD is legal at the federal level. You may find CBD in health and wellness products like oils, creams, and supplements. Some people use it for pain or anxiety, while others use it to support general wellness.

THC vs. CBD: Key differences

Because many people get THC and CBD confused, here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Psychoactive effects: THC produces a high that alters perception; CBD does not
Medical uses: THC is often prescribed for pain, low appetite, and nausea; CBD is typically used for anxiety, inflammation, and epilepsy
Side effects: Some people who use THC report feelings of anxiety or paranoia; CBD is typically well-tolerated and presents no noticeable side effects
Legal status: THC is prohibited at the federal level but legal in some states; hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal, though state regulations vary

Even knowing these differences, it’s easy to get confused. An acronym may help: THC = the high compound; CBD = calm and balanced.

How CBD and THC work together

You might assume that mixing cannabis compounds could be unpredictable. However, it can be beneficial due to something called the entourage effect, which refers to how cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the plant work together to provide a more robust and well-rounded experience.

Research is ongoing, but the entourage effect may be especially helpful for people who experience anxiety or paranoia when using marijuana. Adding CBD alongside THC can reduce these negative feelings and help you experience the benefits more comfortably.

With growing awareness of the entourage effect, some companies now combine CBD and THC to provide a more balanced experience.

Request a consultation

Getting a medical marijuana certification can help you access the benefits of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.

To learn which compound may best meet your needs, request a consultation at MediCalm. Call our appointment line at 484-440-9494 or use our online scheduler.